Exploring distance education programs in Wyoming is easy through the WyCLASS platform, a course locator site implemented by the Wyoming Distance Education Consortium through all online Wyoming colleges and universities to display fees, courses and comprehensive information from different schools in one place. Students may begin the initial registration process through WyCLASS’s website. Furthermore, the site has numerous helpful guidelines and relevant resources describing the several delivery formats for online courses. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 11% of students in Wyoming enroll in online classes.
Online colleges and universities in Wyoming provide distance learners with a flexible schedule, cheaper tuition rates, and accessible classes. The state of Wyoming adheres national trends by embracing online education and providing relevant academic support and financial assistance to students. The state sets forth a five-year initiative to foster the advantage of online education while reducing its costs and time commitment as stated in Wyoming’s 2016-2017 Digital Learning Plan. To attain this objective, Wyoming prepares to deliver more part-time courses and open classes that distance learners can access at no fees through participating academic institutions. In addition, it appeals for more collaboration among Wyoming’s institutions and specialized training for instructors and school administrators so they can provide the essential support needed to reach the distance learner’s goals.
While it is too immediate to identify the results of Wyoming’s five-year plan, the state is enjoying the perks of a steady increase in online education enrollment. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 33,365 students who are enrolled in the state’s degree-granting post-secondary establishments in 2016 is the highest record for admission in the country.
By improving its online education programs and general format, the Wyoming government aspires to enhance the quality of education. As part of its five-year initiative, Wyoming provides distance learning opportunities to high school students as a method of college preparation and as a step to present this self-motivated learning format to young learners.
METHODOLOGY
While Wyoming is home to the best online schools, some are better than the others based on the most popular factors that demonstrate the school’s commitment to high academic standards. To help you in your search, the staff at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com presents our 5 Top Online Schools in Wyoming. These are our five recommended online academic institutions because they share these features:
- Robust course curricula and rigorous coursework to produce highly skilled graduates,
- A faculty of industry specialists who deliver the best training and instruction to distance learners,
- A reliable virtual learning platform where all coursework, discussions, and notes may be accessed by students,
- Fully accredited by academic organizations.
Our ranking process is detailed on our Methodology Page.
University of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming, a land-grant university, was established in 1886. It is located between the Snowy Range Mountains and the Laramie Plains. UW has a wide selection of programs, including more than 40 of which are available through distance education. The campus has many museums, including an anthropological museum, an insect museum, and an art museum. One of the best online colleges in the state, UW’s online programs allows students to pursue degrees without compromising their personal and professional obligations. Student support services are available for distance learners such as tutoring services, and an online library available via email, text message, phone or live chat.
The University of Wyoming offers an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This is a program designed to deliver a concrete foundation in all business principles to prepare students for a wide variety of rewarding careers. Students must have 120-credit hours required for graduation. Business Administration core requirements include Financial Markets and Institutions; Decisions Science; Marketing Management; Human Resource Management; and Managerial Accounting.
Prospective graduate students can choose from UW’s variety of master’s degree programs. One of the unique degrees includes Master of Science in Health Services Administration specifically designed for new or mid-career health professionals seeking to advance their careers in the health care and pharmaceutical fields. The program has specialty tracks offered in Health Quality & Improvement, Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance, Health Institution Leadership, and Health Economics & Outcomes.
UW aims to make education cheaper by providing scholarships to online education students. The university identifies factors like financial need and merit when choosing how to award funding.
Location: Laramie, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Casper College
Casper College is a public academic institution and is considered one of the largest and most comprehensive community colleges in the state. The school has more than 140 academic transfers, as well as technical and career programs. It consists of 28 buildings on approximately more than 200 acres. Casper College provides students with a big city vibe without the big city hassles. Students use Campus College’s learning management system through Moodle4Me, allowing them to access all its online courses, assignments, calendar of activities, quizzes, research work, and other learning-related materials. The college provides a wealth of services and resources to online learners. They have integrated Digital Learning Center, a platform to answer general inquiries and questions about distance learning and can direct students to the appropriate student support services or department.
Casper College offers several associate degree programs in different areas of study such as education, management, agriculture, health science, general studies, psychology, and accounting, to name a few. Casper’s Associate of Applied Science in Retail Merchandising is intended to provide distance learners with a strong foundation in retailing principles, merchandising, and management. The degree program prepares students to become part of a manager trainee initiative with major retailers. Students need to complete major requirements such as Principles of Management, E-Marketing, Human Resources Management, Cooperative Work Experience, and Business Organizations and Government Regulations, among many other featured courses. Students must have 60-credit hours for program completion.
