Central Wyoming College: $4,680 Tuition

$4,680Tuition

981Students

40%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,402Earnings

#8 in WyomingPublic4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Central Wyoming College

Central Wyoming College serves the vast landscapes of rural Wyoming with practical programs that prepare students for immediate careers. The college enrolls 981 students in a remote town setting, focusing heavily on nursing, agriculture, and outdoor recreation programs that match the region's needs. Students here aren't chasing prestige but real-world skills that translate directly to employment.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students pay an average net price of $13,622 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $34,402 ten years later. With typical debt loads of just $8,361 and monthly loan payments of $89, the math works better than at most four-year schools. The 92.1% employment rate shows employers value what students learn here.

The Rustlers compete in 11 NJCAA sports with 123 total athletes sharing $233,896 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 58.2% of the student body, and three-quarters come from Wyoming itself. The 90% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for, even if only 38.85% finish in four years. This isn't about racing through college but building practical skills for Wyoming's economy.

Academics & Faculty

Central Wyoming College serves rural communities with practical career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment. The college's nursing program feeds Wyoming's healthcare workforce, while its agriculture courses connect directly to the state's ranching economy. Students work closely with faculty through a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The school's 38.85% four-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or transfer to four-year universities. Outdoor recreation programs take advantage of Wyoming's natural setting for hands-on learning. With 981 total students, class sizes remain small enough for professors to know each student personally. The college emphasizes job readiness over theoretical study.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 38.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 40.4%
Retention Rate: 90.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,402

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$50,677
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$26,715

View all 89 programs →

Campus Life

Central Wyoming College sits in Riverton, a town of 11,000 people about 130 miles from Casper, the state's second-largest city. With only 292 beds for 981 students, most Rustlers commute from nearby ranches and towns across the Wind River Valley. The campus feels intimate with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, where professors know your name and your major.

Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so pack heavy coats for the long season that stretches into April. Students embrace the outdoor culture year-round, with many heading to nearby ski slopes or hunting grounds on weekends. The school's location near the Wind River Indian Reservation creates a unique cultural mix, though the student body remains 45% white. With 92.1% of graduates finding employment, many students balance coursework with part-time ranch work or internships in agriculture and healthcare. The small-town setting means limited nightlife, but students create their own entertainment through intramural sports and outdoor adventures in some of Wyoming's most pristine wilderness areas.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 292 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	1	1	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 8°–31°F
July Avg: 56°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 22.6"
Annual Snowfall: -744.7"

Student Demographics

Central Wyoming College draws students from across the state, with 76% coming from Wyoming communities seeking affordable education close to home. The student body is 58% women, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's well-regarded nursing program. Nearly 18% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families typical of rural Wyoming. Students come from diverse backgrounds, with significant Hispanic enrollment at 14% representing the region's agricultural workforce. The college attracts both recent high school graduates and adult learners returning to build practical skills for careers in healthcare, ranching, and outdoor industries.

Men: 41.8%
Women: 58.2%
White: 45.0%
Black: 0.4%
Hispanic: 14.5%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 76.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 17.7%

Location

Riverton sits in central Wyoming, about 120 miles from Casper, the state's second-largest city. The town of roughly 11,000 people serves as a center for the Wind River Indian Reservation and surrounding ranching communities. Students here experience true rural Wyoming life, with the Wind River Mountains visible to the west and endless high desert stretching in other directions. The 981-student campus draws 76% of its enrollment from in-state, reflecting its role as a local educational anchor. This is frontier country where outdoor recreation opportunities abound, from fishing the Wind River to exploring nearby wilderness areas. Students considering colleges in Wyoming may also compare Central Wyoming College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Riverton, Wyoming 82501

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,402
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,872
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $89/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,361

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Central Wyoming College?

Central Wyoming College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of community colleges, with a 90.00% retention rate showing students stick around once they start. The college serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in rural Wyoming, particularly for the 76.14% of students who come from in-state.

How much does Central Wyoming College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,622 annually, with in-state tuition at just $4,680. The relatively low median debt of $8,361 reflects the school's affordability, though only 17.68% of students receive federal Pell Grants.

What academic programs is Central Wyoming College known for?

The college offers strong programs in nursing, agriculture, and outdoor recreation that align with Wyoming's rural economy. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio and 981 total students, classes remain small and focused on practical skills.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Central Wyoming College?

The 4-year graduation rate stands at 38.85%, while graduates earn a median salary of $34,402 ten years after enrollment. With a 92.1% employment rate, the college effectively prepares students for Wyoming's job market despite the modest earnings typical of rural areas.

Where do students live at Central Wyoming College?

The campus houses 292 students in residence halls, serving a community of 981 total enrollment. Room and board costs $8,208 annually, making on-campus living affordable in the remote Riverton setting.

Does Central Wyoming College have competitive athletics?

The Rustlers compete in 11 varsity sports through the NJCAA with 123 total athletes. The college awards $233,896 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in Wyoming's rural athletic landscape.