WICHE offers Guam, CNMI students reduced tuitio

Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) leadership is on Saipan for the first time as the CNMI marks over a decade of partnership with them. The visit highlights a renewed push to offer reduced tuition for locals wanting to attend schools in the Western U.S.

Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, president of Northern Marianas College, said, "It was through their advocacy that we have been able to ensure that we in the Western Pacific are not forgotten."

Students under the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education pay no more than 150% of instate tuition at partner schools across the Western. U.S. Recent data revealed by WICHE leadership visiting Saipan Monday indicate that

In the last academic year, CNMI undergrads have saved a total of $1.3 million, graduate students saved over $67,000, and health professions saved over $114,000.

WICHE president Demaree "Demi" Michelau said, "We hope to think about, during this visit, other ways we can partner and expand opportunities for students and families."

Those opportunities led NMI students to schools like University of Nevada and the University of Hawaii. University of Hawaii president and WICHE immediate past chair David Lassner said, "The Northern Marianas really was the leader in the Pacific in working with WICHE to extend the organization and relationship into the Pacific with Northern Marianas being first, Guam second, now we also have the Marshall Islands and FSM, and we are waiting to bring in American Samoa."

They're hoping to raise awareness about the program and expand access to higher education.

Frankie Eliptico, NMC Vice President, Administration and Advancement, said, "Of course, we want all of our students graduating from our high schools to come to NMC, but we know that we also want to make sure they are taking advantage of many other universities and college that are out there."