10 Best Affordable Schools in Wyoming for Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree 2020

In the following ranking, we examine the 10 best affordable colleges in Wyoming for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Although you could potentially fit 80 states the size of Rhode Island into one Wyoming with room to spare, the latter is home to only 579,300 people — the lowest of any U.S. state. If you are looking for open ranges and skies, Wyoming will certainly fit the bill. In fact, Yellowstone National Park, the majority of which is nestled in Wyoming, is often referred to as the most beautiful place in the nation. 

However, with so few people, there are not as many options for institutions of higher education as other states. Wyoming is home to two four-year colleges, the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Catholic College, where students can take advantage of rigorous yet inexpensive academic programs in nearly any major. We also looked at several two-year community colleges in this ranking, many of which offer transfer programs that allow students to complete an associate degree before earning a bachelor’s at another institution. If you are considering earning an associate or bachelor’s in this picturesque state, read on to learn more about the top 10 best affordable colleges in Wyoming.

Methodology

To help readers through the often time-consuming and sometimes challenging process of choosing an institution of higher education, we developed the following ranking methodology. Our goal was to capture the balance between quality and affordability to identify the top 10 most affordable colleges for bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in Wyoming. The following list of schools was generated from the College Navigator database at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) by searching for colleges in Wyoming that offered bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. We then ranked the schools based on annual tuition, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates.

Average Cost of Attendance

As you narrow down your options, the first aspect of a school you might consider is the cost of tuition. After all, the goal is to find an institution through which you can earn your degree without breaking the bank. However, it is important to also think about the quality and academic offerings of a school rather than simply choosing the cheapest institution on the list. In other words, think about the average cost of attendance as just one slice of the greater educational pie. Below, we have ranked schools based on how much it would cost an in-state student to complete one full year study, according to NCES. Tuition rates for out-of-state students are also provided for your reference. 

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

We awarded points based on each school’s student-to-faculty ratio. When thinking about ratios as well as the size of the classes at a particular institution, keep your preferences and individual learning style in mind. For instance, are you looking to receive one-on-one mentoring or develop close relationships with your professors in a small class? Or would you prefer to blend in with a large class and work on your degree without too many personal interactions with others? Although there are benefits to both, for this ranking, we felt that schools with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios from NCES and, therefore, the smallest classes would earn the most points.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Although some students look at acceptance rates to determine the likelihood of being accepted into a college or university, knowing the graduation rate of an institution can be just as useful. For example, students who are satisfied with their studies are more likely to remain enrolled and graduate with their degree, while students who are unhappy at a school may choose to drop out and finish their degree somewhere else. Although not always true, in most cases, high graduation rates are indicative of a solid academic experience and that the school is offering affordable degrees, helpful faculty, and the academic support students need to succeed. Therefore, we used the following ranges to award points, giving the most to schools with the highest graduation rates, as reported from NCES.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 2 Best Affordable Colleges for Bachelor’s Degrees in Wyoming

2. Wyoming Catholic College

Lander, Wyoming

Points: 7
School Website

Located in Lander, Wyoming Catholic College is a private, Catholic, liberal arts college and the only private four-year institution of higher education in the state. Established in 2005, this affordable Wyoming college offers a set four-year curriculum, and all students complete the same courses in the same order. Students may pursue a low-cost Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts which is divided into eight curricular tracks: leadership, trivium, Latin, fine arts, math and science, philosophy, theology, and humanities. Student life at this top-value school is comprised of campus ministry, intramural sports, dances and cultural trips, choir and schola, and events such as Spirit Week and Ludi Mariales, games modeled after the Greek Funeral Games from Homer’s Illiad that include events such as ultimate frisbee, crate-stacking, discus, boulder toss, and sword fighting. The school is also home to a weekly podcast, “The After Dinner Scholar,” that features conversations with guests, advisors, board members, and professors about the ideas and books they enjoy and that make up the school’s integrated curriculum. Students participating in the school’s Outdoor Leadership Program spend nearly 10 weeks backpacking, studying, and adventuring in the wilderness or learning to ride a horse at a local ranch. 

In-State Tuition: $23,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent

1. University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming

Points: 8
School Website

Situated in Laramie, between the Laramie and Snowy Range Mountains, the University of Wyoming is a public land-grant university that was founded in 1886, four years before Wyoming was admitted as a state. This affordable accredited university in Wyoming welcomes 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and 90 countries and confers more than 200 cheap degree programs through seven colleges as well as online. With a small student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, UW is comprised of a community of learners and scholars committed to excellence. At the undergraduate level, UW’s inexpensive academic programs are centered around five broad areas: life sciences, environment and natural resources, the arts and humanities, science and technology, and professions important to the surrounding region and Wyoming. UW consistently ranks among the best-value universities in the nation with low tuition rates for both non-resident and resident students as well as its generous undergraduate scholarship programs. As part of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, UW is home to one of the nation’s most breathtaking campuses. The region’s natural beauty, combined with cutting-edge, state-of-the-art learning facilities, make for an unbeatable and unforgettable student experience. 

