Hathaway Scholarship || Everything You Need to Know For 2026

If you’re a student in Wyoming or a parent planning for college, chances are you’ve heard about the Hathaway Scholarship—but maybe you’re not quite sure how it works or if you qualify. As someone who’s navigated the scholarship process before, I know how overwhelming it can be to decode all the eligibility rules, application steps, and award levels. The Hathaway Scholarship is one of Wyoming’s best-kept secrets when it comes to affordable higher education, and it’s designed specifically to reward hard-working students in the state.

This program offers financial assistance to eligible Wyoming high school graduates attending any of the state’s public colleges or the University of Wyoming. What makes it even better? It’s not just one scholarship—there are multiple tiers based on your GPA, ACT scores, and coursework. If you’re aiming to stay in-state for college and want to reduce student loan debt, this is a fantastic opportunity worth pursuing. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know—from how to qualify to tips for maintaining your eligibility once you’re awarded.

What Is the Hathaway Scholarship?

The Hathaway Scholarship, named after former Wyoming Governor Stanley K. Hathaway, is a state-funded initiative designed to incentivize Wyoming students to pursue higher education within the state. Rooted in the 1974 Wyoming Permanent Mineral Trust Fund, the scholarship was established in 2005 with a $400 million endowment.

It offers four merit-based tiers—Honors, Performance, Opportunity, and Provisional Opportunity—alongside need-based awards to supplement eligible students. Since its inception, it has supported over 5,000 students with millions in financial aid, covering tuition for up to four full-time semesters at Wyoming community colleges and four at the University of Wyoming.

Key Features

Eligibility: Available to Wyoming residents graduating from eligible high schools or homeschool programs after April 1, 2006.
Funding: Awards range from $840 to $1,680 per semester, based on the scholarship tier.
Usage: Can be used at the University of Wyoming or any of Wyoming’s seven community colleges, such as Casper College or Laramie County Community College.
Application Deadline: Must apply within 48 months of high school graduation, with exceptions for military or religious service.

Hathaway Scholarship Requirements

Securing the Hathaway Scholarship requires meeting specific academic and residency criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to qualify for each tier:

Merit-Based Tiers and Requirements

Honors ($1,680/semester): 3.5 weighted GPA, ACT score of 25+, and completion of the Success Curriculum.
Performance ($1,260/semester): 3.0 weighted GPA, ACT score of 21+, and Success Curriculum.
Opportunity ($840/semester): 2.5 weighted GPA, ACT score of 19+, and Success Curriculum.
Provisional Opportunity ($840/semester): 2.5 weighted GPA, ACT score of 17+, and Success Curriculum (must be used at a community college for the first 48 credits).

Success Curriculum

The Success Curriculum ensures students are college-ready with a robust high school education:

Math: 4 years (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, and an additional math course).
Science: 4 years (including Biology, Physical Science, and two additional sciences).
Language Arts: 4 years of English.
Social Studies: 3 years (including U.S. History, World History, and Government).
Additional Requirements: 2 sequenced years of foreign language (e.g., Spanish I and II) or fine/performing arts/career-technical education, plus 2 additional years in these areas.

Other Requirements

Residency: Must be a Wyoming resident, as determined by the post-secondary institution.
Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, or CLT scores are accepted; WorkKeys (12+) is an option for some tiers.
GPA Maintenance: Post-initiation, maintain a college GPA of 2.5 (Honors/Performance) or 2.25 (Opportunity/Provisional).

Homeschooled students must meet the same criteria and apply by their 21st birthday. GED recipients who attended Wyoming high schools are eligible if their class graduated after April 1, 2006.

Hathaway Scholarship Application

Applying for the Hathaway Scholarship is straightforward but requires attention to deadlines and documentation. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:

Complete the Success Curriculum: Verify with your school counselor that your high school courses meet the requirements.
Take the ACT/SAT/CLT: Submit scores to your chosen Wyoming institution by the start of your intended semester.
Apply for Admission: Submit an application to the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college.
Submit the Hathaway Application: Complete the scholarship application through your chosen institution’s financial aid office before the semester begins.
Provide Transcripts: Send your final high school transcript, including your graduation date, by July 31 for fall semesters.
FAFSA (Optional): While not required for merit-based awards, completing the FAFSA unlocks need-based Hathaway funding.

Tips for Success

Plan Early: Start taking required courses in middle school to stay on track.
Check Deadlines: Final documentation must be received before the first day of classes.
Use the Hathaway Calculator: Available on the official Hathaway website, this tool estimates your eligibility and award level.

Hathaway Scholarship Amount

The Hathaway Scholarship provides significant financial support, with amounts varying by tier and enrollment status:

Honors: Up to $1,680 per semester (full-time, 12+ credits).
Performance: Up to $1,260 per semester (full-time).
Opportunity: Up to $840 per semester (full-time).
Provisional Opportunity: Up to $840 per semester (full-time, community college only).

Part-time students (6-11 credits) receive prorated awards. For example, an Opportunity-level student taking 6 credits receives $420 per semester. Need-based awards can supplement these amounts, covering up to 100% of unmet need for Honors recipients.

