University of Wyoming Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Wyoming aid & Grants
Last Updated on March 31, 2026What This Page Covers:
- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~96%
- Middle 50% ACT: 24
- Middle 50% SAT: 1150
- Average GPA: 3.65
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Wyoming at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program & Trustees’ Scholars Award)
Average Net Price
$13,299/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$500–$12,000/yr
No separate application.
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.5+; ACT 17+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Dec 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program & Trustees’ Scholars Award
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Residency & Waivers
WUE
The University of Wyoming is one of those rare schools where affordability isn’t a marketing line—it’s built into the system. Between already low tuition, WUE access, and the Brown & Gold automatic scholarships, this is a place where out-of-state families can realistically get close to in-state pricing without jumping through a dozen hoops.
What makes Wyoming especially interesting is how predictable the path is. Hit the GPA and test score ranges, and the money shows up. From there, stronger students can layer in honors perks or take a shot at full-tuition awards like the Trustee Scholars program. If your student is practical, independent, and open to a quieter campus with strong ROI—especially in STEM or environmental fields—this is a school where the numbers can really work in your favor.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Wyoming is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 24; SAT: 1150.
Average net price? About $13,299/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in WUE.
Sources:
ASUW scholarships page: https://www.uwyo.edu/asuw/scholarships/
Boren Awards official site: https://www.borenawards.org/
University scholarship page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/brown-and-gold.html
University scholarship page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/cowboy-commitment.html
WyoScholarships (UW AcademicWorks portal): https://uwyo.academicworks.com/
Gilman Scholarship application portal: https://gilmanapplication.iie.org/
University Hathaway information page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/hathaway.html
Honors College scholarships and awards page: https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/scholarships-awards/
Honors College support and resources page: https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/support-resources/
UW Western Thunder Marching Band site: https://www.uwyo.edu/finearts/marching-band/
Tomé Scholars to Fellows program page: https://www.uwyo.edu/haub/about/news-events/tome-scholars-to-fellows.html
University scholarship page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/trustees-scholars.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
ASUW scholarships page: https://www.uwyo.edu/asuw/scholarships/
Boren Awards official site: https://www.borenawards.org/
University scholarship page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/brown-and-gold.html
University scholarship page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/cowboy-commitment.html
WyoScholarships (UW AcademicWorks portal): https://uwyo.academicworks.com/
Gilman Scholarship application portal: https://gilmanapplication.iie.org/
University Hathaway information page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/hathaway.html
Honors College scholarships and awards page: https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/scholarships-awards/
Honors College support and resources page: https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/support-resources/
UW Western Thunder Marching Band site: https://www.uwyo.edu/finearts/marching-band/
Tomé Scholars to Fellows program page: https://www.uwyo.edu/haub/about/news-events/tome-scholars-to-fellows.html
University scholarship page: https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/trustees-scholars.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Wyoming 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $7,978 | $24,598 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $13,710 | $13,710 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $21,688 | $38,308 |
Average Federal Net Price: $13,299 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Regional Tuition Discount — Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Nonresident students from WUE states may receive a tuition discount set at 150% of resident tuition. This can save families more than $13,000 per year.
Nonresident students from WUE states may receive a tuition discount set at 150% of resident tuition. This can save families more than $13,000 per year.
- Example: Resident tuition $7,978 × 1.5 = about $11,967, versus the full nonresident tuition of $24,598.
- Eligibility: Academically qualified students from WUE states/territories who meet University of Wyoming’s criteria (including official test submission for WUE consideration).
- Learn more: Visit our plain-English WUE Guide for details on how this discount works across Western states.
Who qualifies for WUE at UW?
Academically qualified nonresidents from participating WUE states and
territories. UW requires an official ACT or SAT for WUE consideration.
How much can WUE actually save?
Using 2025–26 tuition only, nonresident tuition is $24,598 versus a WUE
rate of about $11,967 — roughly $12,600–$13,000/year in
savings. Housing, fees, and meals still apply.
Is WUE automatic or application-based?
UW treats WUE as a university-awarded discount (no separate WICHE
application). Meet academic criteria and submit required documents by the
enrollment deadline for consideration.
