How to win Wyoming scholarships
Wyoming is home to cowboys, national parks, and plenty of wide open spaces. So, in order to win Wyoming scholarships and be able to study in this awesome state, you just need to be yourself!
You should emphasize your personal connection to Wyoming and what makes Wyoming such a great state. For example, if you grew up visiting Yellowstone National Park, you could describe in detail how amazing your experience was. Share how Yellowstone’s beauty inspired you to study conservation in college in order to preserve national parks such as Yellowstone.
By simultaneously describing your own passions while emphasizing how awesome Wyoming is, you can prove to the scholarship officers that you will benefit from a scholarship to continue your education in Wyoming.
Writing resources for writing Wyoming scholarship essays
Many Wyoming scholarships may have you write an essay about yourself so be sure to familiarize yourself on some common scholarship essay prompts. Check out our guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your Wyoming scholarship application is perfect from beginning to end.
Additionally, read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to win Wyoming scholarships!
Wyoming student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Wyoming residents owe $1.7 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $31,250 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 48.5% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Keep on reading to learn more about merit scholarships from colleges in Wyoming!
Merit scholarships at Wyoming colleges and universities
University of Wyoming
- Eligibility: First year students with a strong cumulative unweighted high school GPA and ACT/SAT test scores
- Amount: $2,500 up to $12,750
- Deadline: Admission to the University of Wyoming
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
For example here is the University of Wyoming’s in-state vs out-of-state tuition rates:
- In-state tuition: $4,980
- Out-of-state tuition: $20,760
How do you get in-state tuition?
In order to obtain Wyoming residency for tuition purposes you will need to physically reside in Wyoming for at least 12 consecutive months before making an appeal for residency tuition. Then you will need to establish a domicile by doing the following:
- Wyoming vehicle registration
- A valid Wyoming driver’s license
- Gainful employment
- A Wyoming voter registration
- A Wyoming address on the most recent federal income tax return
- Documented use of a local Wyoming bank
- Change in permanent address on all records pertinent to Wyoming
- Proof that the individual receives public assistance from the State of Wyoming
Does Wyoming offer tuition reciprocity?
Wyoming is a part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange which is a tuition reciprocity program. This means that non-resident students at the University of Wyoming can be eligible for the WUE award which will pay tuition at 150% 0f the resident tuition which is significantly less than the out-of-state tuition price.
Wyoming scholarship spotlight
The Hawthorn Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Wyoming residents who want to complete their high school, undergraduate, graduate or technical school educations. Check individual scholarships for more specific criteria
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: November 30
Hathaway Scholarship
- Eligibility: Every Wyoming middle and high school student is automatically eligible and there are 4 levels of awards, each with different eligibility requirements based on GPA and SAT/ACT scores
- Amount: $840 up to $1,680
- Deadline: Automatically awarded by college
Kenneth and Carrie Carns Nursing Scholarship
- Eligibility: Nursing students at Wyoming schools who are Wyoming residents with a 3.0+ GPA
- Amount: $3,000 = Associate’s degree, $5,000 = Bachelor’s degree
- Deadline: Mid-May
Path-Away Scholarship
- Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors from an Albany County high school who are planning to attend a school outside of Wyoming with a high GPA and ACT score
- Amount: $2,210 up to $5,000
- Deadline: Varies
Kickstart Wyoming Tomorrow Scholarship
- Eligibility: Adults enrolling at one of Wyoming’s eight community colleges or the University of Wyoming
- Amount: $3,600 up to $7,200
- Deadline: October 31
Walter Urbigkit Memorial Scholarship
- Eligibility: Residents of Wyoming who are planning to study a field related to aviation. Graduates from schools in Fremont and Hot Springs Counties receive preference.
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: Varies
Western Wyoming Community College Superior Student Scholarship
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen who have not attended any other institution after graduation and have a 3.75+ GPA and 27+ ACT
- Amount: $4,500
- Deadline: End of May
Wyoming Daughters of the American Revolution
- Eligibility: Female Wyoming residents of at least ⅛ American Indian descent with a 2.0+ GPA
- Amount: $3,000
- Deadline: Varies
Additional Wyoming resources
Wyoming Community Foundation
The Wyoming Community Foundation provides a variety of scholarships, many are specific to certain Wyoming counties, schools, and areas of study. The Foundation also hosts webinars to help students have a strong scholarship application.
The Hathaway Scholarship
The Hathaway Scholarship is offered by the state of Wyoming to all Wyoming middle and high school students who meet the GPA, ACT, and course requirements. Learn more about the Hathaway Scholarship.
University of Wyoming scholarships
There are many scholarships for students at the University of Wyoming. Most are specific to certain areas of study and eligibility. Browse here!
Western Wyoming Community College scholarships
View Additional Western Wyoming Community College scholarships. Many are specific to certain areas of study and eligibility.
FAFSA guide
On October 1st of every year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens nationwide. Wyoming students should complete the FAFSA to be eligible for federal student aid as well as some scholarships.
Frequently asked questions about Wyoming scholarships
Does Wyoming offer tuition-free college?
What type of scholarships does Wyoming offer?
Do I need to be a Wyoming resident to receive Wyoming scholarships?
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