Best Online Colleges in Wyoming (WY): Top Schools for 2024

One in five students in Wyoming is taking classes exclusively online as of 2021, and the popularity of online learning continues to rise. The main reason is learning flexibility, with many online programs letting you take classes not only from anywhere but also often at any time. From small community colleges to major universities, accredited colleges from across Wyoming are offering more and more of their degree programs online to meet the growing demand.

The biggest challenge for most prospective online college students in Wyoming isn’t whether you should enroll in an online program, but which school and program are the best match for your education goals, learning style, and study schedule.

This guide can help you find a great program for your needs. We’ve listed the best online colleges in Wyoming, compared the different online learning formats they offer, and provided other helpful resources that can help you plan for your online degree program. Keep reading to get started on your online Wyoming college search.

Top Online Colleges in Wyoming: 2024 Edition

Choosing an online college in Wyoming can be a tough task, but it doesn’t have to be. The following ranking can make your research easier. In addition to factoring in academic quality, it looks at more practical considerations that online students consider important. For example, it accounts for the availability of financial aid, overall tuition cost, student-to-faculty ratios, program options, and academic and career support for online students. Keep reading to see the best accredited online colleges in Wyoming for 2024.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Casper College

Casper, Wyoming

Public $
Casper College offers degree programs that are conducted entirely online, as well as programs that require students to complete 30% or less of their studies on campus. Whether you choose an online or hybrid program, you will have access to coursework in the school’s MyCCMoodle learning management system, which gives you access to live or prerecorded class content and allows you to hand in assignments and communicate with professors. In addition, MyCCMoodle houses several tutorials to help students with their classes, including content related to science, reading, economics, accounting, and mathematics courses. Also, if you need assistance with writing assignments, Casper College has a writing center that offers online guidance.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness
- Credits: 64
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $147/credit in state; $357/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management
- Credits: 64
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $147/credit in state; $357/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $147/credit in state; $357/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1
2
Western Wyoming Community College

Rock Springs, Wyoming

Public $
Western Wyoming Community College offers seven programs that can be completed entirely online, such as degrees in business administration, communication, and criminal justice. If you want to earn a credential to enter the workforce faster without completing an entire degree, you can enroll in one of the school’s online certificate programs, including web development, application software, and accounting certificates. Although you will enjoy the freedom of earning your degree or certificate online, it’s important to keep in mind that these are not self-paced programs, so you will be expected to meet regular deadlines even though you don’t have to log into the Canvas learning system during specific days and times.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $150/credit in state; $360/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $150/credit in state; $360/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Arts in Elementary and Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 64
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $150/credit in state; $360/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

11/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
University of Wyoming

Laramie, Wyoming

Public $
The University of Wyoming offers opportunities for students to enroll in a variety of courses and degree programs, with campuses in Laramie and Casper, as well as online through distance learning. UW also offers its distance courses to non-degree seeking students, so students across the country have the option of enrolling in a course at UW even if they are not trying to earn a formal degree. You can choose from a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate/endorsement programs. Online bachelor’s programs include accounting, management of human resources, family and consumer sciences, and a BSN completion program. Some of the many online master’s programs include instructional technology, English, an MBA, and an MS in accounting or finance. Online students have access to a range of resources from the university, including career advising, veteran services, free academic tutoring, an online writing center and more.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $160/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Master of Arts, Education
- Credits: 32
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $311/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 73
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $521/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1

How Online College Works in Wyoming

Online accredited colleges in Wyoming allow students to attend classes from locations outside the classroom. However, other characteristics make an online program easier or harder to complete, depending on your circumstances. The section below teaches you about these variables to help you decide which ones might work best for your learning needs.

Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended

One online classroom feature to understand before applying is whether your program is fully online or partially online with a blended or hybrid curriculum. Fully online programs usually allow you to earn your degree without having to complete any in-person requirements. Some schools use the term “fully online” to mean that all classroom learning requirements can be met online but still have in-person requirements like experiential learning internships, clinicals, or practicums.

Hybrid/blended programs combine online and in-person learning elements in some way. Schools often refer to hybrid programs as those that use online elements to replace one or more in-person elements while blended programs use online learning to supplement in-person instruction. To help illustrate the different formats, look at the following examples.

