Online education in Wyoming provides easy access to quality training on a flexible schedule. By pursuing a local degree online, you can benefit from in-state tuition rates, name recognition, and regional networking opportunities. Online programs prepare graduates for a diverse job market. An associate or bachelor’s degree qualifies you for higher paying jobs and prepares you for more advanced studies at the master’s or Ph.D. level.
Featured Online Schools
Higher Learning Initiatives in Wyoming
Outreach Schools Mobile App
At the University of Wyoming, it is easier than ever to keep up with your classes while on-the-go. The school now offers a mobile app called Outreach Schools. While most online programs promise to let you keep up with your assignments, discussions, and more anytime and anywhere, this one means it. If you have a mobile device, you’re ready to go.
Distance Education Courses
Central Wyoming College was one of the first schools in the state to offer distance education courses. Now seen as a pioneer of the movement, the school even offers resources to help students determine if this mode of study is right for them. A list of pertinent questions about distance education is available online for prospective students. Through emails and instant messages, students and instructors are always able to communicate.
Wyoming Connections Academy
Colleges and universities in Wyoming aren’t the only institutions taking advantage of the internet. Wyoming Connections Academy offers students in kindergarten through 12th grade the opportunity to enroll in a virtual school and earn credits outside of the classroom. Started in 2009, the academy has come a long way. It has received national news coverage and even won an award for exceptional curriculum.
Popular Degree Programs in Wyoming
The top industries in Wyoming revolve around oil and mineral mining. These industries have sparked popular degrees in the state: anthropology and archaeology and elementary education. As mining industries search for new material sources, anthropologists and archaeologists inspect and document territories to identify key cultural sites, and elementary school teachers work with the influx of young children brought into the state by incoming technicians and miners.
- Anthropology and Archaeology: Students delve into the origin of humans, animals, cultures, and environments as an anthropologist or archaeologist. Study cultural moments in history and investigate their presence on the ground, including indigenous cultures like the Arapaho and Cheyenne. Record and prepare data to present to the academic community and increase cultural awareness statewide.
- Elementary Education: Work with K-6 children as an elementary educator. Create lesson plans designed to engage all students and impart knowledge. With strong communication and analytical skills, you will build lasting relationships with students. With so many young working families entering local communities, become an elementary teacher to meet the growing need.
Paying for College in Wyoming
As the table below indicates, online colleges in Wyoming offer lower overall tuition costs. Even so, there are other expenses to factor in when considering an online degree. Typically, housing is the second most costly expense, but as an online student, you can live at home to avoid the cost of on-campus living. Flexible online scheduling also gives you the opportunity to work part- or full-time and manage family and personal responsibilities.
Tuition Prices
Wyoming public programs cost less than national averages across the board. Two-year institutions run approximately $1,000 less, and four-year programs cost over $4,000 less. The dramatic differences stem from the lower cost of living in Wyoming.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2017-18
| Public Two Year | Public Four Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | $3,240 | $5,400 |
| U.S. Average | $4,234 | $9,978 |
Source: College Board
Employment Outlook in Wyoming
The volatility of the Wyoming market, which is largely dependent upon mining successes and innovations, translates into a fluctuating unemployment rate. Currently, unemployment is 0.3% higher than the national average, and the annual mean wage is slightly less. However, these numbers shift as new industries gain traction in the local community. As a result, construction and extraction professions offer among the highest job opportunities per capita, along with sales and education. In terms of financial gain, the highest paying professions in-state fall in the areas of healthcare, industrial production management, and engineering.
| Wyoming | 4.1% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
| Wyoming | $47,650 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
Accreditation for Colleges in Wyoming
Accreditation is a statement of quality: it declares your program meets educational and training standards. Accreditation is a fundamental component of an online degree because without accreditation, you may not qualify for federal student aid or private scholarships and grants. After graduation, your future employers will not know the value of your degree because your program was not recognized by professional and/or regional governing bodies. Online programs benefit from the same accreditation standards as their on-campus counterparts. Wyoming schools are accredited regionally by the Higher Learning Commission, one of the six regional governing commissions approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation also monitors online programs. Check to make sure your preferred schools have accreditation from at least one of these monitors.
Depending on your major and intended profession, additional program certifications may be important. For example, engineering programs maintain specialty accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology, while future elementary educators should check for approval from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. These accreditations ensure the value of your education and open doors into your professional community.
Scholarships for Wyoming Online College Students
Once you have made the decision to pursue higher education, the next hurdle is funding. First, be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out more about government funding available to you. Next, check for local and national scholarship and grant opportunities like those listed below.
Who Can Apply: Awarded by the National Society of High School Scholars Foundation, in association with Andeavor Companies, this award benefits high school seniors in 19 western states that demonstrate financial need and strong leadership potential.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: For students in the eight member states of the Rocky Mountain Coal Mining Institute, these scholarships support learners in two- and four-year programs, as well as postsecondary programs in geological engineering and technical training.
Amount: $1,000-$5,500
Who Can Apply: The Wyoming Rural Electric Association administers the Dar Hackworth and Adkins Memorial Linemen scholarships designed for future electrical technicians.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: For U.S. citizens under the age of 31, ROTC offers financial support for college in exchange for a minimum two years of active duty. Applicants must have a clean criminal record, a high school degree or GED, and a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Amount: Varies, support offered for 2-4 years
Who Can Apply: Koreans and descendants of Korean heritage qualify to apply for the Korean American Association’s western regional chapter scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited higher education program and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Administered by the American Association of School Personnel Administrators, these scholarships support minorities who are pursuing teaching and school administrative positions.
Amount: $1,500-$2,500
Who Can Apply: Members of the U.S. Presbyterian Church are welcome to apply for this need-based scholarship. Applicants must be enrolled in their first year of college in an accredited program, maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, and demonstrate financial need.
Amount: Up to $3,000
Who Can Apply: This grant assists members of the Native American community. Applicants must demonstrate tribal membership, membership in the Presbyterian church, and financial need.
Amount: Up to $3,000
Who Can Apply: The Daughters of the American Revolution supports Native American students nationwide with three scholarship funds. Applicants must demonstrate tribal association, maintain a 3.25 GPA or higher, and express financial need.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Wyoming Archaeological Society supports freshmen and sophomores at Wyoming community colleges with this scholarship. Applicants must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA with a focus in archaeology, anthropology, history, American studies, or military history.
Amount: $500
Resources for Students in Wyoming
- Wyoming Department of Workforce Services: Search for job opportunities and research labor or workforce shifts on this website. This site also has information about educational opportunities, certifications, employers, state assistance programs, and Wyoming business news and announcements.
- Wyoming Community Colleges Association: For students interested in a more personalized community college experience, check out the WCCA for information on school programs, funding opportunities, and local and federal school advocacy. Compare datasets from the state’s eight community colleges, including Wyoming community colleges online, to make an informed decision about your future education.
- Beyond the Classroom, Wyoming Department of Education: This page on the Wyoming Department of Education website lists grants, scholarships, and enrollment opportunities designed to encourage education statewide. Find out about state initiatives and opportunities for multiple student communities, including first-generation college applicants and community college students.
- Wyoming Contractors Association: WCA is an important resource for students interested in careers revolving around construction. The association offers classes and trainings on practical skills. Join this association to network locally and become an integrated member of the Wyoming contracting community.
- Wyoming Education Association: WEA unites K-12 educators across Wyoming. The association is devoted to increasing the quality of education and energizing educators statewide. Join this association to access local job search engines, network with community members, and stay current on education initiatives.
Online Schools in Wyoming
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY