University of Wyoming
About
The University of Wyoming offers a world-class education in the small community of Laramie, Wyoming. Founded in 1886, the university each year welcomes more than 14,000 students from all 50 states and 90 countries. As a land-grant university, we are dedicated to serving the state of Wyoming and producing graduates who go on to be global leaders. Here you can study everything from agronomy to zoology, criminal justice to theatre and dance.
Introduction
The University of Wyoming offers a world-class education in the small community of Laramie, Wyoming. Founded in 1886, the university each year welcomes more than 14,000 students from all 50 states and 90 countries. As a land-grant university, we are dedicated to serving the state of Wyoming and producing graduates who go on to be global leaders. Here you can study everything from agronomy to zoology, criminal justice to theatre and dance.
Life in Laramie
When you enroll at the University of Wyoming, you’re not only signing up for a great education at an affordable price; you’re also becoming part of a community that prides itself on being challenged, rising to the occasion and embracing our local surroundings. You’ll find endless, four-season outdoor adventure, arts and culture, a lively downtown and a welcoming campus community.
We are authentic
Rooted in the traditions of the West and surrounded by the rugged Rocky Mountains, the University of Wyoming was founded in 1886 and is a nationally recognized land-grant research institution with expert faculty, top-ranked academics, and world-class facilities.
We are connected
Take advantage of small class sizes, supportive professors, and the local and state support that Wyoming’s sole four-year university enjoys. And, once a cowboy, always a cowboy means that you’ll gain lifelong connections with alumni regardless of where your journey takes you.
We are global
Experience the world as your classroom with the largest study-abroad scholarship endowment of any U.S. four-year public land-grant university. UW students study in nearly 50 countries each year at 400+ domestic and study abroad sites.
We are adventurous
Find your Wyoming in the 30 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, 300 miles of snowmobiling trails and more than 100 miles of mountain bike trails, plus fishing, rock climbing, 2.9 million acres of national forest and more. Outdoor magazine recognized UW as one of the nation’s top outdoor schools.
10 reasons to be a cowboy
- A low student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1.
- Nationally recognized research institution.
- An unmatched study abroad scholarship program.
- 200+ student organizations and volunteer opportunities.
- World-class educational and research facilities.
- Competitive division I-A athletic programs.
- Make global connections through the UW network of alumni.
- Outreach and support to every corner of Wyoming and beyond.
- Recognized as a top outdoor adventure school.
- Top tier education at an excellent value.
Brooke Cagle / Unsplash
Welcome to Laramie
The gem city of Wyoming
Nestled between mountain ranges at 7,200 feet, this 1860s railroad town is now home to nearly 32,000 residents, a number of respected museums and countless one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. A dozen vibrant murals, painted by local artists, bring the historic Laramie downtown to life, while the rumble of trains reminds this Western town of its roots. Whether you’re heading to the Laramie River or lakes of the Snowy Range to fish, or utilizing the 2.9 million acres of nearby national forest to hike, bike, camp or ski, epic adventure awaits in all directions.
UW history
The University of Wyoming was founded in 1886 when Wyoming was still a territory. In September 1887, UW opened its doors to 42 students and five faculty members – as befitted the university of “The Equality State” both the students and faculty included women from the first day. Built on the outskirts of town in Laramie’s city park, Old Main was UW’s first building and held classes, the library, and administrative offices during the first years of the university’s existence.
The first university president, John Wesley Hoyt, established a curriculum focused on arts and humanities and created a graduate and normal school. Additionally, as Wyoming’s land-grant institution, the university taught courses in agriculture, engineering, and military tactics.
UW has since grown into a major teaching and research university with approximately 13,500 students and more than 700 faculty members. Throughout its existence, UW has been the only four-year university in the state of Wyoming, though it has maintained a close relationship with the state’s community colleges.
Programs such as athletics, agricultural extension, state and federal partnerships—and more recent initiatives such as the School of Energy Resources and the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center—have played important roles in the lives of many Wyoming residents and communities for almost 125 years.
University Archives at the American Heritage Center is a great resource to access historical materials about important events and thousands of photographs in its online digital collections.
Points of pride
UW Pride is more than just colorful clothing—it’s a bold attitude that draws on a rich heritage of education, exploration, and enterprise, and symbolizes the spirit of the West. UW celebrates the achievements of the individuals who represent our institution including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors, as well as its unique bond with the people of Wyoming.
UW Pride also showcases our commitment to excellence in facilities and programs supported by public and private contributions, ranging from the Michael B. Enzi STEM facility and the Buchanan Center for Performing Arts to the Top-Tier Science Initiative and Trustees Education Initiative.
Learn hard, play hard. For more than 100 years, Pokes fans have been cheering on their favorite UW athletic teams while sporting their best Brown and Gold. Our outstanding student-athletes compete in both NCAA Division I-A and club sports and strive for excellence on and off the field. Go Pokes!