Last Updated: July 18, 2021
Wyoming - The Equality State
Wyoming, situated in the Western portion of the US is the 10
th largest state of the country. This is the least populated state of the nation with an estimated population of around 6 million as per 2021 statistics. The Cheyenne Metro area is the largest urban center with a maximum concentration of population. Cheyenne is the capital city of Wyoming. The state experiences continental and semi-arid climates. Summer in Wyoming is warm with high temperatures while winters are mostly dry and cold. This is the drier and windier part of the United States with higher temperature variability. English is the language primarily used here by the majority, followed by Spanish, Russian, German, and even Greek. The state acquired the name 'Wyoming' from the Native American word 'mecheweamiing' or 'mscheweamiing'. Wyoming was the first state to grant women the right to vote and was also the first to appoint a female governor, Nellie Tayloe Ross. This is how the state got the nickname the 'Equality State'
Two of the world's largest coal mines, The Black Thunder coal mine and North Antelope Rochelle, are situated in the state of Wyoming and are, therefore, the leading producer of coal. Coal mining is an important economic sector. The state is known for its abundance of nature's beauty that consists of diverse flora and fauna, plains and mountains, prairies, national parks, and museums. Notable tourist attractions include Bighorn National Forest, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Devils Tower, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, and many more.
There are very few educational institutes in Wyoming. Out of its 13 centers, 8 are under public governance. Casper College, Central & Eastern Wyoming College, Wyoming Technical Institute are some of the important educational institutes of Wyoming.
However, the most reputed one is the University of Wyoming, which has the highest enrollment capacity among all the other institutions.
Major Cities in Wyoming
Cheyenne
Established in the year 1867, and situated in the Laramie county, Cheyenne is the most populous city as well as the capital of Wyoming. It is popular for its railroad industry, and many tourist attractions such as The Big Boy Steam Engine, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, The Atlas Theatre, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, The Nelson Museum of the West, etc.
Casper
This is the second-largest and the second-most populous city in Wyoming. It once had a great economy in the oil-producing sector and was, therefore, called the 'Oil City'. It is a city good enough to work and live in because of the friendly atmosphere. Fort Caspar Museum, Edness K. Wilkins State Park, Nicolaysen Art Museum, Salt Creek Museum, Tate Geological Museum, the Nicolaysen Art Museum & Discovery Center, etc.
Laramie
This is the third most populous city situated near the river of Laramie. It was named after a French trader called Jacques LaRamie. The city is popular for its beautiful landscapes and great outdoor activities for tourists. It is also home to the state's top institutes of higher learning, the University of Wyoming, and the Wyoming Technical Institute.
Economy/Job Market
Wyoming has profuse storage of natural resources which include oil, coal, natural gas, and uranium. Livestock (especially sheep), agriculture, and forestry are also vital parts of the economy. Wyoming is the leading producer of coal, petroleum, and natural gas. The world's largest sodium carbonate (natrona) deposits and the nation's second-largest uranium deposits are in the state of Wyoming. Other major industries include manufacturing and tourism. Being one of the leading producers of sheep, wool production is abundant as well. The state also produces beef cattle and hogs. Major crops for agriculture are wheat, oats, sugar beets, corn, barley, and alfalfa. Thus, mining and livestock form the bulk share of the industry in Wyoming. There was a 29% decline in jobs in the city of Casper alone, in the year 2020. The energy and oil sector went downhill as well, affecting the economy in a major way. The economy of the state is slowly recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tuition Fee and Living Costs in Wyoming
The tuition fee can always vary depending upon the type of institution (public/private) and the chosen academic program. The fees structure for in-state students is different as compared to that for out-state students. The fees for in states student is comparatively lower. For instance, tuition cost at the University of Wyoming is about $16,000 for undergraduate out-of-state students, and about $18,000 for graduate out-of-state students along with room board charges, books and supplies of and other expenses, whereas the tuition cost for an undergraduate in-state student is just around $6000.