Location: Casper, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Laramie County Community College
Laramie County Community College is a public academic higher institution located in a suburb with a total enrollment of 4,129 students. It is a full-service, comprehensive college with campuses in Laramie and Cheyenne as well as outreach centers at Pine Bluffs and in F.E. Warren Air Force Base. The college uses a semester-based academic year. In addition, the school has an open admissions policy and provides credit for life experiences. Students enjoy a wealth of educational support such as 24/7 online tutoring services, library, advising, and disability support services. LCCC’s online programs are delivered in a flexible format as well as accelerated format, suitable for working professionals and military students. The school maintains a transfer initiative agreement with American Public University to facilitate a smooth transition for graduates of LCCC pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
Students can choose from LCCC’s online degree offerings at the associate level. LCCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems is designed to prepare distance learners for entry-level roles in fields related to Information Technology. Students must have 60- to 61-credit hours for program completion. In addition, core courses include Introduction to Computer Science, Foundations of Communication, Computer Information Systems, Programming, and Business Communication, among other featured courses. Program Electives make up 35-credit hours of the program, enabling distance learners to choose at least two disciplines, including Linux, Cisco Networking, Multimedia/Mass Media, Computer Applications, and Microsoft to name a few.
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Western Wyoming Community College
Western Wyoming Community College is one of the prominent members of seven community colleges in Wyoming. It is a public higher education institution located in a town with a total student population of 3,339. The college uses a semester-based academic year. In addition, the school has a student-faculty ratio of 14:1. With a commitment to quality education and success, Western Wyoming was established in 1959, dedicating its resources and commitment to delivering top-quality learning opportunities for students and employees as well as adapting to the different needs of local business and industry primarily within its coverage area in Southwest Wyoming. Students enjoy small class sizes as well as several academic support services.
A yearly “Wyoming Safety & Workforce Summit” is accessible to the community and delivers presentations on safety issues and workforce development for free of charge. In addition, WWCC is home to the Instructional Well-Site Facility, an extensive system that delivers real-world training for local industry technicians and customized specialty programs. Furthermore, the facility serves as a meeting venue for industry professionals.
Prospective students can choose from WWCC’s Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems, Associate of Arts in Social Science, Associate of Science in Business Administration, Associate of Applied Science in Office Information Systems, Associate of Arts in Social Work, and Associate of Arts in Sociology.
Students who are interested in enrolling in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs with Western Wyoming can take advantage of the partnerships of WWCC with four-year colleges and universities. The developed collaboration and agreement provide opportunities for Western graduates and other community members who plan to pursue their education by enrolling baccalaureate and master’s degree programs while remaining in Green River or Rock Springs. Some of the universities in collaboration include University of Wyoming, Valley City State University, Franklin University, Upper Iowa University, Kaplan University, Ashford University, Mayville State University, Regis University, and National American University.
Location: Rock Springs, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Eastern Wyoming College
Eastern Wyoming College is a community college founded in 1968 and is located in Torrington with other outreach initiatives in Crook, Converse, Platte, Niobrara and Weston counties. The college offers several programs aimed at helping students learn a new professional pathway or transfer to a four-year academic institution as well as a supportive team of faculty and staff who will help distance learners in their educational journey. Students at EWC experience personal growth by increasing independence, affording opportunities for distance learners and promoting personal responsibility and ethical behavior for distance learning. EWC offers classes in which faculty members will know each student’s names as they host academic and support services, as well as, provide affordable tuition costs. The school has partnerships with 11 universities, assisting in graduate transfers to four-year programs.
Distance learners earn access to 24/7 online tutoring services through the NetTutor platform as well as the opportunity to contact the school’s student success center to ask for additional assistance with coursework. Instructors utilize CampusCruiser, the learning management system of EWC, which allows them to administer online coursework. Software programs enable distance learners to collaborate asynchronously through messaging apps, chat boxes, email, and forums. Furthermore, the school provides librarian aid over the phone as well as bibliographic instruction and reference services.
