At $13,622/yr net price, Central Wyoming College graduates earn $34,402/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $402/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,622 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,488 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,402/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$402/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 135.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,361 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,308/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,983/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,958/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,039/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,894/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,677 | $8,733 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,715 |
The Risk Factor
40.4% of students at Central Wyoming College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Central Wyoming College delivers mixed financial returns, with outcomes heavily dependent on your program choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, producing graduates who earn $50,677 annually with manageable debt of $8,733. This represents strong ROI in a field with steady regional demand.
The liberal arts track tells a different story. At $26,715 in median earnings, graduates struggle to justify even the relatively low $13,622 annual cost. With limited high-paying employers in rural Wyoming, liberal arts graduates often need to relocate for better opportunities, adding hidden costs to your investment.
The 40% graduation rate creates significant financial risk. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree needed to access better-paying jobs. The school's strong 90% retention rate suggests students who survive the first year typically stay, but four in ten still don't graduate.
Central Wyoming works financially if you're pursuing nursing and can handle the academic demands. The program's outcomes justify the investment, and Wyoming's healthcare needs provide local job security. For other majors, consider whether the limited earning potential matches your career goals.
Financial aid appears limited, with only 18% of students receiving aid. Merit scholarships exist but aren't substantial enough to dramatically change the value proposition. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and choosing a program with clear career pathways in Wyoming's economy.
Skip Central Wyoming if you're undecided about your major or interested in fields requiring broader job markets. The rural location limits career flexibility, making this investment risky unless you're committed to staying in Wyoming or pursuing the nursing track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Wyoming College worth the cost for most students?
Central Wyoming College offers decent value with low debt ($8,361 median) and reasonable tuition, but the 40% graduation rate is concerning. The ROI depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing graduates earning $50,677 versus $26,715 for liberal arts majors.
What are the best paying programs at Central Wyoming College?
Nursing programs at Central Wyoming College provide the strongest ROI, with graduates earning around $50,677 annually. Liberal arts and general studies programs result in much lower earnings at $26,715, making them financially risky choices.
How much debt do Central Wyoming College graduates typically have?
Central Wyoming College graduates have relatively low debt with a median of $8,361. This manageable debt load helps offset the school's below-average graduation rate and modest earning potential for most programs.
What is the graduation rate at Central Wyoming College and why does it matter?
Central Wyoming College has a 40% graduation rate, meaning 6 out of 10 students don't finish their degree. This significantly impacts ROI since you still pay tuition and living costs even if you don't graduate.