University of Wyoming bucks negative higher education perceptions

These days, much is said and written about people questioning the value of higher education. They point to the cost of earning college diplomas, the burden of college debt, the assertion that universities indoctrinate students in a particular political ideology and the opportunities to enter the workforce without college degrees.

While I will certainly acknowledge that college may not be for everyone, I can tell you that the University of Wyoming — as it has in so many ways since its founding in 1886 — bucks the trends that have soured so many on higher education.

First, UW remains an incredible bargain — particularly for Wyoming residents, but also for students from outside our borders. Our in-state tuition and fees remain among the lowest in the nation for public, four-year institutions, and nonresident tuition also is relatively low. Our focus is on making college accessible to everyone in Wyoming — whether in person or online — as well as attracting people from across the world to contribute to the Cowboy State.

Additionally, well over half of UW students graduate with no student loan debt. That is remarkable at a time when, nationwide, over 60% of new college graduates are burdened with student loan debt.

Regarding political indoctrination, there is simply no indication that’s happening at UW. Our students are exposed to a wide variety of ideas and perspectives — which is an important part of the college experience — but they’re free to find their own positions on the divisive issues of our times. Last year, the university reaffirmed its commitment to institutional neutrality and free expression — and as a place where all sides of an issue can be explored and debated. We are gaining national recognition as a university where all perspectives are welcomed.

When it comes to career outcomes, the data continue to clearly show that a four-year degree or higher results in higher lifetime earnings than without a bachelor’s degree. Even in proudly blue-collar Wyoming, economic forecasts indicate that future jobs will increasingly require higher education — whether bachelor’s degrees or certificates, programs we are looking to increase.

There are new data showing that a couple of additional components — digital literacy and internship experiences as students — are important for college graduates to maximize their earning potential and career outcomes. We have made great strides on the former, including making a computing minor available to all UW students. And we are working to provide more opportunities for paid internships and hands-on learning experiences for our students.

But increased earning potential isn’t the only reason for someone to attend UW. Degrees from UW provide a platform for our graduates to fulfill their ambitions — and to make the world a better place. Whether it’s starting a company, advocating for your local community, advancing innovation or helping people overseas, UW graduates are making a difference in Wyoming and across the world.

It’s no wonder that even as a recent Gallup poll found reduced confidence in higher education nationwide, there is robust evidence that people with college degrees are, on average, happier, healthier and more prosperous than those with less education.

So, as you read and listen to accounts that are critical of U.S. higher education, please keep in mind that UW is an exception to almost all of the rhetoric. We are working to prepare our students for jobs in Wyoming’s current and future economies, to support our legacy industries and develop new ones, and to address environmental, social and other challenges in our “small town with long streets.”

Most of all, we are working to prepare our graduates for successful careers and fulfilling lives, whether they decide to stay in Wyoming or put down roots elsewhere. That has been a constant throughout UW’s history and remains our priority today.