University of Wyoming Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Thinking about the University of Wyoming? As the state’s only four-year public university, UW is known for being one of the most affordable flagship schools in the nation. This page breaks down the scholarships, real costs, and opportunities in plain English so you can see what your family might actually pay. Be sure to also check our Wyoming state aid guide for additional programs that can stack with UW scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Wyoming
Figures below use the 2025–2026 undergraduate block tuition (12–18 credits/semester) and the most recently published standard fees & living allowances. Totals are annual and before aid.
| Category | In-State (WY Resident) | Out-of-State (Non-Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (block, 12–18 credits/sem) | $5,400 | $22,020 |
| Mandatory Fees (standard) | $2,578 | $2,578 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus typical) | $13,710 | $13,710 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Personal/Misc. | $3,500 | $3,900 |
| Total (before aid) | $26,288 | $43,308 |
Plain-English: This is what families actually paid on average after grants/scholarships (no loans). Your number can be lower or higher based on aid.
Note: Average net price numbers always lag by a year or two because they come from federal reporting. They’re the best official benchmark available, but check UW’s Net Price Calculator for a current personalized estimate.
Non-resident students from WUE states may receive a tuition discount set at 150% of resident tuition. UW estimates savings of $13k+ per year.
- How it’s priced: Resident tuition $5,400 → WUE rate = $5,400 × 1.5 = $8,100 (vs. non-resident $22,020). Illustrative tuition savings ≈ $13,920/year before fees/room & board.
- Key requirements: UW notes an official ACT/SAT is required for WUE consideration. Enrollment deposit deadlines typically apply (May 1 for fall, Jan 5 for spring).
- Want the bigger picture? Read our full guide to the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) to see how it works across all participating states.
Who qualifies for WUE at UW?
Academically qualified non-residents from participating WUE states/territories. UW requires an official ACT or SAT for WUE consideration. Some majors may have additional criteria; always verify on UW’s current scholarship pages.
How much can WUE actually save?
Using 2025–26 tuition only: Non-resident tuition $22,020 vs. WUE tuition about $8,100 — roughly $13,900/year in tuition savings. Fees, housing, and meals still apply.
Is WUE automatic or application-based?
UW treats WUE as a university-awarded discount (no separate WICHE application). Meet UW’s criteria (including ACT/SAT) and submit the enrollment deposit by the published deadline for your term.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UW awards several admission-based scholarships automatically. No separate essays are needed—your high school GPA and, if you submit them, ACT/SAT scores determine your tier. Superscoring details are in the FAQs below.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Commitment (Residents) | $500 – $6,500/year | Wyoming resident admits; higher GPA/test = higher tier. | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & ~24 credits/year (up to 4 years) | *Typically 3.5–4.0 GPA; ACT ~24–31 (≈1160–1420 SAT). Top tiers trend 3.8+ & 28+. |
| Hathaway Scholarship (Residents, State Program) | ≈$1,700 – $3,300/year (tier-based) | Wyoming high school graduates who meet tier cutoffs. | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters with GPA/credit minimums | *Honors ~3.5+ & ACT 25+ (≈1200+ SAT); Performance 3.25–3.49 & ACT 23–24; Opportunity 3.0–3.24 & ACT 21–22. |
| Brown & Gold Commitment (Non-Residents) | $3,000 – $12,000/year | Non-resident admits; stronger academics = higher tier. Test-optional considered on GPA alone. | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & ~24 credits/year | *Generally 3.25–4.0 GPA; ACT ~21–31 (≈1060–1420 SAT). Upper tiers trend 3.75+ & 28+. |
*Ranges are estimates based on UW public descriptions, recent awarding patterns, and peer flagships. Exact thresholds can shift each year with applicant volume and funding.
FAQs
Does UW superscore?
Yes—UW accepts ACT superscores for scholarship consideration. SAT is not superscored.
Do I need a separate application?
No. Complete your UW admission application and the general WyoScholarships profile; you’ll be considered automatically for admission-based awards.
Can test-optional students still get awards?
Yes. GPA-only applicants can qualify for certain tiers. Submitting scores—especially a higher ACT—can move you up a tier.
Can these stack with WUE?
Generally no. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a tuition discount and does not stack with Brown & Gold or Cowboy Commitment; UW applies the single best option.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These are selective, limited-slot awards that require an extra step beyond admission. Neither is tied directly to the Honors College (though many recipients end up in Honors).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustees’ Scholars Award | Full ride (tuition, fees, room & board) | Wyoming high school seniors; must apply early and interview as finalists | Yes — December deadline + interview | Yes, up to 4 years (3.25 GPA, 24 credits/yr) | Usually 3.9–4.0 GPA, ACT ~30+, plus strong leadership/service |
| Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program | Full ride + funding for research, service, or international experiences | New undergrads (resident or nonresident) with strong academics and interest in environment/natural resources | Yes — essays and interview process | Yes, 4 years (good standing) | Typically 3.8–4.0 GPA, advanced coursework, and clear ENR passion |
*GPA and test score ranges are based on recent awardees and UW’s published profiles. Exact cutoffs vary year-to-year.