Sources (Tier 1 official + Tier 2 federal):
https://www.uwyo.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/index.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/index.html
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?240727-University-of-Wyoming
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-wyoming
https://www.uwyo.edu/financialaid/cost-of-attendance/index.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/index.html
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?240727-University-of-Wyoming
https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-university-search/university-of-wyoming
✅ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cowboy Commitment (Residents) | $500 – $6,500/year | WY 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+ ACT. | May 1 (confirm enrollment for fall admit) |
| Hathaway Scholarship (Residents, State Program) | ≈$1,700 – $3,300/year (tier-based) | WY high school graduates who meet tier cutoffs; must apply within 4 years of HS graduation. | No | Yes — up to 8 semesters, 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 | Apply before 1st day of classes (first term of use) |
| Brown & Gold Commitment (Non-Residents) | $3,000 – $12,000/year | Non-resident admits; higher academics = higher tier; test-optional possible for lower tiers. | No | Yes — 3.0 GPA & ~24 credits/year | 3.25–4.0 GPA; ACT ~21–31 (1060–1420 SAT). Upper tiers: 3.75+ & 28+ ACT. | May 1 (confirm enrollment for fall) |
*Ranges based on UW public descriptions, deadlines; check UW Admissions for updates. All cited cutoffs, deadlines, and procedures are public as of November.
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 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.
Sources:
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/cowboy-commitment.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/brown-and-gold.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/hathaway.html
https://hathawayscholarship.org/
https://communitycolleges.wy.edu/hathaway-scholarship-program/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/commitment-criteria.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/cowboy-commitment.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/brown-and-gold.html
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/hathaway.html
https://hathawayscholarship.org/
https://communitycolleges.wy.edu/hathaway-scholarship-program/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/commitment-criteria.html
🏆 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustees’ Scholars Award | Full ride (tuition, fees, room & board) | WY high school seniors; must apply early and interview as finalists | Yes — Dec. 1 application + Jan round 2 + interview | Yes, up to 4 years (3.25 GPA, 24 credits/yr) | Usually 3.9–4.0 GPA, ACT ~30+, and strong leadership/service | Dec 1 |
| Tomé Scholars to Fellows Program | Full ride + research/service/international funding | New undergrads (resident or nonresident) with strong academics and environment/NR passion | Yes — essays and interview | Yes, 4 years (good standing) | Usually 3.8–4.0 GPA, advanced coursework, clear ENR focus | March 15 (Wyoming Natural Resource Fdn); July 7 in some cycles |
*Deadlines confirmed with UW scholarship program pages and annual calls. Trustees’: Dec 1 application, finalist essays/interviews by Dec 17 and Jan/Feb, accept/confirm by May 1. Tomé: March 15 via WyoScholarships, some cycles July 7 via Natural Resource Foundation.
FAQs
Are these part of the Honors College?
No. Many recipients later join Honors, but selection is a different process.
How many Trustees’ awards are given?
About 100 Wyoming seniors per year, via essays/interviews.
Can these stack with other awards?
No. Full-ride scholarships replace other discounts such as WUE or Cowboy Commitment.
Key deadlines?
Trustees’: Dec 1; Tomé: March 15 or July 7 cycle.
Sources:
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/trustees-scholars.html
https://uwyo.edu/haub/about/news-events/tome-scholars-to-fellows.html
https://uwyo.academicworks.com/
https://wyomingnaturalresourcefoundation.com/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/trustees-scholars.html
https://uwyo.edu/haub/about/news-events/tome-scholars-to-fellows.html
https://uwyo.academicworks.com/
https://wyomingnaturalresourcefoundation.com/
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical UW Honors Student Looks Like
• 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.
• 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.
Why Honors Matters
- 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
Note: UW is a Carnegie R1 (Very High Research Activity) university, so Honors students can access big-school research opportunities with small-college attention.
| Scholarship / Fund | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | April 8 (most) |
| 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 | Monthly (15th) |
| 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 | October 15 |
| 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 | October 15 |
FAQs
Is Honors admission automatic? No. It’s a self-apply program with short essays. Apply to UW first, then submit your Honors application.
Does Honors add time to my degree? Not if you plan well. Honors coursework often overlaps with gen eds; capstone integrates into your major.
Are there extra costs or extra scholarships? No extra tuition. Honors has small donor scholarships, mini-grants, and enrichment awards like the J.O. Willits Prize and Louisa Swain Award to help fund projects.
When should I apply? Apply to UW early; complete the Honors application by the priority date (late winter/early spring).
Sources:
https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/
https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/support-resources/
https://uwyo.academicworks.com/
https://www.uwyo.edu/finearts/marching-band/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/scholarships-awards/
https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/
https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/support-resources/
https://uwyo.academicworks.com/
https://www.uwyo.edu/finearts/marching-band/
https://www.uwyo.edu/admissions/scholarships/
https://www.uwyo.edu/honors/scholarships-awards/
⭐ 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.
Standout Program: Energy & Petroleum Engineering
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.
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.