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The Western Tuition Promise
Frequently asked questions(FAQ)

Important notice

To returning students concerning the Tuition Promise

As a continuing student at WOU you may have a one-time opportunity to join the Western Tuition Promise.  When you register for fall 2007 courses you will be asked to make a decision about your inclusion in the Promise.  You will not be able to register without an answer. Learn more - read complete letter to returning students

What is the Western Tuition Promise?

Oregon University System approves WOU's tuition promise

On Oct. 6th, 2006 the Oregon State Board of Higher Education approved the WOU Tuition Promise presented by David McDonald, Interim Dean of Admissions for WOU.   View the two presentations Initial presentation Final presentation

This is our commitment to help students and families more effectively plan for and afford the cost of attending and graduating from WOU. We guarantee that undergraduate students will have the same tuition rate as the year they enter for four academic years, beginning with the 2007-2008 academic year. WOU is the only public university in the western U.S. to offer this guarantee to students and their families.

Video - The Western Tuition Promise

Who is eligible?

• All new WOU undergraduate Oregon resident and Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Students entering in winter or spring terms will have the same tuition rate as fall enrollees.
• The eligible time period for transfer students will be based on the number of transferable credits to WOU, using 15 credits as equal to one term.
• Students in the dual enrollment program with Chemekata, Clatsop and Portland community colleges will begin their four-year tuition guarantee period based on the first academic year dually enrolled.
• Eligible students admitted for the 2006-07 academic year may elect to participate in the program. These students will receive a mailing in the spring that will provide them a one-time, non-revocable opportunity to join in the program.

Who is not eligible?

• Returning students, those admitted and enrolled at WOU before September 2007, will continue on a tuition plan subject to annual increases, unless they choose to opt into the tuition promise during registration for fall semester. learn more
• Graduate and international students are not included in this program.

What benefits does this provide students?

• Fixed-rate tuition for four years (no increase)
• Price certainty
• Savings in total tuition paid after four years
• Savings compared to attending other universities in region.
• Reduced loan debt
• Incentive to graduate in four years

Will a student have the choice not to participate?

No. This tuition guarantee will involve all new WOU students. Former undergraduate students who re-enroll at WOU will not be affected until September 2011. These students are classified as returning students.

Are other universities offering this?

Yes. Many private colleges in the Midwest offer this guarantee to students, and all public universities in Illinois and Georgia also provide this service. However, WOU is the only public university in the western U.S. to offer this guarantee to students and their families. Experiences at these other universities that have implemented the program have found improved student retention to be a key benefit.

How do students sign up?

There is no need to sign up. The Western Tuition Promise is automatic for all eligible students.

How will current WOU students be affected?

During the transition to the Western Tuition Promise two tuition plans will be used.

1. Current students who choose not to participate in the promise will experience tuition increases on an annual basis. Historically these have been between 5 and 10% annually.
2. Current students who choose to participate in the program will have their tuition guaranteed at the same level as the new (class of 2007) students.  It is estimated that the per credit rate for Oregon residents will be $105 and for WUE participants will pay 50% more or approximately $157.50.  The final rates will be determined by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in June.

What is not covered by this program?

• Housing (average increase has been six percent a year)
• Student fees such as the building (set by the legislature), health service, incidental (set by WOU student government), and technology
• Specific fees for courses that have extra expenses such as physical education, art or science labs

What about enrollment beyond the fourth year?

After four years, the tuition rate will increase each year to the level paid by students currently in the fourth year of their tuition group. For instance, a student who entered in the fall 2007-08 class will pay the same tuition until the end of spring 2011. If that student enrolls in the 2011-12 academic year the tuition rate would be the same as for those students who entered WOU in the 2008-09 academic year

• For students in one of the majors that require more than four years to complete a fifth year extension will automatically be granted.
• WOU actively supports students seeking a global experience. Students who participate in a study abroad program or international internship during an academic term (Fall, Winter or Spring) will receive an automatic extension.

Is there a process to have the four-year time period extended?

Yes. Students with legitimate reasons to request an additional period of time beyond four years may request an extension. Extension requests will be reviewed by a committee comprised of students, staff and faculty.

Is it four calendar years or four academic years?

It is four calendar years from the original term of enrollment. Students who do not enroll continuously will continue to be eligible, but the time away from WOU will count against the four-year time limit.

Is this fair to part-time students?

Yes. The tuition guarantee applies to the per-credit hour rate.

How much tuition will students save?

We project that, over four years, the average WOU student taking 15 credits a term will save between $900 and $1,000 compared to the current pricing model.

What will tuition be?

Tuition rates are approved by the Oregon Board of Higher Education in the Spring. It is estimated that students in the Western Promise will pay around $105 per credit for Oregon residents and $158 per credit for participants in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

Note: Student fees are not included in the cost estimates.

The expected tuition at Western Oregon University will remain slightly below the average rates of Oregon's other public universities.

How are members of the military affected?

Students who are members of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, and are called into active duty will have their tuition level frozen during their duty period. They will have 12 months from the official end of active duty assignment to re-enroll at WOU and retain their original tuition level. Their four-year period will be adjusted to take into account the service to our country.

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