Online Higher Education in Wyoming
Those who graduate with online degrees often have better employment and pay prospects than people without degrees. Not only will they qualify for more positions, but they will also be more competitive in the job market, especially when compared to candidates without higher education. It’s important to note, however, that not all degree types are equal. While associate degrees are definitely beneficial, many fields require professionals obtain bachelor’s degrees. And graduates with master’s and doctorates will enjoy even more opportunities with higher earning potential.
As of March 2022, Wyoming’s civilian labor force was 290,365. Of those, 279,691 were employed and 9,878 were not. This makes the state’s unemployment 3.4%, which is down from a high of 8.6% in May 2020. The lowest unemployment rate recorded in the last 10 years was 3.3% in April 2019.
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In May 2021, Wyoming had a mean hourly wage of $25.05 and an annual mean wage of $52,110. While this is below the national average of $56,310 for all occupations, earning an online degree can help ensure a higher income. College graduates tend to make more money than those without degrees.
As of the 2021-2022 academic year, the total student population in Wyoming was 30,957. This includes 28,470 undergraduate and 2,487 graduate school students. Overall, online education is not as popular in this state as it is in others. Only 7,882 students are enrolled in online classes exclusively, with an additional 11,767 students enrolled in some online classes. While this means that just over 63% of undergraduate and graduate students will take at least one online course during the 2021-2022 academic year, a significant portion of students in the state still prefer traditional learning settings.
The cost of tuition and fees in Wyoming is very competitive, with some appealingly low rates. In 2022, the average cost for state residents is only $4,549. Non-residents will pay more, with an average cost of $11,565.
In addition to the cost of attendance, prospective students must plan to pay for books and supplies, as well as general living expenses. Average living costs are $10,325 for those staying on campus and $11,659 for those staying off campus. Notably, however, it is possible to mitigate these expenses by living with parents or sharing off-campus housing with friends. The average cost of books and supplies in Wyoming is $1,368, up only slightly from the last year. This is significant, as many states have seen a sharp rise in the amount students pay for books and other required study materials.
Prospective students should also keep in mind that enrolling in online programs does sometimes cost less. Many colleges and universities charge distance learners lower tuition and fee rates, as they require fewer resources. At the very least, students attending classes remotely will not need to pay for parking passes or in-person activity fees. Additionally, financial aid opportunities are still available. Every student is encouraged to complete FAFSA forms, which determine eligibility for government grants, scholarships, and loans. Institutional scholarships may also be available, as well as aid and loans provided by third-party organizations and banks.
