Wyoming Community College Commission Meeting In Sheridan

Tuition as well as more 4-year degree programs at Wyoming Community College are some of the topics being discussed in Sheridan.

Representatives from all eight of Wyoming’s Community Colleges are meeting in Sheridan on Wednesday and Thursday (October 4th and 5th) at the Wyoming Community College Commission Meeting.

October is the normal time for the Commission to discuss tuition rates at the college 

The last time it was increased was in 2020 to its current rate of $105 per credit hour for in-state students, $158 per credit hour for Western Undergraduate Exchange Students and $315 per credit hour for other out of state students.

Another topic to be reviewed is currently Wyoming Community Colleges can only offer up to 2 4-year degree programs.

Currently within the 14 western US States, community colleges have an average of 3-point-8 4-year degree programs, including one in Washington State that offers 16.

Sheridan College President Dr. Walter Tribley explains why he feels the limit in Wyoming should be either increased or removed all together.

“We need more access to high quality non-expensive education if we’re especially going to retool and diversify our economy, it starts with education programs to do that.”

Even if the commission approves changes, it must also be approved by the Governor and there has to be changes to the commission mission review that must be approved by the Higher Learning Council.

Dr. Tribley says Sheridan College is awaiting approval from the Council regarding offering a 4-year program in Business and Leadership Management.

The College also has plans for other 4-year programs that are in the early stages of development, should the 4-year program limit be changed.