AS in Computer Science from Northern Wyoming Community College District (Fully Online)

Northern Wyoming Community College District is comprised of Gillette College and Sheridan College, the latter of which offers the Associate of Science in Computer Science degree 100% online with no in-person or on-campus requirements. Students complete the bulk of the coursework through the Canvas learning management system with easy access to the Student HelpZone for any technical difficulties. The curriculum consists of 60 credits, which most full-time students complete in two years. After earning an associate degree, graduates easily move to four-year universities to obtain bachelor’s degrees in a computer science specialty and further hone their understanding and skills. The associate degree program provides a solid understanding of computational science, programming, computing theory, and general education topics.

AA in Anthropology at Casper College (Blended/Hybrid)

Students fascinated with human nature and culture as well as interactions with the environment and how they change over time should consider the Associate of Arts in Anthropology program from Casper College. This 60-credit program prepares students for both future careers in anthropology and the social sciences and transfer to a four-year university. This transfer potential is not just for online colleges in Wyoming but those throughout the country since Casper College has arrangements with schools outside the state. When it comes to learning styles, you can choose from 100% on-campus learning and a 70% hybrid online program where you complete most of your course requirements online with minimal on-campus visits.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

Remote learning lets you attend an accredited online college in Wyoming from almost anywhere there’s a broadband internet connection. However, some require you are present virtually on a certain day and time. These synchronous classes offer the benefits of real-time feedback and interaction with your professor and peers, but you need to be available during scheduled class times.In contrast, asynchronous classes let you complete assignments and other requirements at times that work for you. The disadvantage of asynchronous learning is that there is a delay in your interaction with others. Many online colleges in Wyoming offer both types of online classes in their distance education programs. Below are examples of each type to show you how they work.

AA in Communication at Western Wyoming Community College (Asynchronous)

Western Wyoming Community College’s Associate of Arts in Communication program teaches students various theories and techniques to communicate to a wide variety of potential audiences. The program can be completed 100% online, 100% on campus, or through a combination of both. Most online courses are asynchronous and do not have set meeting times to give maximum flexibility for completing class requirements on your schedule. The curriculum consists of 60 credits, so you can earn your degree in about two years. Most classes have set start and end dates. This program has an optional internship course that lasts one to four credits to give students the chance to hone their presentation, research, or field experience skills further.

AA Criminal Justice at Western Wyoming College (Synchronous)

Western Wyoming College offers five fully online programs. One of its more popular programs is the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program has been specifically designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the criminal justice field. Students must complete 62 or 63 credits to graduate and typically take two years to do so. Eleven credits are electives to give you the ability to customize your education and specialize in a certain area of criminal justice. Before students can graduate, they must also complete a capstone project. Online classes include synchronous web conference courses where students must be present on certain days and at certain times through Canvas or Zoom to meet the course requirements and obtain the learning material. Webcams are optional, but students need microphones to participate.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

Part-time and full-time programs are both very common in Wyoming. Part-time programs tend to be more common because virtual learning is designed to make it easier for students to fit schooling in with other obligations like family and work. Full-time programs are still common, though, since some students enroll in distance learning courses to take and complete coursework as quickly as possible. Generally speaking, most online programs in Wyoming offer both full-time and part-time tracts. Below are examples of two programs to show you how this type of learning might work.

MBA at the University of Wyoming (Part-Time)

The Online MBA Program from the University of Wyoming is a prime example of a degree program that makes the most of what online learning has to offer. The curriculum is flexible, so students can customize their degrees to focus on areas of professional interest, such as energy finance. The 30-credit curriculum can be completed full-time or part-time, with part-time students typically taking a bit more than two years to complete the program. The MBA degree is 100% online with no campus visits or in-person learning requirements. Given the importance of establishing connections while in an MBA program, there are optional on-site networking events like the Jackson Leadership Conference. Students can start classes on any of the three start dates in the fall, summer, and spring and progress through the program in a cohort.

BAS in Professional Studies at Northwest College (Full-Time)

The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies program offered by Northwest College is intended for students who want to either begin careers in leadership roles or take the next step in their current professions by shifting into management. The diverse curriculum consists of 120 credits and offers courses in areas like marketing, business finance, accounting, communication, risk analysis, and leadership. Students also can specialize with 14 to 16 credits of open electives and 24 credits in a specialization of choice. Those who want to graduate as soon as possible should take classes full-time, which requires approximately 15 credits per semester and results in graduation in approximately four years. A part-time student takes about nine credits per semester.

