About Great Basin College
Students pay an average net price of $7,523 after aid, making this one of Nevada's most affordable options. In-state tuition runs just $3,855 annually. Graduates earn a median of $39,289 ten years after starting college. The typical borrower leaves with $15,750 in debt and monthly payments of $167. These numbers reflect the college's mission to provide accessible education that leads directly to employment rather than high-earning careers.
Women make up 66.2% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in the college's nursing and education programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. Only 20.3% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families rather than low-income backgrounds. With a 90.4% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in Nevada's mining, healthcare, and education sectors.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.5%
- Retention Rate
- 57.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,289
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $70,009 |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $64,493 |
| Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $40,467 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,598 |
Campus Life
The 66.20% female student body reflects the college's strong nursing and education programs. Students often work while attending classes, contributing to the 90.4% employment rate. Weekends revolve around outdoor activities like hiking in the Ruby Mountains or fishing at nearby Wildhorse Reservoir. The Rams compete in limited athletics, so school spirit centers more around academic programs than sports. Many students balance family obligations with coursework, typical of a community college serving a large geographic area. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, crucial for students juggling multiple responsibilities. Social life happens more in study groups and student organizations than traditional college parties.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 112 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–36°F
- July Avg
- 50°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 24.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 26.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 33.8%
- Women
- 66.2%
- White
- 58.2%
- Black
- 3.8%
- Hispanic
- 25.4%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 72.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 20.3%
Location
- Address
- Elko, Nevada 89801
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,289
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,332
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 39.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $167/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Great Basin College?
Great Basin College operates with an open admissions policy as a community college, meaning qualified high school graduates can enroll without competitive entrance requirements. The college serves 1,855 students across its rural Nevada campus. This accessibility makes it an entry point for students seeking affordable higher education in the remote Great Basin region.
How much does Great Basin College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $7,523 annually at Great Basin College, with in-state tuition at just $3,855. Only 20.30% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many can afford the low published costs. Room and board adds $6,000 for the limited on-campus housing that accommodates just 112 students.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Great Basin College?
Great Basin College maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its academic programs. The college focuses heavily on career-oriented training and workforce development for Nevada's mining and rural industries. Students benefit from small class sizes typical of community colleges serving remote regions.
What are the graduation rates at Great Basin College?
Great Basin College graduates 49.89% of students within four years and 51.50% within six years. The college serves many first-generation and working students who often attend part-time while supporting families. These completion rates reflect the challenges faced by students in rural Nevada's economic landscape.
Where is Great Basin College located and what is campus life like?
Great Basin College sits in Elko, Nevada, a remote town surrounded by vast high desert and mountain ranges. With housing for only 112 students out of 1,855 total enrollment, most students commute from the surrounding region. The Rams compete in athletics while serving a student body that is 66.20% female and primarily Nevada residents.
What do Great Basin College graduates typically earn after college?
Great Basin College graduates earn a median of $39,289 ten years after graduation, with strong early career earnings of $47,529 just one year out. The college specializes in training for Nevada's mining industry and rural workforce needs. With 90.4% employment rates and median student debt of only $15,750, graduates enter practical careers with manageable financial burdens.
