In the five-plus decades since New Mexico joined the commission, the state has benefitted in a number of essential ways.
- Thousands of students from New Mexico have attended undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in other Western states through WICHE’s Student Exchange Program, saving some $48 million in all, thanks to reduced tuition rates. In just one of the programs, the Western Undergraduate Exchange, New Mexico students have saved on almost 10,600 annual tuition bills since 1988, when the program was founded. (See “Doing the Math,” below, for New Mexico’s return on investment.)
- New Mexico has received funding to be part of numerous WICHE policy initiatives, including those focused on financing and financial aid, workforce policy, and other areas.
- New Mexico has participated in WICHE initiatives related to distance education, workforce development, and behavioral health.
WICHE and New Mexico have shared a remarkably fruitful history. But their prospects for the future are even more exciting.