1. University of Wyoming
Overview of University of Wyoming
Location: Laramie, Wyoming
Founded in 1886, the University of Wyoming (UW) is the state’s flagship and only public research university. UW is known for its strong programs in engineering, energy research, agriculture, and natural resource management. It is located near the Rocky Mountains, providing students with unique opportunities for outdoor education and research in fields like wildlife conservation and geology.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #202 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 12,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1280
Extracurricular Activities
- Wyoming Cowboys Athletics (NCAA Division I, Mountain West)
- Associated Students of UW (student government)
- Outdoor Adventure Program
- Greek Life
- Wyoming Debate Union
Famous Alumni
- Dick Cheney – Former U.S. Vice President
- Jerry Buss – Owner of the Los Angeles Lakers
- Curt Gowdy – Sportscaster and Hall of Fame broadcaster
- Alan K. Simpson – Former U.S. Senator
- Tom Burman – Wyoming Athletic Director
Top Employers of Graduates
- Halliburton
- Chevron
- Sinclair Oil Corporation
- University of Wyoming
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming
2. Wyoming Catholic College
Overview of Wyoming Catholic College
Location: Lander, Wyoming
Founded in 2005, Wyoming Catholic College is a private liberal arts college that emphasizes a classical education rooted in the Catholic faith. Known for its rigorous academic curriculum that includes theology, philosophy, and literature, the college also incorporates a unique outdoor leadership program, where students participate in outdoor expeditions and wilderness training.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 200
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 1200-1400
Extracurricular Activities
- Outdoor Leadership Program
- Debate Society
- Campus Ministry
- Choir and Music Ensembles
- Student Government Association
Famous Alumni
- Anthony Esolen – Author and professor of literature
- Joseph Pearce – Catholic biographer and literary critic
- Therese Recinella – Outdoor education leader
- Scott Hahn – Theologian and author
- Patrick Madrid – Catholic apologist and author
Top Employers of Graduates
- Outdoor Education Companies
- Diocese of Cheyenne
- Catholic Schools
- Wilderness Programs
- Nonprofit Organizations
3. Central Wyoming College
Overview of Central Wyoming College
Location: Riverton, Wyoming
Founded in 1966, Central Wyoming College (CWC) is a public community college that provides associate degrees and vocational training. It is known for its programs in nursing, culinary arts, and outdoor education. The college also serves as a hub for Native American students from the Wind River Reservation, offering specialized programs in cultural and community leadership.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 associate degrees and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- CWC Rustlers Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Senate
- Theater Productions
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Native American Student Alliance
Famous Alumni
- Kevin Red Star – Renowned Native American artist
- Annette Islander – Tribal leader
- Gary Collins – Journalist
- Eugene Ridgely – Native American activist
- Daniel Johnston – Wildlife photographer
Top Employers of Graduates
- Wind River Reservation Schools
- Fremont County Hospitals
- Central Wyoming College
- Wyoming State Government
- Wyoming Department of Health
4. Eastern Wyoming College
Overview of Eastern Wyoming College
Location: Torrington, Wyoming
Founded in 1948, Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) is a public community college offering associate degrees and technical certifications. EWC is known for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary technology, and welding. The college provides education that supports Wyoming’s agricultural economy and has strong ties to local industries, providing internships and hands-on training opportunities.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- EWC Lancers Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Senate
- Agriculture Club
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- EWC Rodeo Team
Famous Alumni
- Rickey Henderson – Hall of Fame baseball player (attended briefly)
- Ron Warpness – Former mayor of Riverton
- Jennifer Greschner – Agri-business entrepreneur
- Taylor Jensen – Rodeo champion
- Robert Lind – Educator and philanthropist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Local Ranches and Farms
- Agri-business Companies
- Veterinary Clinics
- EWC
- Wyoming Department of Agriculture
5. Northwest College
Overview of Northwest College
Location: Powell, Wyoming
Founded in 1946, Northwest College is a public community college offering associate degrees in a variety of fields including agriculture, photography, and education. Located near Yellowstone National Park, the college offers students unique opportunities for outdoor learning and environmental research. It is also known for its award-winning photography program.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,600
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- NWC Trappers Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Government
- Photography Club
- Outdoor Recreation Program
- Cultural Diversity Club
Famous Alumni
- Mike Enzi – Former U.S. Senator from Wyoming
- Margaret Coel – Bestselling author
- Steven Seesko – Emmy-winning cinematographer
- Dan Sullivan – Photographer and adventurer
- Sue Wallis – Wyoming State Representative
Top Employers of Graduates
- Local Schools
- Northwest College
- National Park Service
- Wildlife Photography Companies
- Outdoor Recreation Companies
6. Laramie County Community College