Similar to other community colleges in Wyoming, EWC has an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program that introduces distance learners to the criminal justice system through instruction in its methodological and theoretical legal platforms. This program provides online students with a concrete foundation of coursework as well as essentials skills necessary to join the competitive workforce in criminal justice fields. Students are required to have at least 63-credit hours for program completion. They enroll in courses in Law Enforcement Procedures, Current Issues in Criminal Justice, American & Wyoming Government, Public Speaking, and Ethics in Practice, to name a few.
Location: Torrington, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
With the lowest tuition fees in the nation and high graduation rates, Wyoming’s higher education system is ranked 5th best in the country by the U.S. News & World Report. Wyoming students finish their education with exceptionally low amounts of debt and residents in Wyoming enjoy a high quality of living. There are several perks and benefits that distance education institutions in Wyoming provide. Whether at a university or a community college, online students in Wyoming can enjoy utmost convenience, flexibility, and affordability.
Wyoming students enjoy remarkably low tuition fees. Residents of the state pay an annual price of $3,240 for two-year schools and $5,400 for four-year universities. Wyoming’s flagship school, the University of Wyoming, delivers an in-state tuition fee of $5,400. Out-of-state students pay $17,490 per academic year, recognizing it as the second-lowest tuition rate, next to South Dakota. The state also supports students with generous need-based grants. Nearly 6,000 students received awards amounting $16.3 million during the 2015-2016 academic year.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services projects that Wyoming employment seekers can anticipate 15.6% of the state’s new jobs will require post-secondary education in the form of a bachelor’s degree. Around 1.9% of them will require a master’s, and 2.3% a doctorate from 2016-2026. The projections portray a nationwide shift toward providing an advantage towards more specialized and educated workers. Staying competitive in the job market typically involves additional education and specialized training. Several workers stay ahead of the trend by returning to school via distance education programs. These distance education programs come in a delivery method that is highly accessible to working professionals. The state delivers numerous accredited online programs that guarantee interest from both in-state and out-of-state students.
Wyoming is a proud member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange. As part of the initiative, many schools in the state provide reduced tuition to distance learners from other western states. Online students can also utilize WYLDCAT, the state-wide Wyoming libraries repositories, as a resource to assist with their assignments and papers.
METHODOLOGY
By coming up with the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Wyoming, we hope to help prospective students find the most affordable, high-quality online schools in the state. These online colleges and universities feature low tuition and fees, as well as numerous financial aid opportunities for qualified distance learners. While considered as cheap colleges, these academic institutions pursue academic excellence and deliver quality education.
Western Wyoming Community College
Western Wyoming Community College is home to approximately 3,339 students and provides several associate degree programs offered in different fields. With a beautiful location in Rock Springs, WWCC enjoys a scenery that is unique among Wyoming universities. Distance learners have access to MyWWCC, the distance learning management system of WWCC for delivering course materials, conducting classroom interactions and discussions as well as accompanying learning outcomes. In addition, online students have access to a variety of student support services such as an online bookstore, information technology services, learning center, Mustang Central, and 24/7 technical support.
Western Wyoming Community College offers completely online programs in different fields of study such as criminal justice, social science, computer information systems, accounting, business administration, office information systems, and social work, to name a few. WWCC also offers certification programs including Accounting Certificate, Web Site Development Certificate, Emergency Management Certificate, and Digital Design Technologies.
Prospective undergraduate and graduate students can take advantage of the partnerships of WWCC from four-year academic institutions. The collaboration allows students to obtain baccalaureate and master’s degree programs without leaving Rock Springs or Green River through the chosen university’s online programs.
Tuition fees differ per residency status. Wyoming residents pay $139 per credit hour, while non-resident students pay $337 per credit hour. On the other hand, Western Undergraduate Exchange students pay $188 per credit hour. The school offers several financial aid opportunities for eligible students depending on their enrollment status and majors.
Location: Rock Springs, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Eastern Wyoming College
Eastern Wyoming College is a community college founded in 1968. Today, the community college is home to 1,560 students. Online students have access to a wide range of academic support services such as 24/7 tutoring services, online library, and online bookstore. The school integrates CampusCruiser, an online learning management system that allows distance learners access to coursework, course syllabus, assignments, research works, and other learning-related materials.