Continuation Requirements

To maintain eligibility:

Complete 12 (part-time) or 24 (full-time) non-remedial credits per academic year.
Maintain continuous enrollment each fall and spring semester.
Keep the required GPA (2.5 or 2.25, depending on the tier).

Hathaway Scholarship Wyoming

The Hathaway Scholarship is exclusively for Wyoming institutions, fostering local talent and economic growth. Eligible schools include:

University of Wyoming (Laramie)
Casper College (Casper)
Laramie County Community College (Cheyenne)
Western Wyoming Community College (Rock Springs)
Sheridan College (Sheridan)
Northwest College (Powell)
Central Wyoming College (Riverton)
Eastern Wyoming College (Torrington)

The scholarship cannot be used for out-of-state schools or online programs outside Wyoming’s eligible institutions. However, students can take summer courses to meet requirements, provided the graduation date on their transcript reflects course completion.

Online Schools Accepting Hathaway Scholarship

While the Hathaway Scholarship is primarily for in-person education at Wyoming institutions, some Wyoming community colleges offer online or hybrid programs that may qualify for funding. Below is a list of 10 Wyoming institutions with online or hybrid options where the Hathaway Scholarship can potentially be applied (subject to program eligibility and non-remedial course requirements):

Casper College: Offers online associate degrees in business, psychology, and more.
Laramie County Community College: Provides online programs in education and health sciences.
Western Wyoming Community College: Features hybrid courses in nursing and computer science.
Sheridan College: Offers online certificates and degrees in general studies.
Northwest College: Provides online options for business administration and criminal justice.
Central Wyoming College: Offers online courses in early childhood education and accounting.
Eastern Wyoming College: Provides hybrid programs in agriculture and veterinary technology.
University of Wyoming: Offers select online bachelor’s programs, such as professional studies.
Gillette College (part of Sheridan College): Offers online technical certificates.
Jackson Hole Community College (affiliated with Central Wyoming College): Provides hybrid liberal arts courses.

Note: The Hathaway Scholarship only funds non-remedial (1000-level or above) courses. Confirm with the institution’s financial aid office that online programs meet Hathaway criteria.

Benefits of the Hathaway Scholarship

The Hathaway Scholarship offers numerous advantages for Wyoming students:

Affordability: Covers significant tuition costs, reducing student debt.
Flexibility: Supports both full-time and part-time enrollment.
Accessibility: Available to public, private, and homeschooled students.
Need-Based Support: Supplements merit awards for low-income students.
Local Focus: Encourages students to stay in Wyoming, boosting the state’s economy.
Long-Term Impact: Prepares students for careers through rigorous academic requirements.

Challenges to Consider

Information Gaps: Some low-income students miss out due to lack of awareness, as noted in a 2018 Wyoming Public Media report.
GPA Maintenance: Falling below the required college GPA can result in temporary loss of funding.
Limited Scope: Cannot be used for out-of-state or non-Wyoming online schools.

Tips for Maximizing Your Hathaway Scholarship

To make the most of this opportunity:

Start Early: Take Success Curriculum courses in high school and maintain a strong GPA.
Prepare for the ACT: Higher scores unlock higher award tiers.
Explore Need-Based Aid: Complete the FAFSA to access additional funding.
Stay Enrolled: Maintain continuous enrollment to avoid losing eligibility.
Use Resources: Leverage the Hathaway Calculator and informational videos on the official website.
Contact Counselors: Work with high school or college advisors to navigate requirements.
Plan for Transfers: Submit a Hathaway Transfer Transcript when moving between Wyoming institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Years Can You Use the Hathaway Scholarship?

The scholarship covers up to four full-time semesters (48 credits) at a Wyoming community college and four additional semesters at the University of Wyoming. You have six years to use 96 credits after initiating the scholarship.

Do You Have to Pay Back the Hathaway Scholarship?

No, the Hathaway Scholarship is a grant, not a loan, so repayment is not required. However, you must maintain eligibility (GPA, credits, and enrollment) to continue receiving funds.

Can Homeschoolers Get the Hathaway Scholarship?

Yes, homeschoolers are eligible if they meet the Success Curriculum, GPA, and ACT requirements and apply by their 21st birthday.

What Happens If I Lose Eligibility?

If you fall below the required GPA or fail to complete credits, you’ll lose eligibility temporarily. You can regain it by submitting a regain eligibility form after meeting requirements again.

Can I Use the Hathaway Scholarship for Summer Classes?

Summer terms cannot be used to regain eligibility but may count toward credit requirements if approved by your institution.

Conclusion

The Hathaway Scholarship is a game-changer for Wyoming students, offering a clear path to affordable higher education. By meeting the academic and residency requirements, you can unlock up to $1,680 per semester to study at top Wyoming institutions like the University of Wyoming or Casper College. Whether you’re aiming for an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s, this scholarship supports your dreams while keeping you rooted in the Cowboy State. Start planning today—check your eligibility with the Hathaway Calculator, consult your school counselor, and take the first step toward a brighter future!

Hathaway Scholarship

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