In-State Tuition: $5,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,490
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent

Ranking Top 8 Best Affordable Colleges for Associate’s Degrees in Wyoming

8. WyoTech

Laramie, Wyoming

Points: 5
School Website

Formerly known as Wyoming Technical Institute, WyoTech is a top-value, two-year institution of higher education that focuses on concentrated training programs to prepare students for careers as technicians in the diesel and automotive industry. Students at this affordable college in Wyoming, complete six months of a core program followed by three months in a specialty and graduate within nine months. Six-month options include automotive technology, diesel technology, and collision and refinishing technology, while three-month specialties are offered in high-performance power trains, applied service management, advanced diesel, trim and upholstery, street rod, and chassis fabrication. Throughout the year, WyoTech offers extracurricular activities, resource fairs, tutoring, and professional development programs. Those who participate in professional development opportunities not only gain valuable experience and information but also earn extra credit. The school’s location in Laramie offers a unique balance of easy-going, small-town vibes and upbeat, college-town life. Students at this low-cost school are close to the scenic vistas and epic hiking trails of Medicine Bow National Forest, and they have plenty of opportunities to climb Vedauwoo’s rock formations. During the winter months, many students enjoy snowmobiling and downhill skiing at the Snowy Range.

In-State Tuition: $25,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 75 percent

7. Laramie County Community College

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Points: 6
School Website

Laramie County Community College is a public community college with locations in Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming as well as outreach centers in Pine Bluffs and at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Established in 1968 as a full-service, comprehensive community college, this most affordable college in Wyoming is comprised of four schools: Arts and Humanities, Health Sciences and Wellness, Math and Sciences, and Business, Agriculture, and Technical Studies. LCCC offers 78 cheap associate degrees, 27 certificates of completion, and a handful of non-credit courses to 3,200 students each year. LCCC’s most popular areas of study include nursing, licensed practical nurse training, education, welding, business, the liberal arts and humanities, and diesel and automotive mechanics. LCCC also offers adult education and workforce and professional development to help train employees. Outside of the classroom, students can join more than 40 clubs and teams, including NJCAA women’s and men’s basketball and soccer, women’s volleyball, and equestrian show and rodeo teams. The school’s 271-acre campus is home to more than 20 buildings, most of which are connected by enclosed walkways. Notable facilities include Smart classrooms, newly remodeled structures, a high-tech science complex, and a state-of-the-art health science center.

In-State Tuition: $3,426
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,938
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 28 percent

6. Northern Wyoming Community College District

Sheridan, Wyoming

Points: 6
School Website

The Northern Wyoming Community College District is a multi-campus community college that serves Sheridan, Campbell, and Johnson Counties and offers post-secondary education through Sheridan College and Gillette College. Established in 1948, NWCCD awards $3 million in financial aid each year to help make its already low-cost programs more accessible to students, making it one of the most affordable colleges in Wyoming. NWCCD confers 63 academic options across both schools, including cheap Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, and Associate of Arts degrees as well as certificates of completion and professional programs that prepare students to transfer to a traditional four-year institution of higher education. Also, students have the opportunity to enroll in professional development courses, career training, or technical/vocational programs. At the Sheridan campus, a small-town community combines with big-city resources. Students can explore the Bighorn Mountains through the Venture Outdoors program, connect with peers in the breathtaking Thorne-Rider Campus Center, or participate in extracurricular activities offered by the Sheridan College Activities Network. Gillette’s close-knit, on-campus opportunities allow students to personalize their NWCCD experience. Students may choose to participate in student government, join a team sport, or start a club, whatever their interests may be. 

In-State Tuition: $3,396
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,908
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent

5. Eastern Wyoming College

Torrington, Wyoming

Points: 6
School Website

Established in 1948 in Torrington, Eastern Wyoming College is a two-year community college that serves more than 1,900 students in for-credit courses and more than 5,900 students in non-credit programs. EWC also sponsors outreach programs in Weston, Platte, Niobrara, Crook, and Converse counties. This inexpensive college in Wyoming offers a curriculum that allows for both the development of general education competencies as well as specialized knowledge within a specific discipline. Students at this top-value school can choose from certificates of completion as well as cheap Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and Associate Degree in Nursing programs. Unique low-cost areas of study include wildlife and fisheries biology management, cosmetology, welding and joining technology, and physical education, health, and recreation. EWC also provides a comprehensive degree in agribusiness and sciences with six areas of focus: general agriculture, business, communications, agroecology/agronomy, animal science, and equine science. EWC offers many opportunities for students to make friends and get involved by participating in diverse student organizations such as academic clubs, an honors society, and groups centered around hobbies and special interests.

