Best Colleges in Wyoming for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Wyoming College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Wyoming has a large geographical space with stunning scenery and a low population. The state has a number of reputable community colleges in strategically located regions throughout the state. Many of them have several locations. These community colleges work with four-year accredited colleges and universities in Wyoming and neighboring states to ensure credits will transfer with relative ease.

It is also possible to complete an associate’s degree in a wide variety of fields and industries to begin working and gaining essential work experience straight away at entry-level jobs. Many people will then pursue a four-year degree online while they work. It is important to note that if you follow this path, be sure to complete a four-year degree from an accredited higher learning institution for the greatest chance at long-term career success.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Wyoming?

Many of the most popular majors are designed to support the local economies. At the community college level, this is particularly true. Some of the most popular majors at the two-year colleges include automotive technology, welding, nursing, agribusiness, culinary specialties, health science, and much more. These two-year higher learning institutions also offer countless certifications for career advancement and continued skill development.

At the University of Wyoming and other institutions, the popular degrees and majors vary slightly from community colleges. The top degrees within the university are well-rounded, including agriculture and natural resources, business, education, engineering and applied science, health sciences, law, environment and natural resources, and energy resources.

Top five degrees in Wyoming:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Wyoming

In 2021, the median household income in Wyoming was $58,000. This is slightly more than the US median. Over 92% of Wyoming residents have a high school diploma or higher which is more than the US average. Nearly 27% of the Wyoming population has a bachelor’s degree or higher which is slightly less than the US general population. The pay for jobs in Wyoming will vary based on the level of education completed and years of work experience.

Your unique skill set will remain a factor and you can earn more money by completing specialized certificates. Regardless of the state in which you live, the higher the degree you complete the more money you can potentially earn. Do not forget that you can complete higher degrees as you continue to work or care for your children with accredited online degree programs.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Wyoming

Some of the biggest industries of employment in Wyoming are higher education, tourism, machinery, healthcare, and energy. In 2018, the state experienced 1.9% job growth and a median household income growth of 2.1%. Unemployment was at 4.1% as of December 2018. Wyoming is working to diversify its industry and employment opportunities over the next 10 years. Jobs are expected to grow in certain industries, such as energy and mining. Unfortunately, the net migration rate of Wyoming continues to remain a negative figure. This means that the population will continue to decline unless new job opportunities move into Wyoming instead of its neighbors.

Top Criminal Justice Careers and Salaries

Criminal justice continues to gain attraction for new students as security becomes more important throughout the country. People can pursue any number of careers with a criminal justice degree, including police work and law careers.

Occupation CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 150 $81,890
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 1,150 $56,120
Transportation Security Officers 60 $40,900
Paralegals and Legal Assistants 500 $45,250
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators:
    These investigators work to apprehend criminals after a crime has been committed.
  • Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers:
    These officers work to prevent crime and create security by being present in society and available to help regular people.
  • Transportation Security Screeners:
    These agents work in transportation hubs to screen cargo, bags, and passengers and to make sure nothing illegal or dangerous is being brought into or taken out of the country.
  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants:
    Paralegals and legal assistants work for attorneys to help research, collect information, and create important legal documents.

Best Wyoming Schools for Criminal Justice

  • University of Wyoming
  • Casper College
  • Central Wyoming College
  • Eastern Wyoming College

Top Education Careers and Salaries

Careers in education are quite varied and will continue to evolve alongside technology. It is expected that online education will continue to grow in popularity, particularly in more remote regions of the country like Wyoming.

Occupation CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Health Educators 120 $52,820
Instructional Coordinators 210 $66,870
Postsecondary Business Teacher 150 $81,180
Secondary School Teacher 1,690 $61,400
  • Health Educators:
    A health educator promotes wellness within communities and individuals by teaching new behaviors.
  • Instructional Coordinators:
    An instructional coordinator develops the curriculum and standards for teaching in schools and school districts.
  • Postsecondary Business Teacher:
    A postsecondary business teacher is an instructor at a community college or nationally accredited college or university.
  • Secondary School Teacher:
    A secondary school teacher is a high school teacher with a valid teaching license.

Best Wyoming Schools for Education

  • University of Wyoming
  • Western Wyoming Community College
  • Sheridan College
  • Casper College

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

Engineers are necessary to design and create products and infrastructure. The title of engineers has also expanded into technology with computer and software engineers becoming highly sought-after professionals.

Occupation CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Mechanical Engineer 290 $86,410
Chemical Engineer 90 $104,920
Electrical Engineer 250 $90,140
Environmental Engineer 160 $93,370
  • Mechanical Engineer:
    A mechanical engineer will design goods both small and large for manufacturing.
  • Chemical Engineer:
    A chemical engineer works to create new and useful substances, like fuel or solvents, or improve existing ones.
  • Electrical Engineer:
    An electrical engineer works with electrical systems by solving issues and testing equipment
  • Environmental Engineer:
    An environmental engineer works to solve problems with pollution or resource regulation.