Overview of Laramie County Community College
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Founded in 1968, Laramie County Community College (LCCC) is a public community college that offers associate degrees and vocational certifications. LCCC is known for its nursing and healthcare programs, as well as its agriculture and equine science programs. The college’s location in the state capital provides students with opportunities to engage in government internships and community service.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 4,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- LCCC Golden Eagles Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Government Association
- Agriculture Club
- Nursing and Health Sciences Club
- Outdoor Adventure Program
Famous Alumni
- Cynthia Lummis – U.S. Senator from Wyoming
- Dan Zwonitzer – Wyoming State Representative
- Julie McCallum – Wyoming business leader
- Steve Geringer – Healthcare executive
- Bobby Hall – Professional rodeo cowboy
Top Employers of Graduates
- Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
- Wyoming State Government
- Laramie County School District
- Laramie County Community College
- Great Lakes Airlines
7. Western Wyoming Community College
Overview of Western Wyoming Community College
Location: Rock Springs, Wyoming
Founded in 1959, Western Wyoming Community College (WWCC) is a public institution offering associate degrees and technical certificates. WWCC is known for its programs in industrial technology, welding, and nursing. It plays a significant role in training the local workforce for careers in Wyoming’s energy sector and offers internships and partnerships with local industries.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- WWCC Mustangs Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Senate
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Engineering and Welding Clubs
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Famous Alumni
- Matt Mead – Former Governor of Wyoming
- Leslie Petersen – Wyoming politician and conservationist
- Pat Eathorne – Rodeo champion
- Bill Barlow – Wyoming State Senator
- Toby Adams – Energy executive
Top Employers of Graduates
- Tata Chemicals
- Rock Springs Mineral Processing
- Halliburton
- Western Wyoming Community College
- Southwest Wyoming Regional Hospital
8. Casper College
Overview of Casper College
Location: Casper, Wyoming
Founded in 1945, Casper College is a public community college offering associate degrees and vocational certifications. The college is known for its strong nursing, fire science, and education programs. Located in central Wyoming, Casper College serves as a hub for students seeking to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce in healthcare, education, and public safety.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 140 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Casper College Thunderbirds Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Senate
- Fire Science and EMT Clubs
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- Theater and Performing Arts Groups
Famous Alumni
- James G. Watt – Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior
- John Barrasso – U.S. Senator from Wyoming
- Tom Lubnau – Former Wyoming Speaker of the House
- Kerry Drake – Journalist and columnist
- Matt Strahm – MLB pitcher
Top Employers of Graduates
- Wyoming Medical Center
- Natrona County Schools
- Casper College
- Halliburton
- Casper Fire Department
9. Sheridan College
Overview of Sheridan College
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming
Founded in 1948, Sheridan College is a public community college offering associate degrees and certifications in a range of fields including business, nursing, and agriculture. Sheridan College is known for its commitment to workforce development, particularly in healthcare and business, and offers hands-on learning experiences through internships and local partnerships.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 60 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Sheridan Generals Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Government Association
- Rodeo Team
- Outdoor Adventure Club
- Nursing and Health Science Club
Famous Alumni
- Craig Johnson – Author of the Longmire series
- Mark Gordon – Governor of Wyoming
- David Leatherman – Forester and entomologist
- Dan Neal – Journalist and advocate
- John B. Kendrick – Former U.S. Senator
Top Employers of Graduates
- Sheridan Memorial Hospital
- Sheridan College
- Cloud Peak Energy
- Whitney Benefits Foundation
- Johnson County Schools
10. Gillette College
Overview of Gillette College
Location: Gillette, Wyoming
Founded in 1969, Gillette College is a public community college known for its programs in energy, mining, and industrial technology. The college serves students in the northeastern part of the state and offers technical training aligned with Wyoming’s energy sector. The college also has strong nursing and business programs, providing hands-on experience through local internships.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,300
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 associate and certificate programs
- Acceptance Rate: Open admission
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Extracurricular Activities
- Gillette Pronghorns Athletics (NJCAA)
- Student Government
- Welding and Mining Clubs
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- Nursing Student Association
Famous Alumni
- Michael Enzi – Former U.S. Senator
- Mike Sullivan – Former Governor of Wyoming
- Marilyn Kite – First female Chief Justice of Wyoming
- Brian Clowdus – Theater director
- Kevin Engle – Energy executive
Top Employers of Graduates
- Peabody Energy
- Campbell County Health
- Cloud Peak Energy
- Gillette College
- Komatsu Mining Corporation