In-State Tuition: $2,928
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,440
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent

4. Northwest College

Powell, Wyoming

Points: 7
School Website

Northwest College is a public, two-year residential college located just 70 miles from Yellowstone National Park on a 132-acre campus in Powell. NWC also operates four off-campus locations: Mickelson Field Station, Trapper Arena, Worland Center, and Cody Center. The school offers 48 inexpensive transfer degrees, 18 technical degrees, and 19 certificates of completion to 1,500 for-credit students, 79 percent of whom are residents of Wyoming. Several of NWC’s more popular affordable degree programs include computer science, welding technology, and drafting technology that prepare students to successfully seek employment immediately after earning their degree. NWC offers a comprehensive equine program in which students may pursue an inexpensive Associate of Applied Science in areas such as equine business management, equine training, and equine riding. Designed for students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s at a four-year institution, NWC’s transfer degrees are offered in areas such as animal science, agriculture business, and agroecology. Academic activities include livestock judging, equine judging and horse shows, a livestock show team, music, an honors society, and a speech and debate team. This affordable college in Wyoming awards more than $6 million in grants and scholarships each year to approximately 46 percent of students. The school is recognized for its cultural impact, hosting more than 100 on-campus public programs and events each year. 

In-State Tuition: $3,447
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,959
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 39 percent

3. Central Wyoming College

Riverton, Wyoming

Points: 7
School Website

Located in Riverton, Central Wyoming College is a public community college that offers top-value, two-year associate degrees. In addition to its main campus, CWC offers distance education and affordable online courses and operates outreach centers in Lander, Jackson, and Dubois. CWC enrolls around 2,000 students, 55 percent of whom are first-generation college students, in degrees, certificates, and courses in 36 academic areas. CWC truly has something to offer everyone, with cheap degree programs ranging from agriculture and equine studies, business, and the social and behavioral sciences to career and technical programs, health science, outdoor and environment, STEM fields, and media, arts, and humanities. Students may elect to either enter the workforce immediately after graduation or transfer to the university or college of their choosing. CWC provides lifelong learning through adult education and career readiness, professional development, and community enrichment classes. Additionally, this low-cost Wyoming college is known as the region’s cultural center. With one of the finest performing and visual arts centers in the area, there is no shortage of cultural activities and things to do. CWC is also home to nine NJCAA athletic teams as well as Wyoming PBS, the state’s only public broadcasting station, and KCWC-FM, a student-operated FM radio station.

In-State Tuition: $3,120
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,632
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent

2. Casper College

Casper, Wyoming

Points: 7
School Website

Casper College is a public institution of higher education and one of the most affordable colleges in Wyoming. Established in 1945 as Wyoming’s first junior college, Casper College is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and largest community colleges in the region. Casper College offers more than 140 certificate programs and cheap degrees, including Associate of Science, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Business, Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate Degree in Nursing programs. Areas of interest range from agriculture, construction and building trades, manufacturing and engineering technology, and auto and transportation to general studies, education and teaching, business and management, and arts and humanities. Outside of the classroom, Casper College offers a variety of student services on its welcoming and beautiful campus that is home to several entertainment, cultural, and academic events. Students at this cheap school have many opportunities to interact with peers, faculty members, and the Casper community through campus organizations and groups. Concert venues, the theater, and several art galleries bring nationally touring and local art exhibits, comedians, musicians, and guest lecturers to campus.

In-State Tuition: $3,072
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,584
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent

1. Western Wyoming Community College

Rock Springs, Wyoming

Points: 7
School Website

Established in 1959, Western Wyoming Community College is a two-year public institution of higher education that operates a campus in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Recognized as the best affordable college in Wyoming, WWCC confers a variety of one-year certificates of completion, numerous two-year associate programs, and several cheap four-year degrees with the University of Wyoming. Areas of study include business and industry, developmental studies, health sciences and public service, science and mathematics, the humanities, and social sciences and education. Also, WWCC offers nine academic focus areas in which undecided students can spend one semester investigating a general interest area and choose a major at the end of the semester. Student life at this low-cost school consists of state-of-the-art information technology and computer labs, an aquatic center, and numerous clubs and organizations such as Associated Student Government, the Student Nurses Association, the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, the Adult and Non-Traditional Students (ANTS) club, and an honors society. In addition, WWCC boasts a strong tradition of serving the local community, and its Mustang athletic teams are a critical component of the school and region as they work to serve, perform for, and interact with community members, local businesses, and organizations.

In-State Tuition: $2,953
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,465
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 37 percent

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Most In-Demand Industries in Wyoming for Graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree?