FAQs
Are these part of the Honors College?
No. They are university-level scholarships. Many winners later join Honors, but admission is separate.
How many Trustees’ awards are given?
Around 100 Wyoming seniors each year, chosen through essays and finalist interviews.
Can these stack with other awards?
No. Full-ride scholarships replace other UW tuition discounts (like WUE or Cowboy Commitment).
Key deadlines?
Trustees’ Scholars: early December application; interviews late January/early February. Tomé Scholars: deadlines announced annually, usually spring.
⭐ College Specialty
When families look at the University of Wyoming, they often think first about its wide-open setting and affordable tuition. But UW also carries academic strengths that punch above its weight — especially in areas connected to the state’s natural resources and environment. As a public R1 research university, UW gives students opportunities for hands-on work in labs and field stations that rival bigger schools.
UW’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences is consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs in petroleum engineering (U.S. News, 2023). Students have direct access to the High Bay Research Facility — a state-of-the-art lab for energy, infrastructure, and advanced materials research.
- Law (Natural Resources & Environmental Law): The UW College of Law is nationally recognized for its focus on environmental and natural resource law, leveraging Wyoming’s energy landscape for real-world casework.
- Biodiversity & Ecology: The Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center supports research in ecology, wildlife, and conservation biology; UW is a hub for Rocky Mountain region field research.
- Education: The College of Education is the primary training ground for K-12 teachers statewide and is regionally known for rural and special education preparation.
- Agriculture & Natural Resources: Through the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources, UW is a leader in rangeland management and agricultural sciences, supporting Wyoming’s largest industry.
🎖️ Honors College
UW’s Honors College is designed for curious, community-minded students who want small seminars, close faculty mentorship, and hands-on learning. Admission is self-apply (not automatic); you’ll complete a short Honors application with essays after applying to UW. Priority consideration typically lands in late winter/early spring; confirm the current cycle on UW’s site.
• GPA: ~3.7–4.0* • ACT: ~28–32* • SAT: ~1300–1420*
• Rigor: AP/IB/dual-enrollment or advanced math/science/humanities
• Signals: leadership/service, strong writing, and a clear academic curiosity
*Estimates based on recent cohorts; ranges vary year-to-year.
- Priority registration and small, discussion-based seminars
- Faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and an Honors capstone
- Honors housing community (space-available) and tailored advising
- Dedicated funding for research, travel, and high-impact experiences
| Scholarship / Fund | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Scholarships (Donor-Funded) | ~$500–$2,500 (varies) | Admitted Honors students; some funds target first-gen/leadership/service | Yes — portal application | Varies | 3.5+ GPA and active in Honors/community programs |
| Honors Research/Travel Mini-Grants | ~$500–$2,000 | Honors students with a research, capstone, or study-abroad project | Yes — short proposal | No | Students with a concrete faculty-mentored plan |
| J.O. Willits Prize | ~$500–$1,500 | Honors students completing projects on ethics or moral philosophy | Yes — project proposal | No (project-based) | Students pursuing research or creative work tied to ethics |
| Louisa Swain Foundation Student Enrichment Award | ~$500–$1,500 | Honors students researching women’s history, leadership, or civic engagement | Yes — project proposal | No (project-based) | Students tying research/capstone to women’s history or civic themes |
FAQs
Is Honors admission automatic?
No. It’s a self-apply program with short essays. Admission to UW is required first; then you submit the Honors application.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
Not if you plan well. Honors coursework often overlaps with gen eds, and the capstone integrates into your major.
Are there extra costs or extra scholarships?
No extra tuition. In fact, Honors has small donor scholarships, mini-grants, and enrichment awards like the J.O. Willits Prize and Louisa Swain Award that help fund special projects.
When should I apply?
Apply to UW early, then complete the Honors application by the priority date (usually late winter/early spring).
🔗 Official Links
💭 Final Thoughts
The University of Wyoming stands out as one of the most affordable flagship schools in the country, especially when paired with its generous WUE discount and automatic scholarships. Add in competitive full-ride opportunities, hidden gems like ASUW and marching band stipends, and the perks of a public R1 research university, and families can see real value here. If your student is first-gen, loves wide-open spaces, or is drawn to energy, environment, or education, UW is worth a serious look.
✅ Last updated: August 29, 2025