University of Wyoming enrollment rises substantially in fall

LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) - The University of Wyoming experienced a substantial rise in enrollment after the governor announced a grant-funding program for students, the school said on Sunday.

Earlier this month, the university said it was facing a 20% decline in fall enrollment.

But on Aug. 10, Gov. Mark Gordon announced that those unemployed or underemployed as a result of the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic were eligible for tuition grants worth $2,500 this fall under the federal CARES Act.

Gordon also said in his announcement that all university students would be eligible for $3,250 in funding to pay for non-tuition costs.

Within a week, 191 additional students enrolled in classes. On Aug. 18, 11,500 students had enrolled for the fall semester, a 4.5% year-over-year decrease.

Last week, the Joint Appropriations Committee discussed using CARES Act funds to provide university students an additional $6,500 grant. Committee members largely expressed support for the idea and established a task force to explore its parameters.

University of Wyoming spokesman Chad Baldwin told the Laramie Boomerang on Friday that the funds may be sufficient to cover all enrolled students, but the school would ask for more money if it is needed.

"I wouldn't want to speak for the governor on that, but I think we would be prepared if necessary to ask for more, but I haven't heard about anything that we've overspent," he said.

University students have until Nov. 1 to apply for the grants.