Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Western Wyoming Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Western Wyoming Community College's nursing program delivers solid, though not exceptional, results for Wyoming students. At $68,751 in first-year earnings, graduates earn slightly above the national median and land near the middle of Wyoming's nursing landscape—notably behind Laramie County and Northern Wyoming Community College but ahead of several peers. The 60th percentile ranking among Wyoming programs signals competence rather than leadership in a state with limited nursing school options.
The financial picture is straightforward: $16,338 in median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary. While the debt sits higher than ideal compared to other programs nationally (73rd percentile), the manageable absolute amount and strong nursing wages make this workable for most families. The low Pell Grant enrollment (18%) suggests this program primarily serves a more economically secure student population.
For families in southwestern Wyoming, this program offers reliable entry to a stable profession without the geographic disruption of relocating. However, if your student can access Laramie County or Northern Wyoming Community College—whether through location or online options—those programs show $3,000-4,000 higher starting salaries with comparable debt loads. That difference compounds significantly over a nursing career.
Where Western Wyoming Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Western Wyoming Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Western Wyoming Community College graduates earn $69k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all registered nursing, nursing administration, nursing research and clinical nursing associates programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing associates's programs at peer institutions in Wyoming (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Wyoming Community College | $68,751 | — | $16,338 | 0.24 |
| Laramie County Community College | $72,685 | $68,895 | $20,000 | 0.28 |
| Northern Wyoming Community College District | $71,610 | $65,966 | $21,000 | 0.29 |
| Casper College | $68,615 | $63,624 | $13,582 | 0.20 |
| Central Wyoming College | $65,164 | $59,797 | $15,243 | 0.23 |
| Northwest College | $60,794 | $59,033 | $17,992 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $68,409 | — | $20,751 | 0.30 |
Other Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs in Wyoming
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wyoming schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laramie County Community College Cheyenne | $4,613 | $72,685 | $20,000 |
| Northern Wyoming Community College District Sheridan | $4,830 | $71,610 | $21,000 |
| Casper College Casper | $4,410 | $68,615 | $13,582 |
| Central Wyoming College Riverton | $4,680 | $65,164 | $15,243 |
| Northwest College Powell | $4,935 | $60,794 | $17,992 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Western Wyoming Community College, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 32 graduates with reported earnings and 36 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.