At $7,523/yr net price, Great Basin College graduates earn $39,289/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,289/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,523 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $30,092 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,289/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,289/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,125/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,828/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,529/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $9,665/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,010/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
51.5% of students at Great Basin College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Great Basin College delivers strong financial returns for students who choose the right programs, but the overall picture reveals significant risk due to low graduation and retention rates. Your biggest concern should be the 51% graduation rate combined with a 57% retention rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without a degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $70,009 annually against relatively low debt loads. The engineering technology programs also provide solid returns, with mechanical engineering technology graduates earning $64,493. These technical programs align well with Nevada's mining and energy sectors, giving you direct pathways to regional employment.
Liberal arts represents the financial danger zone, with graduates earning just $28,598 annually. Given that this is one of the most popular programs, you face real risk of investing in education that won't generate adequate returns in Great Basin's rural job market.
The low percentage of students receiving financial aid at 20% suggests either limited need-based assistance or a student body that doesn't qualify for significant federal aid. Your net price of $7,523 makes this one of the more affordable options in Nevada, but only if you actually graduate.
Great Basin works best for students committed to nursing or engineering technology programs who can handle the rural setting and limited campus resources. If you're considering liberal arts or unsure about your major, the combination of weak job market outcomes and high dropout risk makes this a poor financial choice. Look elsewhere unless you're specifically targeting the high-paying technical programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Great Basin College worth the money?
Great Basin College offers a low net price at $7,523 per year, but graduates earn only $39,289 annually after 10 years. The ROI depends heavily on your program choice, with nursing and engineering technology majors earning significantly more than liberal arts graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Great Basin College?
Registered nursing leads at $70,009 annually, followed by mechanical engineering technology at $64,493. Liberal arts graduates earn just $28,598, making program selection critical for financial outcomes.
How much debt do Great Basin College students graduate with?
The median debt is $15,750, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $39,289, some graduates may struggle with loan payments depending on their major.
What is Great Basin College's graduation rate?
Great Basin College has a 51.5% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students don't finish their degree. This completion risk should factor into your decision, especially given the modest earning potential for most programs.