At $11,779/yr net price, University of Wyoming graduates earn $56,880/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,880/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,779 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $47,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,880/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,880/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,602/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,618/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,168/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,315/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,136/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $125,611 | |
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $73,949 | $24,188 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $66,915 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,369 | $17,074 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,997 | $32,072 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 | $18,825 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $14,125 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 | $22,000 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $58,402 | $7,500 |
| Education, General. | Master | $57,318 | $24,396 |
The Risk Factor
59.8% of students at University of Wyoming 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
University of Wyoming delivers strong financial returns for a public university, with low debt loads and access to high-paying regional industries making it a solid investment for most students.
The pharmacy program stands out as strong, producing graduates earning $125,611 annually. Petroleum engineering graduates earn $73,949, though this career path carries market volatility risks tied to energy sector cycles. Nursing offers reliable returns at $66,369 with manageable debt of $17,074, reflecting strong healthcare demand in the Mountain West region.
Business administration graduates face a concerning debt-to-earnings ratio, borrowing $32,072 to earn $63,997. This program requires careful financial planning since the debt burden significantly impacts early-career cash flow.
Wyoming's biggest financial risk is its 59.8% graduation rate. If you don't finish, you'll carry debt without the degree premium. The 77.5% retention rate suggests academic support challenges that could derail your investment.
You'll find Wyoming financially attractive if you can handle the rural location and are drawn to energy, healthcare, or pharmacy careers. The state's energy industry creates unique opportunities but also exposes you to boom-bust cycles. Out-of-state students should calculate whether the higher tuition still delivers value compared to home-state options.
Only 22% of students receive federal aid, indicating either a wealthier student body or limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves in-state residency and targeting the high-return programs while avoiding the business trap of excessive borrowing for moderate earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Wyoming worth the cost compared to other colleges?
University of Wyoming offers solid value with a low net price of $11,779 annually and relatively low median debt of $18,000. However, the 10-year median earnings of $56,880 are below national averages, and the 60% graduation rate indicates completion risk.
What are the best paying majors at University of Wyoming?
Pharmacy leads with $125,611 median earnings, followed by Petroleum Engineering at $73,949. Most other programs cluster around $60,000-67,000, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost of attendance.
How much debt do University of Wyoming graduates typically have?
The median debt is $18,000, which is lower than the national average. Combined with the affordable net price, this keeps the debt burden manageable for most graduates.
Does University of Wyoming have a good graduation rate?
The 60% graduation rate is concerning and below national averages. This means 4 out of 10 students don't complete their degree, which represents a significant risk to your investment.