University of Wyoming combines 97.4% admission rates with above-average earnings outcomes. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university generates $5,470 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining debt levels $3,105 below peer institutions, creating favorable long-term financial prospects for graduates.
With strong-tier outcomes, driven by solid long-term earnings relative to educational investment
With strong-tier performance, reflecting controlled costs and manageable debt levels relative to earnings
With below-average performance, reflecting lower enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to similar institutions
With strong-tier performance, indicating effective conversion of educational opportunity into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Wyoming combines open access admission with strong financial value for graduates. Students earn a median of $56,880 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 62.0th percentile nationally and exceeding the peer median by $6,764 annually.
Earnings range from $37,256 at the 25th percentile to $80,898 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across academic programs. The institution generates $5,470 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 75.3rd percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking accessible higher education with strong return on investment, particularly in healthcare, business, and engineering fields. Well-suited for Wyoming residents and out-of-state students looking for manageable costs combined with above-average post-graduation earnings at a medium-sized public university.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the University Of Wyoming hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-wyoming/analysis.
Strong return with open access admission
University of Wyoming ranks #302 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with affordability performance leading its profile at the 86.0th percentile. Located in Laramie, Wyoming, this medium-sized public university maintains open access admission with a 97.4% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 22.2% Pell-eligible students and 27.7% first-generation students, reflecting moderate economic diversity within its student body. Graduates earn $5,470 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 75.3rd percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years after enrollment, placing University of Wyoming in the 62.0th percentile for long-term earnings. Compared to a peer median of $50,116, graduates earn $6,764 more annually.
This combination of open access, controlled costs, and solid economic outcomes places University of Wyoming within the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions deliver strong outcomes while serving fewer low-income students relative to similar institutions.
University of Wyoming admits 97.4% of applicants, meaning roughly 97 out of every 100 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution firmly within the Open Access category, where admission rates exceed 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% demonstrates that University of Wyoming is even more accessible than typical public universities in similar categories. This high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as Wyoming's flagship public institution, serving residents statewide while maintaining quality academic programs.
For prospective students, this selectivity level means that meeting basic admission requirements typically results in acceptance. However, students should still demonstrate academic preparation appropriate for university-level work.
The open access approach allows the university to serve diverse student populations, including those who may be first-generation college students or returning adult learners. Students considering University of Wyoming can focus on academic fit and program quality rather than admission competitiveness when making their college decision.
This accessibility makes the institution an excellent option for students seeking strong outcomes without the uncertainty associated with highly selective admission processes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Wyoming's published cost of attendance is $22,371 per year, comprising $22,718 in out-of-state tuition, $13,340 for room and board, and $1,670 for books and supplies. Wyoming residents benefit from in-state tuition of $6,938, significantly reducing their total costs.
The average student pays $11,779 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,592 from the sticker price. This net price falls $2,314 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating strong affordability relative to similar institutions.
The university's comprehensive financial aid approach helps reduce costs across all income levels, with particularly significant support for lower-income families. Net prices range from $7,602 for families earning under $30,000 to $18,136 for those earning over $110,000, demonstrating progressive aid targeting.
For Wyoming residents, the combination of lower in-state tuition and financial aid creates even more favorable affordability. The cost structure positions University of Wyoming as an accessible option for students from various economic backgrounds, though out-of-state students face higher baseline costs before aid.
Financial aid effectiveness places the institution well above peer institutions on affordability measures.
University of Wyoming graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $48,360 six years after enrollment to $53,891 at eight years and $56,880 at ten years, representing 17.6% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 2,737 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across the institution's diverse program portfolio. Graduates earn $5,470 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of Wyoming in the 75.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $55,300, demonstrating that students from lower-income backgrounds achieve strong post-graduation outcomes. Earnings span from $37,256 at the 25th percentile to $80,898 at the 75th percentile, with the variation reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory.
Approximately 25.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings trajectory shows steady progression rather than dramatic acceleration, consistent with the institution's broad program mix and regional employment patterns.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The University Of Texas Permian Basin Similar quality tier (#300 ranked) | TX | 84% | $56,073 | #300 | Compare |
Valdosta State University Similar quality tier (#302 ranked) | GA | 83% | $49,361 | #302 | Compare |
The University Of Tennessee-Chattanooga Similar quality tier (#297 ranked) | TN | 77% | $51,151 | #297 | Compare |
Virginia State University Similar quality tier (#295 ranked) | VA | 89% | $45,543 | #295 | Compare |
Cuny Medgar Evers College Similar quality tier (#303 ranked) | NY | 83% | $46,498 | #303 | Compare |
Petroleum Engineering.
65 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
29 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
149 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
66 graduates
Architectural Engineering.
19 graduates
University of Wyoming offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Petroleum Engineering ranks #10 nationally and #1 in Wyoming, producing 65 graduates with median earnings of $89,957 and holding the state's only program in this field.
Adult Health Nursing ranks #138 nationally but #1 in Wyoming, graduating 149 students with median earnings of $75,177. Aerospace Physiology and Medicine ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Wyoming, graduating 61 students with median earnings of $70,826 and representing one of the university's most distinctive offerings.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #16 nationally and #1 in Wyoming, graduating 78 students with median earnings of $57,692 and achieving a value score of 92.9. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #51 nationally and #1 in Wyoming, graduating 125 students with median earnings of $45,179.
As Wyoming's flagship institution, University of Wyoming holds the #1 state ranking across all measured programs, reflecting its role as the state's primary comprehensive university.
