🎓 Wyoming College Grants and Scholarships: What Every Parent Should Know

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If you’re a Wyoming parent trying to figure out how to make college affordable, you’re in the right place. The state doesn’t offer a huge list of aid programs, but the Hathaway Scholarship—Wyoming’s signature merit award—is a big one. And if your kid qualifies, it can cover a large portion of tuition at in-state schools.

This page breaks down the Hathaway tiers, how to qualify, and why FAFSA still matters even when the scholarship doesn’t require financial need.

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🎓 Hathaway Scholarship Program (Merit-Based Aid)

The Hathaway Scholarship is Wyoming’s main state-funded scholarship. It comes in four levels, each with its own GPA and ACT/SAT requirements. Your kid doesn’t have to be a straight-A student to qualify. Even the lower tiers offer solid help.

The scholarship is available to Wyoming high school graduates who attend in-state public colleges, either a community college or the University of Wyoming.

Tier	GPA	ACT/SAT	Max Award	Notes
Honors	3.5	25 ACT / 1200 SAT	$1,680 per semester	Maintain 2.5 in college
Performance	3.0	21 ACT / 1060 SAT	$1,260 per semester	Maintain 2.5
Opportunity	2.5	19 ACT / 980 SAT	$840 per semester	Maintain 2.25
Provisional	2.5	No test required	$840 per semester (2-year only)	Community college only

Students must enroll full-time and apply within 48 months of graduating high school. There are also need-based add-ons available for lower-income families, which can add up to $840 more per semester.

⚠️ Even though the Hathaway is automatic for most students, your child should still file the FAFSA if there’s a chance they might qualify for that need-based boost. It’s the only way to unlock those extra funds.

💰 FAFSA and Need-Based Help in Wyoming

Wyoming doesn’t offer a separate, state-run need-based grant like some other states do—but your FAFSA still matters.

It’s required to qualify for need-based Hathaway add-ons
Most colleges in Wyoming use it to award institutional aid
Federal Pell Grants and Work-Study still depend on it
Many local and private scholarships ask for it too

Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, file the FAFSA early to keep all doors open. The FAFSA opens October 1 and some aid is first-come, first-served.

📌 Institutional and Local Scholarships

In addition to Hathaway, encourage your kid to apply for:

Local community foundation or school district scholarships (many open in spring)
University of Wyoming institutional aid – includes academic and leadership scholarships beyond Hathaway
Community college awards – Most campuses have their own apps for internal scholarships

Deadlines vary, but many are due between February and April of senior year. Start checking with schools early.

Going Out-of-State?
Families in WUE may qualify for reduced tuition through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.

🏫 Division I Public Colleges in Wyoming

University of Wyoming

That’s it—Wyoming only has one Division I public university. All other public options are community colleges, which are eligible for Hathaway funding at all levels.

📝 What To Do Next

✅ Encourage your kid to take the ACT or SAT early enough to qualify for a higher Hathaway tier
✅ Submit the FAFSA in October to access need-based Hathaway add-ons
✅ Have your child select an in-state college to activate the scholarship
✅ Start applying for local and college-based scholarships in January
✅ Make sure your child keeps their GPA up during senior year—scholarships can be rescinded

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does my kid have to apply for the Hathaway Scholarship?

No formal application is needed. Eligibility is reviewed automatically based on high school transcripts and test scores, but your child must enroll at a Wyoming college within 48 months of graduation.

Can my child use Hathaway at a private or out-of-state college?

No. It’s only for in-state public schools—community colleges or the University of Wyoming.

Is the ACT or SAT required?

Only for the top three Hathaway tiers. The Provisional level doesn’t require test scores but is only for community college students.

Can my kid lose the scholarship once they’re in college?

Yes. Each level requires a certain GPA to remain eligible. Students must also be enrolled full-time.

What if we qualify for the need-based Hathaway addition?

Your child must complete the FAFSA to qualify. If eligible, they can receive an extra $840 per semester.

Is the FAFSA required to get the base Hathaway award?

No, but it’s required for any need-based add-on—and it’s smart to file it anyway.

Can homeschoolers qualify for Hathaway?

Yes, but they’ll need to provide a transcript and ACT/SAT scores for eligibility review.

Can my kid use Hathaway if they take a gap year?

Yes, but there’s a time limit. Your child must enroll in an eligible Wyoming college within 48 months of high school graduation to keep eligibility.

Can Hathaway be used for summer classes?

Usually no. Hathaway is designed for fall and spring semesters. Some exceptions may apply, but check with your college’s financial aid office.

Does Hathaway cover full tuition?

Not always. It provides a fixed amount per semester, and if tuition rises or your child takes extra credits, there may still be a balance to pay.

What happens if my kid drops below full-time enrollment?

They’ll likely lose eligibility for that semester and may have to appeal to regain the scholarship later. Always talk to the school’s financial aid office before dropping classes.

🎒 Want More Help?

Grab the College Ready Parent Starter Kit – it’s a free, printable set of tools to help you track deadlines, build your kid’s brag sheet, and compare offers with confidence.