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$3,144Tuition
6,752Students
28%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$44,573Earnings
#6 in NevadaPublic4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Truckee Meadows Community College

Truckee Meadows Community College serves as northern Nevada's gateway to higher education, with 6,752 students pursuing career training and transfer opportunities in Reno. The college has built its reputation around practical workforce development and seamless pathways to four-year universities. Students benefit from small class sizes with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The campus attracts a diverse student body that reflects Nevada's changing demographics, with 38% Hispanic enrollment and 46% white students.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about accessibility and return on investment. After financial aid, students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,229 annually, while the median debt load sits at only $11,000. Graduates earn a median of $44,573 ten years after starting college, making the monthly loan payment of $117 quite manageable. With 98% of students coming from in-state, the college clearly serves its local community well.

The Lizards compete in just two NJCAA sports with 53 total athletes, reflecting the college's focus on academics over athletics. What stands out is the 92% employment rate among graduates, demonstrating that career training programs effectively connect students to jobs in the Reno area.

Academics & Faculty

Truckee Meadows serves as northern Nevada's primary community college, focusing heavily on career training and transfer preparation. The college operates with a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors for its 6,752 students. However, the 28% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face, including part-time enrollment and work obligations. The school excels in vocational programs like automotive technology, welding, and healthcare certifications that directly feed into Reno's growing economy. Students can also complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year universities. With 98% of students coming from Nevada, the college serves as an affordable stepping stone for local residents seeking career advancement or university preparation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Full-Time Faculty
99.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
27.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
28.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,573

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $66,653
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $61,516
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $52,107
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $39,369
Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. Associate $38,289
Design and Applied Arts. Associate $33,993
Business/Commerce, General. Associate $33,138
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $29,487
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. Associate $27,497

View all 120 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Truckee Meadows navigate a sprawling urban campus in the heart of Reno, with the Sierra Nevada mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. The college sits in Nevada's second-largest city, where winter temperatures drop into the 20s and summer heat reaches the 90s. Students need both winter coats for snowy January mornings and sunscreen for the 300+ days of sunshine each year.

With 98.24% of the 6,752 students coming from in-state, the campus feels like a local center where Nevada natives cross paths between classes. The student body reflects northern Nevada's diversity, with 38.05% Hispanic students and 45.62% white students creating a multicultural environment. Most students commute from around the Reno area since community colleges typically don't offer housing. Weekends often mean hitting nearby Lake Tahoe for skiing or hiking, depending on the season. The small athletic program fields just 53 total athletes across 2 sports, so school spirit centers more around academics and career preparation than game day traditions. Students here balance work, family, and classes while preparing for transfer to four-year schools or entering Nevada's job market.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1971

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Aggravated Assault 1 0 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
25°–45°F
July Avg
57°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
15.7"
Annual Snowfall
-723.9"

Student Demographics

Nearly all students at Truckee Meadows come from Nevada, creating a tight-knit community college serving the greater Reno area. The student body is almost evenly split between men and women, reflecting the school's diverse career programs that appeal broadly. Hispanic students make up more than a third of enrollment, mirroring northern Nevada's demographics. Most students work while attending classes, drawn by flexible scheduling and affordable tuition under $3,200 for residents. The college attracts both recent high school graduates seeking transfer pathways and working adults pursuing career changes through technical training.
Men
45.6%
Women
54.4%
White
45.6%
Black
2.2%
Hispanic
38.1%
Asian
5.5%
In-State Students
98.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
14.9%

Location

Truckee Meadows Community College sits in Reno, Nevada, a mid-sized city known for its casinos and outdoor recreation. The school serves students from across northern Nevada, with 98.24% of its 6,752 students coming from in-state. Reno lies about 220 miles northeast of San Francisco and sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The area offers year-round skiing at nearby Lake Tahoe and attracts students who want affordable education with access to outdoor activities. The "Biggest Little City in the World" provides internship opportunities in gaming, technology, and logistics industries. Students considering colleges in Nevada may also compare Truckee Meadows Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Reno, Nevada 89512-3999
Truckee Meadows Community College, Dandini Campus
Truckee Meadows Community College, Dandini Campus
Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows Community College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$44,573
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,174
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,600
Loan Repayment Rate
37.3%
Monthly Loan Payment
$117/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Truckee Meadows Community College?

As a community college, Truckee Meadows has an open enrollment policy serving northern Nevada students who need accessible higher education. The school enrolls 6,752 students with 98.24% coming from in-state. This reflects its mission as a local educational resource for career training and university transfer preparation.

How much does Truckee Meadows Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,457 annually, making it an affordable option for local families. In-state tuition runs just $3,144, while students from lower-income families pay even less at $6,229. The typical graduate carries only $11,000 in debt with monthly payments of $117.

What academic programs is Truckee Meadows Community College known for?

The college focuses on career training and transfer programs with a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. Students can complete their education efficiently, with 27.16% graduating in four years. The school serves as a stepping stone for students planning to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.

What job outcomes do Truckee Meadows Community College graduates achieve?

Graduates maintain a strong 92.3% employment rate after completing their programs. Median earnings reach $44,573 ten years after graduation, reflecting the practical career focus of the curriculum. The college's emphasis on workforce development helps students secure stable employment in northern Nevada's economy.

Where is Truckee Meadows Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Reno, Nevada's large city setting with a student body that is 54.41% women and 45.59% men. The diverse community includes 38.05% Hispanic students and 45.62% white students. Athletics are limited to just 2 NJCAA varsity sports with 53 total athletes competing as the Lizards.

Does Truckee Meadows Community College offer financial aid to students?

Only 14.90% of students receive federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, indicating many students can afford the low tuition without assistance. The college provides institutional grants to 9.40% of students, averaging $6,088 per recipient. The low federal loan rate of 2.52% shows most students avoid significant borrowing.