The cost of living in the case of Wyoming is cheaper than that US national average. The consumer price index is 3.57% less in the state than the US city average. Transportation costs are the lowest, whereas healthcare costs are more expensive than the nation's average. Thus, the cost of living is moderate as well as affordable in this state with low-cost recreation opportunities and useful amenities.
As per the ACS survey, the median per capita income in Wyoming is around $35,000 as per 2019 statistics.
List of Few Major Universities/Colleges
The colleges and universities here encourage students to participate in various campus activities and multicultural club activities. These institutions offer courses on various subjects as Agricultural and Natural Resources, Arts and Sciences, Business and Management, Education, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and Law as well. Therefore, for students who are interested in availing high-quality education in a dynamic environment, Wyoming is a great place to choose. Following are the top universities/colleges of the state:
- University of Wyoming Situated in the city of Laramie, this public research university is the top institute of higher learning in the state of Wyoming. It was founded in the year 1886 and offers great faculty and high-quality education. It offers more than 120 undergraduate and master's degree programs. The university has seven branches in colleges, namely, agriculture and natural resources, business, education, arts and sciences, engineering and applied sciences, law, and health sciences. The University of Wyoming was once featured in Princeton review among the best 373 colleges.
- CollegeAmerica-Cheyenne This is a private college situated in the capital city of Wyoming, Cheyenne. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs but has very few students within the campus. The fees for undergraduates are mostly expensive whereas graduate students (both in-state and out-of-state) are not required to pay tuition fees.
Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students
The Equality State provides certain financial aids and scholarships for the smooth running of higher education for students. They are made available to the students based on several categorical requirements such as academic merit and monetary needs, or both. The 'Free Application For Federal Student Aid' (FAFSA) is to be filled by students prior to the application for any kind of financial aid. Every financial aid supported by the federal or the state government depends on the FAFSA to determine the qualification of the candidate for grants and scholarships.
- Hathaway Scholarship Program This scholarship program was initiated to assist students enrolled at one of the Community Colleges in Wyoming or the University of Wyoming. The program is based on both financial needs and academic performance. The merit-based awards mostly range from $800 to $2,000. Programs based on monetary need award a larger amount for students to smoothly pursue higher education. The candidate is required to be a resident of Wyoming to be eligible.
- The Arapaho Ranch Trust Scholarship This program was initiated in order to assist students belonging to the Native American tribe, Arapaho, to graduate from college. After graduation, these students are obliged to help with the flourishing of the Arapaho Ranch business by applying their knowledge and skills acquired during their term of education. In order to be qualified for this program, the candidate is supposed to secure and maintain a minimum of 2.0 GPA from an accredited university. An amount of around $2,500 is provided to these students each academic year.
The University of Wyoming offers both general as well as competitive scholarships for its international students. Rocky Mountain Scholarship and Western Undergraduate Exchange are two of the most prestigious scholarships for international students in the university. The University of Wyoming is also approved for international student loans and for that students are needed to apply to the University financial office. A handful of Scholarships are also available at Casper College, and Central Wyoming College as well. Internship and apprentice programs are also available for the international students who study in Wyoming.
Tourism
Wyoming ideally reminds us of ranches, cowboys, and the wild West. But there is definitely more, this least populated state has to offer, that is, Nature's bounty. This state is perfect for a number of activities like road trips, hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, canoeing, sightseeing, and experiencing the authentic cowboy lifestyle. Spring or Fall seasons are ideal for visits or vacations, as the weather remains suitable and pleasant at that time with an added benefit of reduced prices. The Yellowstone National Park is the most visited site and is popular for its rich wildlife and spectacular view. It was established in the year 1872, making it the oldest national park.
On visiting and exploring the state of Wyoming, one must surely not forget to try out the iconic delicacies of the place such as the Rack of Lamb, Chili, and the Rocky Mountain Oysters.
Universities & Colleges in Wyoming
*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
- Recommended program (Top 250)