Best Wyoming Schools for Engineering

  • University of Wyoming
  • Casper College
  • Western Wyoming Community College
  • Northwest College - Wyoming

Top Nursing Careers and Salaries

Nursing is expected to grow in nearly every field within the industry due to the rapidly growing aged population. In Wyoming, homecare professionals are expected to grow the fastest. These are the individuals who care for someone inside their home rather than at an official medical facility.

Occupation CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Registered Nurse 5,120 $68,690
Nurse Anesthetist 50 $243,310
Nurse Practitioner 310 $118,110
Physical Therapist Assistant 170 $58,770
  • Registered Nurse:
    A registered nurse is the first line of hospital and clinical workers. They are the most common nurses that patients interact with and perform various tasks within medical facilities.
  • Nurse Anesthetist:
    A nurse anesthetist is permitted to administer anesthesia to varying degrees based on the state.
  • Nurse Practitioner:
    A nurse practitioner is able to treat conditions, diagnose illnesses, and generally do more than a standard nurse.
  • Physical Therapist Assistant:
    A physical therapist assistant provides supervised physical therapy to patients.

Best Wyoming Schools for Nursing

  • University of Wyoming
  • Laramie County Community College
  • Casper College
  • Sheridan College
  • Western Wyoming Community College

Top psychology Careers and Salaries

Health careers of all kinds, including psychology, continue to grow in Wyoming. As greater emphasis is placed on the importance of mental health, new college and university students from all states have a greater interest in psychology and helping others have a more enriched and balanced mental and physical existence.

Occupation CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 290 $78,620
Marriage and Family Therapists 40 $62,210
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder and Mental Health Counselors 540 $53,990
  • School Psychologist:
    A school psychologist helps children with social, emotional and developmental issues.
  • Marriage and Family Therapists:
    A family therapist works with families to resolve conflicts and to improve communication.
  • Substance Abuse Counselor:
    Substance abuse counselors work with patients to help them form strategies to get away from or stay away from their substance of abuse.

Best Wyoming Schools for Psychology

  • University of Wyoming
  • Laramie County Community College
  • Casper College
  • Sheridan College
  • Western Wyoming Community College

Additional Careers in Wyoming

Want to See All the Wyoming Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Wyoming

Wyoming has been, and will continue to experience, both job loss and job growth in various industries. It is expected that the loss and growth will tip in favor of minor job growth, expected over the next few years. By 2024, the industries that will experience the largest and fastest job growth will vary, including healthcare, hospitality, education, and retail.

Occupation percentage growth rate
Medical and Health Services Managers 19.4%
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialist 20.5%
Software Developers, Applications 27.4%
Mathematical Science Occupations 22.6%
Chemical Engineers 20.2%
Petroleum Engineers 49.9%
Animal Scientists 20%
Geological and Petroleum Technicians 67%
Physician Assistants 37.6%
Respiratory Therapists 31.9%
Nurse Practitioners 38.9%

Best Associate Degrees in Wyoming

Best Associate Degrees in Wyoming
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In Wyoming, prospective students can choose from a wide variety of two-year associate degree programs. There are numerous top-rated institutions with options available in most career fields, making it easy and affordable to gain formal education and find entry-level employment quickly after graduation. Students take industry-specific classes while also completing many general education requirements necessary for credit transfer and/or enrollment in an advanced degree in the future. Enrolling in a two-year program now can lay the foundation for academic and career success later.

Casper College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,619		 Graduation Rate
40%		 Net Price
$6,373 		Grads Salary
$35,500
Eastern Wyoming College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,538		 Graduation Rate
40%		 Net Price
$6,334 		Grads Salary
$28,500
Laramie County Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,838		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$6,413 		Grads Salary
$34,600
Central Wyoming College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,946		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$5,827 		Grads Salary
$28,400
Northern Wyoming Community College District
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,741		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$8,642 		Grads Salary
$33,600
Northwest College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,438		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$8,518 		Grads Salary
$30,000
Western Wyoming Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,821		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$9,852 		Grads Salary
$31,800

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Wyoming

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Wyoming
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Earning a four-year degree from one of the best colleges in Wyoming ensures you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to find entry-level employment in your field of choice or pursue further education. Whatever your ultimate career goals are, earning a bachelor’s degree will start you down the path to success. Curriculums vary, but most consist of major-specific and general education coursework, which prepares you for a wide assortment of work opportunities. Graduates may also qualify for professional certifications and credentials in many fields.

