Western Wyoming Community College
Western Wyoming Community College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western Wyoming Community College at a Glance
Western Wyoming College (Western) is a public community college in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Western offers certificates, associate degrees, and a bachelor's degree. The college students are known as the Mustangs.
1959
67 years old
2,391
183
Identity
Is Western Wyoming Community College Worth It?
Western Wyoming Community College offers moderate value at $6,591/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $40,939, which is 24% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 33% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How Western Wyoming Community College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 110 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #25 | Western Wyoming Community College | 51 | $6,591 | $40,939 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Western Wyoming Community College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in WY.
Best Programs at Western Wyoming Community College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Western Wyoming Community College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $6,591/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in WY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Rock Springs, WY
- Student Body
- 1,319 students
- Graduation Rate
- 33%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $6,591
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,939
- Median Student Debt
- $9,000