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On the edge of Wyoming’s capital, two roadside ads told competing stories: a nonprofit touting money for college, and Walmart promising more than $30 an hour. The contrast captures a national rift sharpened in the Trump era over whether college is necessary. Despite years of encouragement, rising debt and dropout rates have deepened skepticism, especially where most jobs don’t require degrees. Wyoming embraced a push for postsecondary credentials but made limited gains. Laramie County Community College president Joe Schaffer both championed the effort and cautioned against the lure of immediate wages.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.