ranking

Wyoming received a better rating than some other states in the West like Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada.

Only North Dakota had higher rates in both categories.

UW was given a ranking of “A-“, due to small class sizes, the relatively low cost of attendance and an extremely high return on investment – which has even increased since being measured last year.

Wyoming's best score is in the finance category at 89.5, which leads the nation again this year after slipping to second place in 2016.

Laramie ranks behind Lander, Evanston, Evansville, Jackson, Afton, Genrock and Thermopolis, listed in ascending order.

Actually, it's the quality of life that puts Laramie above Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette and Rock Springs (listed in descending order).

Wyoming’s high ranking is due in no small part to the University of Wyoming.

Only San Diego State University ranks in front of UW among schools in the Mountain West Conference. Colorado State University came in at No. 94.