University of Wyoming
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,829		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$12,224 		Grads Salary
$67,700

Best Master's Degrees in Wyoming

Best Master's Degrees in Wyoming
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Individuals interested in employment opportunities in science, humanities, engineering, technology, and medicine may need master’s and/or doctoral degrees to be successful in their field. While many professions do not require graduation from advanced programs like these, completing this level of education can help set candidates apart during the application process. Wyoming is home to numerous top-rated universities and colleges offering advanced degrees. Graduates generally gain significant analytical skills and critical thinking abilities that make them notable experts, researchers, and educators in their given field. Master’s and doctoral degrees also lead to higher incomes and faster promotions.

University of Wyoming
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
11,829		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$12,224 		Grads Salary
$67,700
Learn about MBA's in Wyoming

Cost of Wyoming College Education & Salaries

Wyoming has one of the lowest in-state tuition rates of all four-year public universities in the country. As a result, far fewer students are required to receive financial aid in Wyoming than students in most states. This is highly beneficial as it gives graduates a significant head start in their financial lives. Wyoming graduates can leave their public higher learning institution with minimal debt or none at all. This helps to make their lives significantly easier by being able to more easily afford housing, food, car payments, etc., as they begin in lower-paying, entry-level careers.

Other ways students can save money is by living at home if you can or sharing a house or apartment to minimize living expenses. You might also consider online programs to reduce tuition expenses and to be able to work full-time while you complete a degree. This is an excellent way to gain work experience in your future field too. If you live off-campus, be sure to cook for yourself rather than to eat out to save even more money.

College Cost Analysis - Wyoming vs National

Average Wyoming Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $4,596

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $14,268

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

The less money you have to borrow the less you have to pay back. This also awards you with the opportunity to establish financial stability earlier in life, buy a home, and much more before those who have student loans to pay back. Students in Wyoming receive far less financial aid than others, which puts them at a great advantage in life and in the working world.

Financial Aid Wyoming Nationally
Received Federal Grants 33% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $8,919 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private non-profit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Wyoming

The University of Wyoming offers many scholarships to its students. They have scholarships for new students, transfer students, and international students. You will also find a number of scholarships for all students of higher learning institutions in Wyoming. Others are offered to students in Wyoming and many other states in the region, such as Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and others.

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HS

Hathaway Scholarship

http://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/hathaway/index.html
Amounts: Varies based on need
Deadline: March 1
The Hathaway Scholarships are offered at four different levels. All applicants must be admitted into the University of Wyoming before they fully qualify for these scholarships. The first level is the Opportunity level. Recipients will receive a maximum of $787 per semester and must have a 2.5 GPA in high school. The Performance level offers a max. of $787 per semester to high school students with at least a 3.0 GPA. The Honors level provides 100% of unmet need per semester to high school graduates with a 3.5 GPA.

TSA_logo

TSA

Trustees’ Scholars Award

http://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/residents/trustees.html
Amounts: Four-year scholarship covering Tuition, Mandatory Fees, and University Room & Board
Deadline: December 1 (transcripts and test scores); January 4 (resume and questions)
The Trustees’ Scholars Award provides recipients with a highly desirable four-year scholarship. This scholarship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and room and board at the university. This scholarship is reserved for the best and brightest graduating seniors from Wyoming high schools. Applicants must also contribute to the community in a positive manner during their personal time in addition to academic excellence. To keep the scholarship, recipients must maintain a cumulative 3.25 GPA.

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RMSA

Rocky Mountain Scholars Award

http://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/non-residents/
Amounts: $3,000 - $10,485
Deadline: May 1
The Rocky Mountain Scholars Award is offered to freshmen who are non-residents. The amount offered is based on the high school GPA and the ACT or SAT score of the applicants. Essentially, the higher the GPA and ACT or SAT score the higher the amount of funds offered. All eligible applicants must have applied to and be accepted into the University of Wyoming before they become recipients. The three possible scholarship values are $3,000, $6,000, and $10,485. This scholarship is Not available to those who have received other scholarships, such as the Children of UW alumni Benefit or the Western Undergraduate Exchange.

TMSP_logo

TMSP

The McNair Scholars Program

http://www.uwyo.edu/seo/mcnair-scholars-program/program-overview.html
Amounts: $2,800 (Stipend); $600 (Housing Allowance) – This is for a summer research internship
Deadline: Varies
The McNair Scholars Program prepares students for graduate school. To be eligible applicants must be a sophomore or higher. In addition to the $3,400 recipients will be provided with a wide array of tools and resources to increase the chance that program participants will be accepted into graduate school and eventually successfully complete a Ph.D. Some of these tools and resources include mentoring, advising, tutoring for free, free admittance to workshops, funding for conferences and campus visits to potential graduate schools, and more.

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