WICHE Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP) - Utah support
Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) - Utah Board of Higher Education with the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE)
Utah pays a support fee so Utah residents can attend cooperating out-of-state optometry and podiatry programs at reduced tuition, in exchange for returning to practice in Utah.
- How much
- Based on available Utah funding; WICHE PSEP support fee schedule for 2027-28: optometry $23,408/yr, podiatry $20,195/yr (paid to the school, reducing tuition)
- Who qualifies
- Utah bona fide resident for at least five years before applying; enrolled in an eligible PSEP optometry or podiatry program at a cooperating out-of-state school; commitment to return to Utah to practice.
- For grad students
- For optometry, podiatry students
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual: applications received by October 15 get first priority for funding starting the next academic year.
- How to apply
- Submit Utah's PSEP application (USHE online form) by October 15 for first-priority funding the next academic year, and apply/enroll in a cooperating optometry or podiatry program listed by WICHE
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 19, 2026, against the official page (ushe.edu) and page 2
The details
Utah residents (bona fide residents for at least five years before applying) who enroll in an eligible out-of-state optometry or podiatry professional program through WICHE PSEP receive a Utah-funded support fee paid to the school, lowering tuition. Must commit to return to Utah to practice after completing the program. Award based on available state funding; WICHE's published per-student support fees: optometry $22,400 (2026-27) / $23,408 (2027-28); podiatry $19,325 (2026-27) / $20,195 (2027-28). Up to four academic years (completion of program). Covers tuition and fees.
More money from Utah
- Opportunity ScholarshipClass of 2026: up to $800 per semester for up to four semesters ($3,200 total); tuition and general fees only, after other state aid. Class of 2027 amount not yet announced.
- First Credential Scholarship (formerly PRIME)$625 one-time (class of 2026; subject to available funding and number of qualified applicants)
- Adult Learner Grant ProgramUp to the cost of attendance
- CTE Scholarships and Tuition Awards$1,000 to full tuition for up to one year, depending on the institution
- NASA Space Grant Scholarship (Utah technical colleges)Varies based on available funding; up to cost of attendance
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.