Students at the University of Wyoming achieve consistently strong earnings that place the university in the top quarter nationally for graduate financial outcomes.
The combination of above-average earnings and high affordability creates exceptional long-term value for students across all income levels.
Azimuth ranks the University of Wyoming 74th out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 74th percentile for overall value. As Wyoming's flagship public research university, UW stands out for delivering consistently strong financial outcomes while maintaining reasonable costs for families across income levels. The university serves as a "Selective Achievers" institution, meaning it provides excellent outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access is somewhat more limited than at typical public universities.
What makes UW particularly compelling is its combination of above-average long-term earnings and high affordability. Graduates earn a median of $56,880 ten years after enrollment, with many achieving earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions. The university's strength in professional programs like petroleum engineering, nursing, and adult education creates multiple pathways to strong career outcomes.
As a medium-sized research university in Laramie, UW offers the resources of a flagship institution with a more intimate campus environment. The university's position as Wyoming's primary public research institution provides students with unique opportunities in energy, agriculture, and natural resources while maintaining the academic breadth expected of a comprehensive university. For families seeking reliable returns on their educational investment, UW delivers measurable value through strong earnings outcomes and manageable debt levels.
The University of Wyoming's program portfolio reflects its position as both Wyoming's flagship university and a institution focused on the state's key industries. Petroleum engineering stands out with the highest median earnings at $73,949, reflecting Wyoming's energy sector strength and the program's direct pipeline to high-paying industry careers. Nursing, with 149 graduates, combines strong enrollment with excellent earnings at $66,369, serving both state workforce needs and providing graduates with portable, in-demand skills.
Adult and continuing education represents UW's largest program footprint with 125 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $34,603. This reflects the program's focus on education and training roles that serve important community functions. The range from biopsychology at $26,585 to petroleum engineering at nearly $74,000 demonstrates the importance of program selection at UW.
The university's strength lies in professional and applied programs that connect directly to regional and national job markets. Engineering, health sciences, and education programs form the core of UW's offerings, each providing clear career pathways and strong employer connections. Students benefit from UW's position as Wyoming's primary research university, which provides both academic rigor and practical training opportunities across these key fields.
University of Wyoming graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $56,880, placing the university in the 74th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. Many students see earnings beyond expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting UW's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes. The university's professional focus and Wyoming's energy-driven economy contribute to these above-average results.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, with petroleum engineering leading the way at $73,949 in median earnings, followed by nursing at $66,369. Adult and continuing education, the university's largest program with 125 graduates, produces more moderate earnings at $34,603 but serves important workforce needs in education and training. The university's strength in energy-related fields, health sciences, and professional programs creates multiple pathways to strong career outcomes, though students should choose their major carefully as earnings can range from around $26,585 in fields like biopsychology to nearly $74,000 in petroleum engineering.
UW's location in Wyoming provides graduates with access to the state's energy sector and regional job markets, where the cost of living is generally lower than national averages, helping earnings stretch further. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs combined with its research university resources creates a foundation for both immediate employment and long-term career growth.
The University of Wyoming offers strong affordability across all income levels, ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally for affordability. Low-income students pay just $7,602 per year in net price, well below national averages, while middle-income families see annual costs of $10,168. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $18,136 annually, making UW accessible to a broad range of Wyoming residents and out-of-state students seeking value.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,000 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $15,229. These moderate debt levels, combined with UW's strong earnings outcomes, create a sustainable financial picture for most families. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations, reflecting both reasonable borrowing levels and solid post-graduation employment outcomes.
What makes UW particularly attractive financially is how the combination of moderate costs and strong earnings creates excellent long-term value. Students can access a comprehensive research university education without taking on excessive debt, while still achieving above-average career outcomes. The university's position as Wyoming's flagship institution means students receive substantial state support, helping keep costs reasonable even as they access high-quality academic programs and research opportunities.
University Of Wyoming Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
