Best Colleges in Wyoming (2023 Rankings)

Wyoming's breathtaking scenery makes it one of the most beautiful places to live and study. With its cowboy culture and fun activities like bull riding, there's no way you'll get bored when visiting. 

Wyoming is also home to some of the best colleges in the country. From the University of Wyoming to Central Wyoming College, we uncover some top colleges you can enroll in (in no particular order), including their size, acceptance rate, graduation rate, and available extracurricular activities.

University of Wyoming

Currently ranked 256th nationally, the University of Wyoming is Wyoming's largest public higher education institution. It offers over 80 majors for bachelor's through doctoral degrees, including popular programs such as Accounting, Agricultural Business, American Studies, and Veterinary Science. Students can also acquire online degrees using the university's distance learning program.

With an acceptance rate of 94% and a retention rate of 78%, the University of Wyoming has one of the most hospitable environments of any college.

University of Wyoming's in-state tuition costs an average of $5,791, while out-of-state students pay about $19,531. Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid to help offset their tuition fees and other expenses. 

Regarding accommodation, on-campus rooms and meals are available, allowing you to focus more on your education. But if you value more freedom and privacy, there are off-campus living options.

And if you're a sports person, the University of Wyoming has you covered with activities like badminton, disc golf, pickleball, racquetball, and spike ball. You can also build relationships during your stay at the University of Wyoming by joining any of their nearly 200 student organizations. 

Casper College

Since its establishment in 1945, Casper College has grown rapidly to become one of Wyoming's most comprehensive community colleges. The college sits on about 200 acres of land surrounded by trees and fantastic scenery - providing a perfect environment for learning.

In the 2020-2021 academic year, Casper College had a student enrollment of 4,582. Its current student-to-faculty ratio stands at 13:1 - and the school's administration plans to lower this ratio further. Casper College offers over 130 career programs, with popular majors being Agribusiness, Accounting, Animal Science, Biology, and Anthropology.

Casper College provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, volleyball, basketball, and soccer. A fitness center is also open to all students from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Students can connect with peers and enjoy their hobbies by joining clubs such as campus Democrats, campus ventures, American Sign Language (ASL) club, and the art club.

Northwest College

Northwest College,located in Powell, Wyoming, is surrounded by a safe and peaceful community that mainly depends on agriculture, tourism, and ranching. The college offers a ton of opportunities and resources to help students grow and succeed career-wise. Some notable degree programs at Northwest College are Aeronautics, Animal Science, Art, Anthropology, Engineering, Business, and Chemistry.

With a 100% acceptance rate, Northwest College attracts learners from multiple states and countries. The college has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1, allowing students to establish close ties with professors. International students have access to job opportunities on campus, enabling them to earn extra income and sustain themselves.

Northwest College isn't just about learning. Students can engage in extracurricular activities like softball, basketball, horseman's club, and outdoor club.

Wyoming Catholic College

Wyoming Catholic College is built on a solid religious foundation - providing body, mind, and spirit nourishment. Its warm atmosphere allows students to acquire knowledge, build relationships, and find their purpose.

Wyoming Catholic College offers a four-year curriculum to all of its full-time students. Learners must complete eight comprehensive courses, including humanities, theology, philosophy, math, Latin, and leadership. On completion of the curriculum, students are awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts.

From 2007 to 2021, Wyoming Catholic College has consistently maintained a retention rate of more than 80%, meaning you will likely find the community welcoming.

For extracurricular activities, you can become part of the Wyoming Catholic College choir. And if you are more active, you might find sporting activities like basketball, soccer, and volleyball interesting. Regular dances and trips let students experience Wyoming culture. 

Sheridan College

Situated at the base of the Bighorn Mountains, Sheridan College provides a calm environment for you to pursue your career. Its primary mission is to create positive experiences for all students and prepare them for a dynamic future.

With more than 50 programs and associate degrees, you can pursue whatever your heart desires, including a career in agriculture, arts and social sciences, business and computers, engineering, or health education. There's also technical education that teaches hard skills like welding, carpentry, and electrical wiring.

The college has a 100% acceptance rate provided you meet the basic requirements. Online programs are also available, enabling you to learn without being physically present on campus. Plus, there are numerous outdoor activities like skiing, camping, fishing, and hiking to keep you engaged while taking a break from classes.

Wyotech

Wyotech is a for-profit institution offering a series of short programs with a special focus on automotive repair and maintenance. Wyotech curriculum equips students with hard skills in chassis fabrication, advanced diesel, applied service management, and trim and upholstery. Most of Wyotech's courses take between three and nine months, enabling you to start practicing and earning money quickly.

With an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio, learners are assured of more instructor attention. This is important since students spend about 50% of their time in labs, shaping their hands-on experience. 

Wyotech has a strict dress code and prohibits students from bringing personal tools into their shops. To qualify for admission, students must have at least a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as GED.

Eastern Wyoming College

Located in Torrington, Wyoming, Eastern Wyoming College is among the oldest learning institutions in Wyoming. It was established in 1948 to cater to the local community but has grown to include international students.

Eastern Wyoming College offers a variety of degree programs, including Education, Animal Science, Business, and Communication. It also has a distance learning program that students can use rather than attend classes physically.

The school has numerous extracurricular activities, with popular ones being soccer, volleyball, and basketball. Students can also keep fit using the gym and fitness center but must pay extra for membership.

Western Wyoming Community College

With on-campus housing and hundreds of research opportunities, Western Wyoming Community College is a great place to advance your education at a low cost. The school is located in Rock Springs, Wyoming. 

In the 2021-2022 academic year, the college received about $8 million in grants and financial aid, enabling students to learn at a subsidized fee.

Western Wyoming Community College offers some of the best courses, with notable programs being Business Management, Financial and Operations Management, and Human Resource Management. Don't know what to study? The college provides a career coach to help you figure out what's best for you. And with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, learners are guaranteed individualized attention.

Outdoor activities available at the college include skiing, camping, and snowboarding. Students can also participate in volleyball, soccer, basketball, and other sports.

Central Wyoming College

Central Wyoming College is located in Riverton City in Wyoming. The college charges $4,500 for in-state students and about $10,440 for out-of-state students. With an open admissions policy, Central Wyoming College accepts applicants with GEDs or high school diplomas.  Its notable degree programs include Business and Administration, Health Science, Behavioral and Social Science, and Media and Arts. 

Central Wyoming College also offers services like counseling and wellness, campus security, disabilities support, and veteran resources. Students can participate in sports like volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Looking for more thrilling adventures? CWC has outdoor activities like rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding. 

Honorable mentions

Haven't found your match yet? Here are other top schools in Wyoming for your consideration. 

• Laramie County Community College. Located on 271 acres, Laramie County Community College features state-of-the-art facilities, three residence halls, computer labs, and a health science complex, among other buildings. The college offers two bachelor's degree programs: Applied Management and Healthcare Administration. 
• Northern Wyoming Community College District. Offering over 50 programs, including Agriculture, Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, and Entrepreneurship, the Northern Wyoming Community College District is one of the best places to study. You get to make friends and build relationships by joining clubs like the robotics club, pride club, art club, and more.

Chart your course to a Wyoming college with College Rover

Joining a college in Wyoming can be a good decision. With colleges offering numerous programs, you're assured of finding the right career path. 

If you're looking for information regarding any college or university, start your search on College Rover. You can access valuable information about different schools, including their tuition fees, programs, and extracurricular activities - and make the right decision for your future.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.