Wyoming is a beautiful state and a fantastic place to pursue a post-secondary degree. The best universities in Wyoming are very affordable, have a great student life, and provide top-quality academic programs to enrolled students. These universities are also home to many student organizations and present a multitude of opportunities for students to grow personally and academically.
In this article, we’ve listed the top five universities in Wyoming along with their most popular programs. We’ve also included a list of Wyoming universities ranked according to financial aid and tuition costs. Finally, we also outlined some of the employment opportunities available to graduates from the best colleges in Wyoming.
What Are the Best Universities in Wyoming?
The best universities in Wyoming are the University of Wyoming, Northwest College, Western Wyoming Community College, Central Wyoming College, and Laramie County Community College. These universities combine a world-class learning experience with affordable tuition rates to ensure that all accepted students receive a top-quality education all while surrounded by boundless natural beauty.
How Many Universities Are in Wyoming?
There are five universities in Wyoming. However, only the University of Wyoming offers graduate degree programs. All other universities in the state only offer certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degrees. Despite this, their excellent commitment to student life, affordable degree programs and professional programs, and wide variety of in-person and online courses make them excellent school options.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Wyoming?
The biggest universities in Wyoming are the University of Wyoming, Laramie County Community College, and Western Wyoming Community College. These universities have a student population exceeding 2,500. Laramie Country Community College is also the largest community college in the state.
Largest Wyoming Universities by Enrollment
- University of Wyoming | 11,829
- Laramie County Community College | 3,838
- Western Wyoming Community College | 2,776
- Central Wyoming College | 1,755
- Northwest College | 1,438
Wyoming University Rankings: What Are the Top 5 Universities in Wyoming?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Wyoming | Laramie | 59% |
| 2 | Northwest College | Powell | 44% |
| 3 | Western Wyoming Community College | Rock Springs | 34% |
| 4 | Central Wyoming College | Riverton | 33% |
| 5 | Laramie County Community College | Cheyenne | 27% |
How We Defined Wyoming University Rankings
Our ranking of the five best Wyoming universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of five Wyoming universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Wyoming, Explained
Our list of the best colleges and universities in Wyoming will provide you with a detailed breakdown of their acceptance rates, median graduate salary, most popular programs, and more. All the program details stated were obtained from each university’s official website.
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Wyoming University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Wyoming are having a high school diploma or the equivalent, submitting your official transcripts and ACT or SAT scores, and paying an application fee. Not all schools have the same requirements and some programs have their own unique requirements. Take note of the specific application requirements for each school you want to apply to.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Wyoming
- High school diploma or the equivalent
- Official transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
- Proof of English proficiency for applicants whose native language is not English
- Application fee
How to Apply to Wyoming Universities
To apply to Wyoming universities, you’ll typically need to visit the school’s website and follow the steps listed on their admissions page. Most schools will require that you submit your high school or GED transcripts, standardized test scores, and FAFSA form. International students also need to submit their Proof of English proficiency test scores.
Wyoming Universities Admissions Process
- Complete the online application form on the university’s website.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
- Submit your official transcripts.
- You will need to submit your TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students).
- Submit any program-specific application materials, if needed.
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Why Study in Wyoming?
You should study in Wyoming because it provides you with the opportunity to experience diverse cultural experiences, pay affordable tuition, and study in programs with small average class sizes. These reasons, among many others, make the state of Wyoming an incredible place to start your higher education journey.
Diverse Cultural Experiences
Wyoming provides students with the opportunity to experience diverse cultural experiences. Several schools in the state have an open admissions policy, making it easier for students from different countries and states to enroll. By attending any of the universities and colleges in Wyoming, you’ll get to network with people from different locations and expand your worldview.
Affordable Tuition
The post-secondary schools in Wyoming all provide a fantastic educational experience at an affordable cost. Some colleges in Wyoming charge as little as $105 per credit. Wyoming schools also provide many financial aid opportunities for students to more easily cover their tuition and other essential expenses.
Small Class Sizes
In Wyoming, most colleges have a student population smaller than 4,000, allowing them to learn and develop strong relationships in a more intimate environment. This also allows lecturers and other faculty members to more easily attend to the particular needs of each student on an individual basis.
More Wyoming University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Wyoming?
The following Wyoming university rankings are broken up based on different factors such as the best online universities and best universities for international students. Despite the small pool of available higher education options, all of the schools listed below will allow you to pursue your desired career path and get high-paying jobs in or outside of Wyoming.
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Top Wyoming Universities by Major
The top Wyoming universities offer a wide selection of strong programs in the fields of computer science, nursing, business, engineering, and psychology. Below, we’ve listed the best schools in Wyoming to pursue a degree in one of the above-mentioned majors.
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Tuition Costs for Wyoming Universities
Wyoming has the second-lowest tuition rates in the entire United States, just behind Utah. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average yearly cost of tuition for universities in Wyoming is $14,639, which is almost half as much as that of Vermont.
Most Affordable Universities in Wyoming
- Northwest College | Tuition: $105/Credit. Northwest College is Wyoming’s most affordable four-year institution. Students at Northwest College can begin their college journey without worrying about high tuition costs.
- Western Wyoming Community College | Tuition: $150/Credit. Western Wyoming Community College maintains great educational standards at a reasonable fee. In-state students can pursue any of its degree programs for only $150 per credit.
