Wyoming Colleges & Universities
Top college and university libraries in Wyoming
These college and university libraries stand out for their collections, special collections and archives. Public access varies, so each entry says how visitors can use the library.
William Robertson Coe LibraryUniversity of Wyoming
Coe Library opened in 1957 as the University of Wyoming's main library, built with a bequest from financier William Robertson Coe and matching state funds. Additions in 1978 and 2009 made it two and a half times its original size, and with over 1.4 million books it is the largest library in the state.
American Heritage CenterUniversity of Wyoming
Established in 1945, the American Heritage Center is the University of Wyoming's repository of manuscripts, rare books and university archives, with more than 90,000 cubic feet of material. Its collections focus on Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain West, and access is free and open to all.
Toppan Rare Books LibraryUniversity of Wyoming
The Toppan Library at the American Heritage Center holds the university's rare book collection, documenting the history of the book from medieval manuscripts to modern printed books. It is reached through the AHC's reading room, open weekdays.
George W. Hopper Law LibraryUniversity of Wyoming
The University of Wyoming's law library holds primary law, secondary resources and finding aids in multiple formats and is open to the general public. Any Wyoming resident can register as a borrower with a picture ID and check out treatises.
The most beautiful college library in Wyoming
American Heritage CenterUniversity of Wyoming
The American Heritage Center is housed in the Centennial Complex, named for the university's 1986 centennial and designed by architect Antoine Predock. The building opened to the public in 1993 and also houses the University of Wyoming Art Museum.
Last verified: November 2, 2026. Visitor rules, hours and borrowing policies change, so check the library's website before you go.
About colleges and universities in Wyoming
As a state that is known for its wide open spaces, it is not surprising that there is only one major public university in the state of Wyoming. In addition to the University of Wyoming, there are seven other public two-year colleges in the state as well as one private college, four private for-profit colleges and one tribal college.
The University of Wyoming is the only major public research university in the state of Wyoming. It is located in Laramie, Wyoming and it was founded in 1886. The state constitution actually provides for the location of the university, which is unique to the state of Wyoming. The University of Wyoming is the largest higher education institution in the state, with an enrollment of almost 14,000 students. It offers more than 190 educational programs ranging from baccalaureate programs to masters programs and doctoral programs. It is considered to be in the top 15 percent of all public four-year universities in the country. The university is known for its hands-on agricultural and natural sciences programs, and its other well-known academic programs include geology, archaeology and botany. The university is able to offer these programs given the unique landscape and geography of the state. Notable alumni who went to the University of Wyoming include former Vice President Dick Cheney, NFL and MLB professional athlete Bob Fitzke and theoretical physicist Marlan Scully.
The only private college in the state is Wyoming Catholic College, which is based out of Lander, Wyoming. It was founded in 2005, its first students were admitted in 2007 and the first class graduated in 2011. It does not have any specific major programs, and all graduates receive of a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. It is known for being one of the newest universities in the United States.
In addition to the other community colleges and two-year colleges in the state, Wyoming also has a tribal college. The Wind River Tribal College is a small college with about 50 students enrolled, most of them of the Pima and Northern Arapaho American Indian tribes. Located near Fort Washakie, Wyoming, the college is on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The college, which was founded in 1997, offers four associate degree programs in business administration, criminal justice, social work and elementary education. The purpose of the college is to service the American Indian reservation and the surrounding communities.