Role of Accreditation for Online Colleges in Wyoming

As you decide which online college or program to attend, only consider accredited online Wyoming schools and programs. Accreditation is important because it’s usually required for financial aid and eligibility for any professional licensing or certifications after you graduate. It also ensures you’re receiving a quality education.

Most accredited online colleges in Wyoming have at least institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accrediting body. If you’re interested in a particular program, you’ll want to see if it has programmatic accreditation, though not all do. For instance, teaching programs often have programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation ofEducator Preparation (CAEP). Whatever organization accredits your school or program, you want the accrediting body to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Investing in Your Future: Cost of Online College in Wyoming

As convenient as online learning is in Wyoming, taking classes on your schedule means little if you can’t afford it. The good news is that online colleges are typically less expensive to attend than in-person ones mainly because you don’t have commuting and living costs associated with attending classes on campus. Another reason is that for some schools in Wyoming, online tuition is cheaper than on-campus tuition. Some schools even have an online tuition rate that is lower than on-campus tuition regardless of residence. For many Wyoming online colleges, though, the primary difference in tuition rates is due to residency status. To give you an idea of how on-campus and online tuitions compare for different types of students, check out the following chart.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
Northern Wyoming Community College District	$214/credit	$371/credit	$214/credit	$371/credit
Western Wyoming Community College	$150/credit	$360/credit	$150/credit	$360/credit
Casper College	$147/credit	$357/credit	$147/credit	$357/credit
Northwest College	$105/credit	$315/credit	$105/credit	$315/credit
University of Wyoming	$236/credit	$741/credit	$236/credit	$741/credit

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid for Wyoming Online College Students

If you decide to attend an online college or university in Wyoming, you’ll have access to most of the same financial aid sources as students in other parts of the country. This includes grants, student loans, and scholarships. Grants and scholarships are usually the most desirable forms of financial aid since they don’t need to be paid back. They’re often offered by nonprofit organizations and corporations as well as schools themselves.

Some are even offered by the state of Wyoming.For example, there’s the Hathaway Scholarship available to any Wyoming student attending a Wyoming institution of higher learning who meets the academic requirements. Then there’s the WY Investment in Nursing (WyIN) program that helps Wyoming nursing students pay for their nursing school education.

If you get a student loan, you’ll most likely need to pay it back. Getting a loan from the federal government is preferred due to its more generous terms. However, private lenders also offer student loans.

Wyoming’s Top College-Level Careers

If you’re confident you want to get an online college degree in Wyoming but aren’t sure what to study, consider a field that allows you to enter an in-demand profession. The table below identifies 10 careers in Wyoming that require a college degree and are expected to be among the fastest-growing jobs over the next decade.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Annual Mean Wage (2021)
Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary	100%	$82,990
Nurse Practitioners	54.3%	$114,530
Archivists	50%	$61,880 (National)
Epidemiologists	50%	$86,740 (National)
Information Security Analysts	50%	$113,270
Materials Engineers	50%	$101,950 (National)
Medical Scientists, except Epidemiologists	50%	$104,050
Orthotists and Prosthetists	50%	$79,820
Psychiatrists	50%	Over $208,000
Statisticians	50%	$115,920

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Key Resources for Online College Students in Wyoming

Wyoming Department of Education

The Wyoming Department of Education oversees all levels of education in Wyoming. Postsecondary resources include scholarships and information about Wyoming’s Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Program.

Wyoming Community College Commission

If you have a question about community colleges in Wyoming, this is the organization most likely to have the answer. One of its biggest features is the information about financial aid, including Wyoming-exclusive scholarships.

WyCLASS

WyCLASS is an innovative system that provides students with a central location to look up online college courses offered state-wide. You can search with several pieces of information, such as school, delivery format, department, and course keyword.

Wyoming Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (WyASFAA)

This professional organization helps inform students about their college financial aid options. Even though it’s primarily designed for financial aid professionals, it has resources like financial literacy articles and links students will find handy.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

WUE represents an agreement among the 16 members of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). These member schools offer a special tuition rate for students from participating universities, even if they’re outside Wyoming or another state with a WICHE member institution.

Inside the Best Online Colleges in Wyoming

Top Online Colleges in Wyoming: 2024 Edition

Casper College

Western Wyoming Community College

University of Wyoming