Online Colleges in Wyoming
Top Online Programs
A college degree is becoming increasingly necessary; it will not only help you land a better job, it it is often the minimum requirement for a lucrative position, which is why you should consider an online college in Wyoming. This guide will help you determine which online program is the right choice for you. Wyoming offers lower than average tuition rates and numerous opportunities for financial assistance, making online study flexible and appealing.
Job Outlook for Students With College Degrees in Wyoming
Although Wyoming has a higher than average unemployment rate, it was only slightly higher than the national average in August of 2018; this is likely due to broad changes in the American workforce. More jobs now require a college degree, and new technology and changing populations are resulting in jobs being cut or moved elsewhere.
Wyoming also has a lower than average mean wage. While workers there make less money than the national average, Wyoming has a relatively small population compared to states like New York or California, which tend to raise the national average. Those larger states also have a higher cost of living, meaning a dollar goes further in Wyoming than in California. A college degree will not only help you get a job, it can help you adapt to economic changes and improve your earning potential.
Unemployment Rate, August 2018
| Wyoming | 4.1% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
Annual Mean Wage, May 2017
| Wyoming | $47,650 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
Search, Compare and Research Online Wyoming Colleges
Cost of Online Colleges in Wyoming
One benefit of attending an online college in Wyoming is cost. Two-year colleges in Wyoming are a little cheaper than the national average, and tuition at public four-year schools is about half the national average. Tuition varies by school, but are still affordable.
Online tuition tends to be about the same as on-campus tuition, though sometimes there are fees associated with these courses. Of course, even if an online class costs more than its on-campus counterpart, students save significantly on travel, parking, housing, and food.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2018-19
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $3,240 | $5,400 |
| U.S. Average | $3,660 | $10,230 |
Source: The College Board
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Wyoming
Public universities generally charge out-of-state students higher tuition rates. This higher tuition is because public schools receive funding from the state, and students who aren't residents haven't been paying taxes to help fund those schools. Even though Wyoming tuition rates are lower than average for all students, they are still nearly three times higher for out-of-state students. Luckily, many colleges charge the same tuition rates for online courses regardless of where the student lives; however, some schools may charge out-of-state rates even for online courses.
Average Tuition and Fees, 2018-19
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $5,400 | $17,490 |
| U.S. Average | $10,230 | $26,290 |
Source: The College Board
Financial Aid in Wyoming
Online colleges in Wyoming can be costly, but most students receive some kind of financial aid. Make sure to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Department of Education, which will help determine what kinds of aid you can receive. Most colleges and scholarships require you to submit the FAFSA.
There are several kinds of financial aid available. Student loans are the most common, and those from the federal government have the lowest interest rates and most generous repayment terms. FAFSA can also help you qualify for scholarships from your college or other organizations, as well as work-study programs, which find you a job on or near campus to help pay for tuition. Grants are another option, which, like scholarships, do not have to be repaid. Grants tend to be small, but can be renewed. This table shows what the average Wyoming student can expect in terms of state-sponsored grant money.
State Grant Aid per Full-Time Equivalent Undergraduate Student, 2016-17
| Wyoming | $750 |
| U.S. Average | $820 |
Source: The College Board
Scholarships and Grants for Wyoming College Students
Below are examples of scholarships for students who want to attend online colleges in Wyoming. Scholarships tend to be available to specific student populations, such as women or Latinx students. While you won't be eligible for all of these, they will give you an idea of where to look.
Who Can Apply: Korean American students who can prove financial need, have a 3.0 GPA, and will be full-time students at a school in Wyoming or one of several other western states are eligible.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: High school seniors who live in Wyoming or one of several other states may apply. They must have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Students must write a 500-word essay specifically for the scholarship.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: Full-time college sophomores or juniors in Wyoming or one of several other states pursuing a degree in a mining-related field may apply. Applicants must show an interest in a career path related to Western coal.
Amount: $2,750
Who Can Apply: First year students in two-year technical or trade schools who are residents of Wyoming or one of several other states may apply. They must be studying a mining-related trade and have expressed an interest in coal as a career path.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Wyoming high school seniors who plan to attend an accredited college in the academic year following their graduation may apply. This scholarship is renewable for up to five years.
Amount: $4,000
Who Can Apply: Wyoming resident high school seniors whose parents were not born in the U.S. and who will attend one of the state's seven community colleges or the University of Wyoming after graduating from high school are eligible.
Amount: $500
Who Can Apply: Students who have a provable connection to Johnson County, Wyoming, financial need, and at least a 2.0 GPA may apply. This is a one-year scholarship which cannot be renewed.
Amount: $1,500
Who Can Apply: This program offers four different scholarships to Wyoming students who complete specific qualifications between 8th grade and their high school graduation. Details vary by scholarship.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: This scholarship is intended for Hispanic students who are residents of Laramie county and are high school seniors or enrolled in a college but not yet seniors.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Current or former Wyoming 4-H members who are residents of Crook County and have completed at least four years of 4-H work may apply. Applicants must be graduating seniors who will attend an accredited college.
Amount: $500
Best Majors for Online Students in Wyoming
Wyoming's economy is changing; some of the fastest growing jobs in Wyoming include solar photovoltaic installers, wind turbine service technicians, and home health aides. Alternate energy jobs are expected to see the most dramatic growth. As with many states, healthcare jobs make up a big portion of the workforce. Home health aides, personal care assistants, and medical assistants are some of the largest sections of the workforce.
Colleges and universities often try to emphasize majors that support the economy in their state. Healthcare majors are among the most commonly offered at online colleges in Wyoming.
RN-to-BSN
These programs are designed for registered nurses who do not yet have a bachelor of sciences in nursing. Nurses with a BSN can increase their earning potential and advance their careers; bridge programs such as this allow them to do so while still working.Health Services Administration
With the growth of the healthcare industry comes an increased need for people to work as administrators, so healthcare providers can do their jobs. These programs are generally offered at the masters level and focus on organizational and managerial skills within the healthcare context.Nursing Practice
Offered at the graduate level, nursing practice is a terminal degree in the nursing field. Graduates with this degree are in demand. Nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners or advanced practice registered nurses need to complete this type of program.Resources for Online College Students in Wyoming
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education: WHICH was founded in 1953 and has numerous members who share resources and work to promote higher education. They maintain the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which allows students from member states to study in other member states at reduced tuition.
GEAR UP Wyoming: GEAR UP is a federally supported grant program intended to help low-income or at-risk youth embark on successful college careers. In Wyoming alone, GEAR UP helps students between 7th and 12th grade plan for and develop the skills needed for college success.
Wyoming Community College Commission: Although geared more towards administrators, the WCCC collects and presents information about community colleges in Wyoming. You can find data about colleges as well as information about their plans, programs, and initiatives.
Wyoming At Work: This website maintains resources for those looking for work in Wyoming, including job boards, resume help, and wage data. If you're considering moving to the state or already live there, this site can help you figure out what opportunities are available.
The State of Wyoming's Economic Development Agency: This site contains information for people looking to do business in Wyoming, from entrepreneurs to large companies. It is a good place to learn about the state's economy and the career opportunities that exist.
LearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
View the most relevant programs for your interests and compare them by tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors important to you.
