Pursuing higher education can be expensive. Thankfully, Wyoming offers numerous scholarships and grants to help students and graduates afford college or vocational training. This comprehensive guide explores all the known strategies and methods for accessing financial aid in Wyoming.
Federal Student Aid
The US Department of Education provides the largest source of financial assistance. All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal aid.
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant for undergraduates. For 2022-23, the maximum award is $6,895. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
The FSEOG provides $100 to $4,000 for students with exceptional financial need. Funds are limited so apply early!
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
For students whose parent/guardian died during military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11, this grant provides up to the maximum Pell Grant amount.
TEACH Grants
The TEACH Grant provides up to $4,000 per year for teaching-focused majors who commit to teaching high-need subjects at Title I schools for 4 years after graduation. If that service obligation isn’t met, the grant converts to an unsubsidized loan.
Federal Work-Study
Federal work-study provides part-time employment for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need, allowing students to earn money for education expenses.
Wyoming State Aid Programs
Wyoming offers several state-funded student aid programs. All require the FAFSA to determine eligibility.
Hathaway Scholarship
This merit-based scholarship rewards high school academic achievement. Students must meet certain curriculum, GPA, and ACT/WorkKeys requirements. The scholarship amount increases for higher GPAs and test scores. In 2022-23, awards range from $1,680 up to $3,360 per semester.
Wyoming Higher Education Grant
This need-based grant is for Wyoming residents attending the University of Wyoming or Wyoming community colleges. In 2022-23, the maximum award is $1,170 per semester.
Wyoming Education Opportunity Grant
This needs-based grant assists Wyoming students pursuing degrees at the University of Wyoming. The 2022-23 maximum award is $1,000 per semester.
Wyoming Workforce Development Grant
This grant assists students in career and technical education certificate programs that align with Wyoming’s economic and workforce needs. The 2022-23 maximum award is $2,000 per semester.
University and College Aid
Wyoming universities and community colleges offer institutional scholarships and grants. Visit your chosen school’s financial aid office for opportunities.
University of Wyoming
As Wyoming’s only public university, UW provides various scholarships, including:
- Academic Department Scholarships: Over $2 million awarded annually to students demonstrating academic excellence.
- Honor Scholarship: Full or partial tuition awards based on test scores, HS GPA and class rank.
- Cowboy Joe Club Scholarship: Up to $3,600 per year for academically eligible student athletes.
- Cultural Diversity Scholarship: Up to $2,500 per year for underrepresented minority students who apply early.
Wyoming Community Colleges
Wyoming’s seven community colleges each offer scholarships and grants for qualifying students. Opportunities vary by school but may include:
- Merit-based academic scholarships for GPA/test scores
- Needs-based grants for students with financial hardship
- Athletic scholarships for eligible student athletes
- STEM-focused scholarships in science, technology, engineering and math
- Departmental scholarships for specific programs of study
| College | Key Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Casper College | Rustler Spirit Scholarship, STEM Scholarship, Visual/Performing Arts Award |
| Central Wyoming College | Rustler Scholarship, Stampede Scholarship, CWC Foundation Grants |
| Eastern Wyoming College | Presidential & Dean’s Scholarships, Cultural Diversity Grant |
| Laramie County Community College | Honors Scholarship, Pokes Scholarship, Fine Arts Award |
| Northern Wyoming Community College | NWCCD Foundation Scholarships, Career & Technical Scholarships |
| Northwest College | Presidents/Deans Scholarships, Cultural Diversity Scholarship |
| Western Wyoming Community College | Mustang Merit Scholarship, Multicultural Award, Fine Arts Scholarship |
Table: Key scholarships at Wyoming’s community colleges.
Wyoming-Based Scholarships
Numerous scholarships are available specifically for Wyoming students or graduates.
Wyoming Foundation for Scholars
This non-profit offers various renewable scholarships:
- Scholar Award: Up to $16,000 total for Wyoming HS graduates based on ACT scores, GPA, and class rank
- Apprenticeship Scholarship: Up to $8,000 total for graduating HS seniors entering a Wyoming apprenticeship program
- Nontraditional Student Scholarship: Up to $8,000 total for returning adult students who previously earned some college credits
Wyoming School-to-Careers Program
This state program provides matching scholarships from $500 to $2,000 for high school graduates pursuing technical training at a Wyoming community college, the UW, or an accredited private institution.
Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board Scholarships
- Future Teacher Scholarship: Up to $4,000 per year for students pursuing teaching degrees who commit to teaching in Wyoming
- Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program: Repays loans up to $4,000 for teachers in high need or shortage areas in Wyoming
Wyoming Student Loan Repayment Programs
Wyoming helps certain professionals repay student loans in exchange for serving in-state:
- Wyoming Healthcare Professional Loan Repayment Program: Repays up to $30,000 for doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, dentists, physical therapists, etc.
- Wyoming Teacher Loan Repayment Program: Repays up to $15,000 for teachers in Title I schools or other high need subjects
- Wyoming Law Enforcement, Prison Guard & Public Security Loan Repayment Program: Repays up to $10,000
Local Wyoming Scholarships
Many Wyoming towns, companies, non-profits, tribal organizations, churches, hospitals, and more offer local scholarships. Research options in your county or city.
Tips for Scholarship Success
Follow these strategies to maximize your scholarship opportunities in Wyoming:
- Start early – Begin applying for scholarships in 11th and 12th grade before you graduate high school.
- Meet deadlines – Submit all applications and documentation by specified deadlines.
- Tap your networks – Ask family, friends, employers, churches, and others about potential scholarship opportunities.
- Highlight achievements – When applying, emphasize academic, athletic, leadership, service, and work achievements.
- Consider essay themes – For essays, focus on overcoming challenges, future goals, or how you’ll use your education to benefit Wyoming.
- Apply annually – Reapply for renewable scholarships each academic year.
- Search broadly – Look beyond your town or county for statewide and national scholarships open to Wyoming students.
- Follow instructions – Carefully read and follow all application instructions to avoid disqualification.
- Persevere – Apply for multiple scholarships—the more you apply to, the better your odds.
Applying for scholarships and grants takes time and effort, but maximizing financial aid can make higher education or career training accessible and affordable. With Wyoming’s many state, institutional, local, and national opportunities, students and graduates have ample options to help fund their continued education and training within the state.
FAQs About Wyoming Scholarships
What are the main types of Wyoming scholarships and grants?
The main types are Wyoming’s state aid programs like the Hathaway Scholarship, institutional aid from colleges like the University of Wyoming, locally-based scholarships, and national scholarships open to Wyoming students.
Who is eligible for Wyoming state scholarships and grants?
Eligibility varies, but most Wyoming state aid requires being a Wyoming resident and U.S. citizen/permanent resident. Some state aid like the Hathaway Scholarship also requires certain academics.
Where can I find scholarships specifically for Wyoming students?
Great places to find Wyoming-focused scholarships include the Wyoming Foundation for Scholars, your local community organizations, the financial aid offices of Wyoming colleges, and websites like Fastweb.com and Scholarships.com.
What tips help with writing scholarship essays and applications?
Make sure to always follow provided instructions. In essays, highlight your achievements, passions, how you overcame challenges, and your goals. Have others proofread to catch errors.
How can graduates fund education and training?
Options include employer education benefits, Wyoming grant/scholarship programs for non-traditional students, student loans, and local community and industry scholarships for career or technical training.
