After a dip in enrollment last fall, Northwest College President Lisa Watson said last week the school is focused on next fall’s enrollment and how to not only prevent another dip, but bring in more new students. 

To that end, the college is avoiding passing on a tuition increase to students next year that was approved in March by the Wyoming Community College Commission, which voted unanimously to increase tuition by $7 per credit hour, raising the current rate from $105 to $112 beginning in the fall of 2026. 

“The commission voted to increase tuition, and we really feel like that's going to be challenging for people with costs and what's going on in the economy right now,” Watson said at an April 8 board meeting. “We've been working really hard with the foundation and marketing and enrollment and the whole executive team talking about, how do we kind of bridge that gap for people and be there for them and make sure that there is no reason why students can't make their way to Northwest College?”

The solution: Together, the college with the Northwest College Foundation are covering the cost of the tuition increase for new and continuing degree-seeking students enrolling for the 2026-27 academic year. The new program is called the Northwest College Bridge to Success Grant.

“We know times are tough right now for a lot of people in our community,” Watson said in a release. “Groceries, gas, everyday expenses, it all adds up. The last thing we want is for a tuition increase to stand between a student and a high-quality education. That goes for students who are just starting out and for those who are working to finish what they started.”

The college and foundation are also removing the caps on the Trapper Scholarship for BAS, AA, AAS, and AS degree students, so more eligible students can benefit. And in the months ahead, the foundation will announce focused scholarship opportunities for students in select certificate programs. 

“The community has generously supported our foundation through the years, and this is one of the many ways that together we can give back, especially now where costs are rising everywhere,” said Foundation Executive Director Shelby Wetzel.

The Community College Commission has been evaluating the possibility of a tuition adjustment for several months in response to a combination of stepped budget reductions in prior years, rising inflation, and recent declines in local revenue. Commissioners intentionally delayed a decision until after the conclusion of the 2026 legislative session in order to consider any new state support and property tax reductions alongside the financial realities facing Wyoming’s community colleges.

The Commission expressed appreciation for the community college funding investments included in the state’s 2027–28 biennium budget.

“We are grateful the Legislature recognizes the essential role community colleges play in preparing and strengthening Wyoming’s workforce,” said Chairman Gregg Blikre in a release. “The additional financial support for our colleges and their employees during this legislative session was both necessary and deeply appreciated.”

Ultimately though, due to recent reductions in local property tax revenues, commissioners ultimately decided to increase tuition. 

“While we haven’t raised tuition in five years to ensure maximum accessibility, we recognize that the colleges face significant hurdles and uncertainty with current funding structures,” Blikre said. “The Commission’s decision reflects our commitment to being part of the solution and helping to ensure our institutions have the resources they need to serve Wyoming students.”

Northwest College students will avoid the hike, an extra $105 per semester for a standard, 15-credit full load, this next year and are encouraged to register for fall classes before heading out for the summer. 

“This community has always supported Northwest College, and we are proud to support it right back,” said Watson. “Every student who walks through our doors deserves access to a high-quality education, and together with the Foundation, we are making sure that happens.”