University of Wyoming vs Northern Wyoming Community College District: which has better ROI?
University of Wyoming has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $54,396 in 6.4 years versus not at all at Northern Wyoming Community College District, on median earnings of $56,880 vs $40,477 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Wyoming | Northern Wyoming Community College District |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $13,599 | $9,346 |
| Total net cost | $54,396 | $18,692 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $56,880 | $40,477 |
| Median debt | $18,000 | $8,622 |
| Payback | 6.4 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $116,004 | -$176,352 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Wyoming or Northern Wyoming Community College District?
Northern Wyoming Community College District, at $9,346 a year after aid versus $13,599 — a gap of $4,253 a year, or $35,704 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Wyoming or Northern Wyoming Community College District graduates earn more?
University of Wyoming graduates report a median $56,880 ten years after entry, $16,403 more than the $40,477 at Northern Wyoming Community College District. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Wyoming or Northern Wyoming Community College District?
Northern Wyoming Community College District: its completers carry a median $8,622 in federal loans versus $18,000 at University of Wyoming, a difference of $9,378. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
59% of students finish at University of Wyoming, against 42% at Northern Wyoming Community College District. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.