Top 10 Reasons Why
Western Is the Right Choice - Start Building Your Resume Today!
At Western Wyoming College, your education is more than classes – it's an investment in your future. From Wyoming’s #1 higher education ranking in the nation and saving up to $38,000 in just two years, to graduates earning an average of $74,000 within one year of graduation, Western delivers real results. Add in small class sizes, hands-on learning, and a 90% student satisfaction rate, and you’ll see why becoming a Mustang is the smartest step toward your goals.
Check out our Top 10 Reasons and discover why Western is where passions turn into purpose.
1. Wyoming ranks #1 in Nation for lowest student debt
Graduates of Wyoming colleges leave with the lowest student debt in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. At Western, we believe that your future should be filled with opportunity - not unnecessary debt. That’s why we’re committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education that helps you start your career with confidence and the freedom to pursue whatever comes next.
2. Save $38,000 in Just Two Years
College doesn’t have to be expensive. By coming to Western first, you can save big time–up to $19,000 a year on average compared to going to a local University. Western also awarded just over $8 million in scholarships, grants, and federal aid in 2024/2025. Whether you are from Wyoming, out-of-state, an online learner, a traditional student, or an adult learner, Western makes higher education affordable and accessible.
3. Earn $74,000 on Average After 1 Year
Your education is an investment – and at Western, it pays off. Graduates with terminal
degrees and certificates earn an average of $74,000 within one year. Western connects you directly to employers through events like our annual Career Fair, where local and state businesses recruit Mustangs ready to launch their careers.
4. 90% Student Satisfaction
At Western, students come first. The class of 2025 reported a 90% satisfaction rate*, reflecting the strong support and resources available – from free tutoring and academic labs to direct access to professors and co-curricular opportunities. With 81% of students successfully passing their courses, Western gives you the tools and guidance to achieve your goals.
5. Small Classes. Big Advantage.
Get the kind of attention and experience that moves you forward. With a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you’ll have real one-on-one time with professors and hands-on access to state-of-the-art equipment often reserved for upper-division or graduate students at larger universities. That means more mentoring, more doing, and faster skill growth. Reach out to faculty directly; they would love to hear from you!
6. Be an Outsider
Western Wyoming is your backyard – and it’s a pretty wild one. Hike, bike, ski, fish, camp, explore the Red Desert, hit the sand dunes, or head for the mountains. Right outside Western’s residence halls, you’ll also find nearly five miles of trails, including the ADA-accessible Mustang Loop. Need gear? Western students can check out outdoor equipment, including fat-tire bikes and camping gear, making it easier to get outside, try something new, and explore everything our corner of Wyoming has to offer.
7. Housing is Available for Both Singles and Families
With housing options available for both singles and families, Western’s residence halls give students the chance to live, learn, and build community right on campus. Living on-site helps you stay connected, supported, and focused – and students who live in Western’s housing are 4x more likely to graduate.
8. Personalized Support. Proven Results.
At Western, you’ll never be on your own. With small classes and hands-on learning, students succeed at a strong 3.1 average GPA. You’ll have a faculty advisor and success coach guiding you every step of the way, plus free tutoring, peer support, and the MAC (math advancement center). Western gives you the support you need – and the results to prove it. Start the conversation by scheduling an appointment with your success coach or visiting one of our Outreach Centers.
9. Lead Here. Succeed Anywhere.
Western gives you the chance to step up, get involved, and stand out. Leadership opportunities at Western don’t just make college fun – they build skills employers value and strengthen your resume. Through our new Student Leadership Program and membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), you’ll gain hands-on experience, mentorships, and recognition that set you apart. Plus, you can even earn leadership scholarships along the way.
Other opportunities include 20+ clubs, honor society, Mustang Ambassadors, and six sports teams – home of the back-to-back wrestling National Champions. Everyone should join the Stampede club and cheer on our Mustang Athletes!
10. Learn from Anywhere
Whether you’re working, raising a family, living outside Rock Springs, or simply looking for more flexibility, Western can help you build an education around your life. With a wide variety of online courses, plus 10 degrees and 11 certificates that can be completed entirely online, you can find an option that fits your goals and your schedule. Online students are still Western students, with access to Success Coaches, tutoring, library resources, counseling, and 24/7 Canvas support. Explore Western’s Online Learning options and find a path that works for you.
*Based on Western Wyoming College internal data. Additional information is available upon request through the College’s Public Records Request process.