So my son will be a sophomore this coming fall and he is interested in transferring to an out of state school, simply to leave home and do something different. We have been looking at WUE schools and he is interested in the University of Idaho because of the small college town, beautiful location, and strong greek life. With the WUE program the school would be affordable but I don’t know much about it. Reviews seem pretty good (other than the cafeteria food which gets consistently negative comments), and I do like the idea of him being in a relatively safe small town and not a big city. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated! My son is a friendly, artsy guy who likes music and gets along with different types of people.
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It’s not very academically strong. Depending on what college he’s at (I think he’s in ASU Barrett?) it could be a big letdown and also fewer opportunities down the road.
If he wants a smaller town or a more residential area, why not Sonoma State or Chico State Honors (among CSU’s)? Or what about WWU (stronger academically, artsy, smaller town)?
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Thanks MYOS! This is actually my younger son now and he’s currently at Northern Arizona University which is also not great academically (UI might be a little better in fact). He is bored with NAU and Arizona generally and looking to go out of state. I kind of want to stay away from California but WWU might be an option. This kid is very artsy so that might be a good fit.
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What about SOU? It’s in Oregon, very artsy, in artistic heaven Ashland, home of the Shakespear/theater festival.
UMontana is also in a small town and better than UIdaho.
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Ok thanks for the suggestions! We will check them out. He’s kind of springing this on me at the last minute, so it may end up being a change for the following year, not this one.
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You can look at whether they take Spring transfers. Or even, if they’re quarter-based, are still admitting transfers! Nothing to lose 
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Another nod to Southern Oregon.
OR and CO States are bigger but is probably worth a tour. Corvallis and Ft Collins are great college towns.
My son loves Ft Lewis in Durango CO but, no greek life. Worth a tour though.
My other son is a Chico grad, it seems to fit your criteria well. I get you’d like to stay out of CA but, its probably worth a tour.
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Just wanted to plug WWU — I went there (back in the late 90’s with the Death Cab for Cutie band members). I loved my time in Bellingham so much that I cried the day I moved away. One of my best friends from high school is now a professor there and considers it a great school. WWU is really a gem. It has a great campus, stunning scenery, and a wonderful town that has a lot to do. I was an academically average student, majored in graphic design & illustration, almost minored in anthro because I took so many of those electives. I felt like my classes were absorbing and that I left with a good education. Worth considering!
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I’ve heard nothing but good things about Idaho. It’s become popular in our area, we live in Southern California, with high school kids. I work at a private school and this past year we had a girl sign her letter of intent to play volleyball at University of Idaho. H had a co worker whose kid is at Idaho and loves it and has had wonderful opportunities here. We have a new science teacher at our school this year who is a University of Idaho grad and everyone is raving about him already. He went to Idaho for both undergrad and grad school.
Can I ask what your son, didn’t like about NAU? I know some grads from there who loved and it and have gone on to have wonderful, successful careers…but not every school is the right fit for everyone!
I also think Western Washington, Southern Oregon would be worth a look. Great schools that are real hidden gems!
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Thanks! My son actually ended up staying at NAU after all, and he’s having a great year so far. There is nothing bad about NAU, he was just bored because he’s been in Arizona his whole life and he wanted to try something new. However he has a very good in-state merit scholarship package from NAU and some really good friends there, so all is well! Yes I have heard great things about all those schools you mentioned, as well as U of Idaho; we are so lucky to have the WUE program so our west-coast kids can branch out if they want.
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That’s great that he stayed at NAU and is having a great year!
I totally get being bored with your home state and wanting something new! I’ve felt that way in the past myself!
Yes, WUE is great! I know so many people who’ve benefited from it!
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