Prospective students can choose from EWC’s online associate program offerings. One of the popular programs includes Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration that provides students with entry-level business fundamentals and expertise with an emphasis on computers, accounting, and office management. This program will prepare distance learners to work in several offices and business career opportunities. This 60-credit hour program has core courses in Personal Finance, Principles of Management, Computer Information Systems, Introduction to Business, and Macroeconomics, among many other featured courses. A Business Administration Capstone is part of the requirements for program completion.
Tuition and fees vary per residency status. EWC’s in-state tuition is at $99 per credit hour, Western Undergraduate Exchange tuition is at $148 per credit, and out-of-state tuition is at $297 per credit hour. A technology fee of $8 per credit hour is paid on top of the tuition fee for distance learners. Eastern Wyoming College provides several financial aid opportunities for distance learners who are eligible to earn. In addition, they offer tuition discounts and benefits to military and veteran members.
Location: Torrington, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Laramie County Community College
Laramie County Community College is a community college founded in 1968. Currently, LCCC offers 13 online associate degree programs and seven certificate programs. Distance learners utilize myLCCC to access their courses, assignments, syllabus, research works, and other learning-related materials. LCCC offers a wide array of student support services that will support distance learners in their distance learning journey.
Program length and requirements differ per online degree program. LCCC’s Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity is designed to prepare distance learners for a career as a cybersecurity professional by providing them the expertise and foundational knowledge essential to safeguard the cyberspace. Students are required to have 63-credit hours for the completion of this program. They enroll in mandatory courses such as Operating Systems, Network Security Fundamentals, Server Installation and Administration, Network Attack Principles, and Success in the Workplace: Soft Skills, among many other unique courses.
Tuition and fees differ depending on the residency status and type of degree. Undergraduate students based in Wyoming pay $147.75 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $345.75 per credit hour. Western Undergraduate Exchange students pay $196.75 per credit hour. Laramie County Community College has several financial aid opportunities for eligible students through scholarship programs, grants, discounts, and federal work-study programs.
Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Casper College
Casper College is a public, comprehensive two-year academic institution established in 1945 and is home to 2,909 enrolled students. The school has a primary focus on student success that offers learning opportunities to improve the lives of students and the community. Casper College integrates Moodle4Me, a distance learning management system that enables online students to access courses, syllabus, and research work, as well as interact with their instructors and classmates. Online students have access to a wide variety of student support services such as career services, advising, and library resources.
Casper College has a unique program in Associate of Applied Science in Agri-Business, designed for online students that want to go back to the farm, ranch, or small business immediately after graduation. The program is extensive in Agriculture Business, General Business, and Agriculture with minimal general education studies and utmost flexibility and convenience for distance learners. Students must have 61-credit hours for program completion. Moreover, they are required to take core courses such as Livestock Production I and II, Agriculture Economics I and II, Farm-Ranch Business Management, Forage Crop Science, and Introduction to Soil Science, among other unique featured courses.
Tuition and Fees differ depending on the residency status and type of degree. Undergraduate students based in Wyoming pay $135 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $333 per credit hour. Western Undergraduate Exchange students pay $184 per credit hour. Casper College has numerous financial aid programs for eligible students through scholarship opportunities, grants, discounts, loans, and federal work-study programs.
Location: Casper, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
Central Wyoming College
Central Wyoming College is a public community-academic institution founded in 1966. The school offers numerous associate degree programs in different areas of study including business and entrepreneurship, media, arts, and humanities, outdoor education and environmental science, technical studies, career & technical, and health science, among many others. In addition, the school deserves acknowledgment for offering exceptional associate degree programs that the majority of prospective students can enroll in, such as Associate of Applied Science in Technical Studies-Entrepreneurship, Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, and Associate of Applied Science in Business Management.
CWC offers a unique Associate of Arts in Meta Major-Social Science, a multi-disciplinary program that provides a concrete foundational introduction to core Social Sciences and related fields. Students enroll in mandatory courses such as General Psychology, American Indians in Contemporary Society, Sociological Principals, Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, and World Religions, among other featured courses. Distance learners may focus on an individual area or select courses from several areas of interest.
Tuition and fee vary per residency status. Wyoming residents pay $99 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $297 per credit. Western Undergraduate Exchange students pay $148 per credit hour. Distance learners are eligible to apply and take advantage of the numerous financial aid opportunities offered by CWC.
Location: Riverton, Wyoming
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application for Admission
- Official Transcript of Records from previous college or universities attended
- Official High School Transcripts
Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
