猫咪社区APP

New initiative lets students from Nebraska, Colorado and South Dakota pay in-state tuition.

For students in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota, pursuing a college education often comes with a tough financial decision - pay higher out-of-state tuition or stay closer to home. At Laramie County Community College, a new initiative called The Edge is changing that equation. 

Launched to increase access to education across the region, The Edge allows students from these neighboring states to pay the same tuition rate as Wyoming residents. This could save students thousands compared to colleges in their own states. 

猫咪社区APP President Dr. Joe Schaffer sees the program as an essential step in making higher education more attainable. 

鈥淲e know that college affordability is one of the biggest factors in a student鈥檚 decision about where to enroll,鈥� Schaffer said. 鈥淲ith The Edge, we鈥檙e removing a significant financial barrier and providing an option for students who might not otherwise consider college.鈥� 

That opportunity will make a big difference for Andie West, an animal science student from Harrisburg, Nebraska. She will save more than 50% starting this fall when the program launches for new and returning students. 

鈥淚 was willing to pay out of state because I loved everything 猫咪社区APP had to offer, but The Edge program set my decision to attend here in stone. I could focus on my education without worrying how I would afford it.鈥� 

Andie, like all students from those three states, doesn't need to do anything to receive the discount. It is applied automatically. 
Being able to pay in-state tuition just adds to the list of reasons Andie wanted to come to 猫咪社区APP in the first place. 

鈥淭he facilities here are just as good as the spaces at some of the four-year schools I have seen,鈥� Andie said. 鈥淭he staff and faculty have been so supportive. I鈥檝e never quite met this many people who want to see the students succeed. The teachers I had last semester are still checking in with me this semester and asking me how I鈥檓 doing.鈥� 

As more students seek affordable education without sacrificing quality, programs like The Edge will continue to be a model for regional access to higher learning. 

For more info on The Edge, visit lccc.wy.edu/edge. 

What is The Edge?

The Edge is automatic. Starting in Fall 2025, residents of Colorado, 
Nebraska or South Dakota will automatically receive in-state tuition rates. They don鈥檛 need to take any additional steps. It鈥檚 that easy, and it applies to both new and returning students from these states.