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.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Wyoming enrolls a moderately diverse student body with 22.2% Pell-eligible students and 27.7% first-generation students. These shares indicate the university serves students from various economic backgrounds, though at lower rates than some public institutions with stronger access-focused missions. The 38.2% transfer student share reflects significant pathways for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions, supporting educational mobility within Wyoming and the broader region. This transfer-friendly approach provides opportunities for students who may need alternative pathways to complete their bachelor's degrees. The student composition suggests that while the university maintains open access admission, its student body includes fewer low-income students relative to similar institutions nationally. Geographic factors likely influence this pattern, as Wyoming's smaller population and economic structure may affect the demographic composition of college-bound students. First-generation students should know that more than one in four enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional experience supporting students whose families may be less familiar with higher education. Transfer students represent a substantial portion of the student body, suggesting strong support systems for students transitioning from other institutions.
Given University of Wyoming's 97.4% acceptance rate, admission is accessible for most students meeting basic requirements. These alternatives provide different geographic, cost, or outcome options.
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University of Wyoming maintains a 77.5% retention rate, above the peer median of 73.2%, indicating that most students who enroll choose to continue their studies into the sophomore year. The institution graduates 59.9% of students within six years, also exceeding the peer median of 49.3%. Pell-eligible students graduate at 53.0%, creating a 6.9 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap, while present, remains within the range typically seen at public institutions and suggests that lower-income students face some additional challenges in degree completion. The completion rates demonstrate that students who gain admission can expect reasonable support for degree completion, particularly given the institution's open access mission. Students should view these retention and completion rates as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they will experience. The positive comparison to peer institutions suggests that University of Wyoming provides effective student services and academic support relative to similar universities. Prospective students should consider these outcomes as evidence of the institution's commitment to student success across diverse backgrounds, while also recognizing that individual preparation and engagement remain critical factors in academic achievement.
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