Casper College (CC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Casper College, founded in 1945, is a public community college located in Caspar, Wyoming. Today, there are over 4,000 students enrolled from most states and over 70 countries across the world. Students can earn certificates in many areas of study, and the school awards Associate of Arts, Science, Business, Fine Arts, and Applied Science, which take two years to complete. The college has also started to form partnerships with four-year Universities to create distance-learning programs where students with an associate’s degree can continue to study and receive a four-year degree, a master’s, or a doctorate with these schools.

The college is spread over 200 acres in the heart of Wyoming where students can enjoy the scenery and take advantage of city life at the same time. The famous Yellowstone National Park is only a road trip away, along with Denver, CO being a close by option for students who may want to ski down the slopes of the Rockies. The entire campus perched in the foothills of Casper Mountain, overlooking the city.

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Information Summary

Ranks 6th in Wyoming and 2057th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	62.6
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$13,132
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	11 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	59% / 34%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,650

Academics

There are five academic divisions at Casper:

Business and Industry
Fine arts and Humanities
Health Science
Science
Social and Behavioral Siences

The college offers 108 associate degree programs and 37 one-year certificate programs. All told, there are more than 140 academic transfer, technical, and career programs. The most popular programs at the college are general studies, elementary education, business administration, nursing, and fire science technology.

Library Resources

The Goodstein Foundation Library holds over 80,000 print volumes. The Western History Center within the library hosts an archive of central Wyoming, including a large number of maps and photos. The library features Reference Universe, a database of print and online reference materials owned by the school, making research easy for students.

Transfer Opportunities

Many students go on to earn four-year degrees from other educational institutions, and in these cases it is important to make sure that all credits will transfer. The college has transfer agreements with University of Mary, Rush University, University of Wyoming, Franklin University, Western Governors University, and University of North Dakota.

Partner Colleges and Universities

Partnerships with several institutions are available that can provide education to students through the campus, or online with some assistance from faculty and staff. Partners in the Bachelor degree program include National American University, Franklin University, University of Mary, Maryville State University, University of Phoenix, Regis University, University of Wyoming, Upper Iowa University, Valley City State University, Western Governors University, and University of Wisconsin Green Bay.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

In keeping with their mission to provide technical and continuing education to any student who desires to pursue it, Casper has open admissions. Prospective students must submit an application with placement test or ACT scores and a modest application fee. Some programs may have additional requirements—check with the department you wish to study in. In addition, some programs have limited enrollment and can fill up quickly, so be sure to apply early in the year.

Financial Aid

Not only does this school boast of the lowest tuition in the Western United States, but the college participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange program, which offers low tuition rates to many out-of-state students as well.

In addition to the wide range of state and federal financial aid options open to any college or university student in the state of Wyoming, the school administrates several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships. Many students take advantage of Hathaway Scholarships, which offer both need and merit awards.

Students interested in Federal Pell Grants of student loans need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The school is also the first public institution in Wyoming to offer the VA Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 5769th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Wyoming.

Students

Residing on Campus

There are two main options for on-campus housing at Casper. They are:

Wheeler Terrace Apartments, a set of 18 apartments which house 3 people in two bedrooms and 12 one-bedroom apartments for non-traditional students aged 24 or older, usually singles or couples. Rent includes all utilities, high-speed internet, cable television, and local telephone service.

Civic Apartments include 8 1-bedroom apartments for single occupancy. Rent includes all utilities, high-speed internet, cable television, and local telephone service.

Dining on Campus

Dining options include the Roberts Commons Dining Hall, which serves standard cafeteria fare, including pizza, pasta, made-to-order sandwiches, and a salad bar. Other dining options include the Doornbos Student Lounge in the Administration Building and T-Bird on the Go! In the Physical Science Building, which both serve coffee drinks, soups, sandwiches, pastries, snacks, and pop.

Student Activities

There are a wealth of student activities sponsored by Casper throughout the year, including intramural sports, comedians, speakers, concerts, dinners, picnics, dances, and trips. Each year the Activities Coordinator organizes a Week of Welcome for new students, a Spring Fling dance, and a group trip to Denver.

Student Services

The Counseling and Student Development Center assists students in personal, emotional, and social development. Students may also seek professional, career, and academic counselling from the Center. Testing services and disability services are available.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The Thunderbirds compete on the intercollegiate level in the NJCAA and Region IX (Wyoming, Nebraska, Montana, and Colorado). Men’s sports include basketball and rodeo. Women’s sports include baskeball, volleyball, and rodeo. School colors are red and white.

There is, in addition, a vibrant intramurals program for all students interested in athletics. Students enrolled in degree and certificate programs are eligible to use the fitness facilities at no charge.

Local Community

Casper, located nearly in the dead-center of Wyoming, is the second largest city in the state. It is four hours from Denver and five hours from Yellowstone National Park, both popular road trips with students. The school is a major center of cultural life in this city and hosts guest lecturers, artists, and performers for the benefit of the student body and the wider community.

With a population of over 60,000, however, the city of Casper has many other offerings in terms of recreation, entertainment, and cultural events. Highlights include the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra, the Nicolaysen Art Museum, and the National Historic Trails Center. Outdoor recreational activities are very popular, including hiking, fishing, camping, golf, rock climbing, backpacking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.