University of Wyoming logo

University of Wyoming

Laramie, WY Public ยท Suburban www.uwyo.edu
Accept Rate
97.41%
Grad Rate
60.3%
Enrollment
8,047
Tuition
$6,938
Median Salary
$56,880
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
A+
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Wyoming offers a distinct campus vibe rooted in the vast, open landscapes of the American West, where the iconic bucking horse logo is a symbol of resilience and school pride. Students describe a welcoming, tight-knit community where the spirit of the frontier meets modern collegiate life, fostered by the university's strong tradition and the stunning backdrop of the Laramie Plains.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

97.41%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

With a high acceptance rate, UW is broadly accessible, but applicants should highlight their fit with the university's hands-on, practical approach to learning. Wyoming residents should be sure to explore the state's Hathaway Scholarship for financial aid, while out-of-state applicants might consider the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program for reduced tuition if they qualify.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UW is recognized for its strong programs in engineering, business, and agriculture, anchored by its flagship land-grant mission and a commitment to hands-on learning. Students benefit from small class sizes and direct access to faculty who are leaders in research areas like energy, environmental science, and molecular biology.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
16.6%
Engineering
9.2%
Health Professions
9.1%
Biology & Biomedical
8.7%
Education
8.3%
Psychology
7.2%
Agriculture
5.3%
Social Sciences
4.8%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3.5%
Criminal Justice
3.5%
Natural Resources
3.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

60.3%
Graduation Rate
77.5%
Retention Rate
8,047
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$6,938
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$11,779
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,371
Cost of attendance/year
22.2%
Receive Pell Grants
28.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Laramie

Student life in Laramie is defined by its proximity to the great outdoors, with students frequently heading to the Snowy Range Mountains or the Laramie River for hiking, skiing, and fishing. The downtown area offers a charming mix of local breweries, coffee shops, and historic venues, creating a relaxed social scene that complements the spirited gameday atmosphere.

Local Rent Check

$917 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Laramie
Explore Laramie

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$27,752
$0Est. 4 Years: $27,752

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($56,880):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is widely regarded as a safe environment, with a low crime rate typical of a small, close-knit college town. Laramie itself is a peaceful community where students feel comfortable walking around, though the open Wyoming landscape requires awareness of weather conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable in-state tuition and low average net price for a high-quality education.
  • โœ“ Strong, hands-on programs in engineering, agriculture, and energy, leveraging its land-grant status.
  • โœ“ Unbeatable access to outdoor recreation and a stunning natural environment.
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a wide range of students.

Cons

  • โœ— Laramie's remote location can feel isolating for students accustomed to a major metropolitan area.
  • โœ— The harsh Wyoming winters with significant wind and snow can be a challenge.
  • โœ— Graduation and retention rates, while solid, are lower than some flagship public universities.

Notable Alumni

Dick Cheney
46th Vice President of the United States.
Mike Enzi
Former U.S. Senator from Wyoming.
Lynne Cheney
Author, historian, and wife of Dick Cheney.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University of Wyoming is a public land-grant university known for its strong programs in engineering, agriculture, and energy resources, leveraging its unique location in a major energy-producing state. It is also famous for its iconic athletics logo, the 'Bucking Horse and Rider,' and its deep connection to the state's history and the American West.

No, the University of Wyoming is not hard to get into, with a very high acceptance rate of 97.41%. This indicates that the university is accessible to a broad range of applicants, though a solid academic record and application materials are still recommended for admission to competitive programs.

Campus life at UW is characterized by a strong sense of community and school spirit, particularly around collegiate athletics. The campus is located in a college town setting, offering a close-knit environment where students can easily get involved, while the surrounding natural beauty of Wyoming provides a unique backdrop for recreation and a laid-back social scene.

Yes, for many students, the University of Wyoming offers a strong return on investment, especially for Wyoming residents who benefit from exceptionally low in-state tuition. With a 10-year median earnings of $56,880 for graduates and a low average net price of $11,779, the degree provides significant financial value, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and business.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

University of Wyoming Chevron Microsoft Wyoming Department of Education Catholic Health Initiatives
Smart Start Score
61

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 9,571
  • In-State Tuition $6,938
  • Out-of-State $22,718
  • Zip Code 82071

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 46.2% โ™€ 53.8%

The Money Talk

UW offers an exceptional financial value, especially for in-state students, with a very low sticker price and an average net cost that makes it one of the most affordable public universities in the nation. For out-of-state students, the investment is still competitive compared to many other universities, and the strong median earnings of graduates suggest a solid return on investment, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and business.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $6,938
Housing (12 mo) $11,004
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $25,142
With avg financial aid:
$11,779/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.