According to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, it is estimated that there will be nearly 27,700 new job openings from 2016 to 2026. Approximately 15.6 percent of these positions will require a bachelor’s degree, while 3.1 percent will require an associate degree. The following are the top 10 most in-demand industries in which students can seek employment with a bachelor’s degree. We listed these industry projections, which are based on employment growth between 2016 and 2026, in order from the greatest demand to the least demand.

• Mining, Including Oil and Gas
• Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Construction
• Leisure and Hospitality
• Wholesale Trade, Transportation, Warehousing, and Utilities
• Professional and Business Services
• Manufacturing
• Financial Activities
• Other Services, Except Public Administration
• Retail Trade

In addition, the top five occupations that require more than a high school diploma include heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, registered nurses, and general and operations managers followed by nursing assistants and petroleum engineers.

What are the Highest-Paying Jobs in Wyoming?

It can be helpful for prospective students to understand the best-paying jobs in Wyoming, regardless of whether they know the career path they wish to follow. For example, a student who has an occupation in mind will get a better idea of the salary he or she can expect in that particular field, while those who are undecided may gravitate toward the occupation that pays better. We obtained occupational employment and wage estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), who calculated these figures based on data collected from employers in all industry sectors across the state. According to the BLS, the annual mean wage for all occupations was $48,630 as of May 2018, and the top five highest-paying jobs were:

• Internists, General: $275,350
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $265,190
• Physicians and Surgeons, All Other: $234,610
• Family and General Practitioners: $222,750
• Anesthesiologists: $215,910

We also wanted to look at occupations that do not require a graduate degree, medical school, law school, or any further education. Below are the top 10 highest-paying jobs in Wyoming, each of which boasts a six-figure salary, that students can pursue either immediately after graduating with a bachelor’s degree or after earning a bachelor’s and receiving additional hands-on training, on-the-job experience, licensure, or certification.

• Financial Analysts: $139,660
• Personal Financial Advisors: $135,340
• Chief Executives: $131,020
• Architectural and Engineering Managers: $130,590
• Industrial Production Managers: $126,920
• Sales Managers: $117,350
• Financial Managers: $116,920
• Petroleum Engineers: $115,250
• General and Operations Managers: $105,920

What are the Best Schools in Wyoming for Associate and Bachelor’s Recipients?

An associate degree is a fantastic way to achieve your career and academic goals quickly, while a bachelor’s degree offers more academic experience and opportunities for higher occupations. Whether you know the institution you would like to attend or you would like to make sure you are getting the most for your money, understanding the best schools in Wyoming for those with an associate or bachelor’s degree can be useful.

There are only two four-year colleges in the state, one of which is Wyoming Catholic College. Unfortunately, WCC is so new that most databases and ranking tools are not yet able to provide statistics regarding an ROI for this institution. However, we were able to obtain data related to the early- and mid-career salaries for the top community colleges in Wyoming and included them with the four-year University of Wyoming below. Schools are listed based on mid-career pay for a student who earned either a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wyoming or an associate degree from one of the following community colleges, according to PayScale.

• 1. University of Wyoming
  – 20-Year Net ROI: $360,000
  – Early Career Pay: $51,700
  – Mid-Career Pay: $95,800
  
• 2. Western Wyoming Community College
  – 20-Year Net ROI: N/A
  – Early Career Pay: $42,800
  – Mid-Career Pay: $65,300
  
• 3. Sheridan College (Within the Northern Wyoming Community College District)
  – 20-Year Net ROI: N/A
  – Early Career Pay: $45,100
  – Mid-Career Pay: $65,100
  
• 4. Laramie County Community College
  – 20-Year Net ROI: N/A
  – Early Career Pay: $44,900
  – Mid-Career Pay: $64,600
  
• 5. WyoTech
  – 20-Year Net ROI: N/A
  – Early Career Pay: $42,900
  – Mid-Career Pay: $63,400
  

Whether you call it the Cowboy State, the Equality State, or just Home Sweet Home, Wyoming is home to several institutions of higher education at both the community college and four-year levels. The University of Wyoming is the largest post-secondary institution of the state, enrolling around 10,000 undergraduate students in majors such as health sciences, engineering, and education. In terms of ROI, it is often listed among the top 100 best-value schools in the country for your money. There are also a number of top-value community colleges in Wyoming such as Western Wyoming Community College, WyoTech, Laramie County Community College, and Sheridan College within the Northern Wyoming Community College District that offer solid starting salaries and mid-career earnings for students who pursue an associate degree and immediately enter the workforce. Regardless of your career aspirations and whether you see a two- or four-year program in your future, we hope that our list of the top 10 best affordable colleges for bachelor’s and associate’s degrees in Wyoming helps you get started.

AS Staff

This concludes our ranking of the top 10 best affordable colleges for bachelor’s and associate degree in Wyoming.

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