- Laramie County Community College | Tuition: $153.75/Credit. Laramie County Community College is located in the third-largest city in Wyoming. Its tuition rate of $153.75 per credit makes it one of the least expensive schools in the US.
- University of Wyoming | Tuition: $160/Credit. The University of Wyoming is the state’s most prominent public college. It provides world-class education at an affordable cost to both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Central Wyoming College | Tuition: $312/Credit. Central Wyoming College also provides affordable education for students looking to study in Wyoming. Admitted students benefit from classes taught by excellent teachers and a fantastic off-campus experience.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Wyoming
Students looking to earn their degree from one of the best universities in Wyoming can receive financial aid through several means. These options include federal loans, grants, scholarships, and federal work-study programs.
Financial Aid for Wyoming Universities: A Summary
- Federal Loans. The US government provides fixed interest rate loans to students who meet the stipulated criteria. There are four available options for students including direct subsidized, direct unsubsidized, direct PLUS, and direct consolidation loans.
- Grants. Wyoming students who need financial assistance can receive full or part funding via grants. Grants are typically merit-based cash awards that don’t need to be paid back. Governments or private institutions often offer grants to aid research efforts.
- Scholarships. There are plenty of scholarship opportunities for university students in Wyoming. People who need money to pay for their tuition fees or living expenses can apply for scholarship awards provided by their school or program, or for third-party scholarships provided by public or private organizations.
- Work-Study. By joining a federal work-study program, Wyoming students enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program can work for a set number of hours and generate enough money to cover their fees without compromising their work-study balance.
Wyoming University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Wyoming Universities?
- Students who can show proof of qualification to obtain a college education such as a high school diploma or GED certificate
- US citizens or qualified non-citizens who have filled out the FAFSA form
- Students who have obtained provisional admission into an eligible degree or certificate program at a Wyoming university
- Accepted students with a valid social security number
- Students with a track record of good grades
Universities in Wyoming That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming provides the Brown and Gold Commitment Scholarship to out-of-state students with a high cumulative GPA and standardized test scores. Recipients can earn 150 percent of their in-state tuition, $7,500, $4,500, or $2,500.
- Northwest College. Northwest College offers several activity-based and merit-based scholarships to out-of-state students. One of its scholarships, the Trapper Scholarship, includes a $1,000 to $1,500 cash award for accepted students with a high school GPA of at least 2.5.
- Central Wyoming College. Central Wyoming College makes it easier for out-of-state students to cover their tuition costs by providing numerous scholarship opportunities. Central Wyoming College has a scholarship budget of over $1.4 million for athletic, academic, and department-specific scholarship programs.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Wyoming State Universities
- Choose the university in Wyoming that you wish to attend.
- Visit your prospective school’s admissions page to determine its admission requirements.
- Fill out and complete the FAFSA form.
- Complete your school’s admission application.
- Await a response from your school’s financial aid department.
Demographics of Universities in Wyoming
The demographics of universities in Wyoming show a predominantly white student population. Hispanics make up the second-largest racial group in Wyoming universities at about 9.8 percent. Black, Asian, American Indian, Pacific Islander, and students of two or more races make up the rest of the students enrolled at universities in Wyoming.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Wyoming
- White: 82.7%
- Black: 1.3%
- Hispanic: 9.8%
- Asian: 1.0%
- Pacific Islander: 0.2%
- American Indian: 1.6%
- Two or More Races: 3.5%
Wyoming Employment Outlook for University Students
Wyoming’s unemployment rate has significantly improved from 4.7 percent in January of 2021 to 3.3 percent as of April 2022. The implication for future graduates from Wyoming universities is that the state is putting in plenty of effort to create openings for job seekers across various industries, making it a great place to pursue a career.
5 In-Demand Wyoming Jobs
The most in-demand jobs in Wyoming are health services managers, management analysts, registered nurses, secondary school teachers, and financial analysts. By attending the best universities in Wyoming, you can easily develop the skills you need to work in any of these positions and earn a lucrative salary.
Is a University in Wyoming Right for You?
Yes, a university in Wyoming is right for you if you want to get a high-quality education for a significantly lower cost than the vast majority of other states. Students who thrive in more intimate learning environments will benefit from the small average class sizes most Wyoming universities have.
Keep in mind that although a university education is usually the most beneficial education path for most careers, some alternatives can be just as useful. Depending on your industry, bootcamps and online certificate programs can also help you to achieve career success and secure high-paying jobs.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in Wyoming FAQ
The minimum age for acceptance into a university in Wyoming is 17 years. In addition to meeting the age requirement, you must possess a high school certificate or its equivalent to be considered eligible to enroll at a university in Wyoming. While some exceptions can be made, they are very rare.
No, colleges and universities are not the same. Although both terms are often used interchangeably, colleges typically only offer undergraduate degrees while universities provide both graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Yes, some community colleges in Wyoming offer bachelor’s degrees in addition to their associate degree and certificate programs. These include community colleges such as Western Wyoming Community College and Laramie County Community College.
No, international students cannot fill out the FAFSA form. The US government only offers aid to eligible citizens. International students, however, can qualify for other scholarship opportunities provided by their university.
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