Western Nebraska Community College: $3,000 Tuition

$3,000Tuition

948Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,729Earnings

#17 in NebraskaPublic2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Western Nebraska Community College

Western Nebraska Community College has served the agricultural heartland since 1926, drawing 948 students to its Scottsbluff campus. The college specializes in career and technical programs that prepare students for the region's workforce needs. Students come from across western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, with 72% of enrollees staying close to home for their education. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in hands-on training programs.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from lower-income households pay just $3,369 after aid, while even those from higher-income families rarely pay more than $10,000 annually. Graduates typically earn $38,729 ten years after enrollment, which easily covers the modest $9,000 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average only $95, making this education accessible without crushing financial burden.

The Cougars field seven varsity sports with 142 total athletes competing in NJCAA competitions. Athletic scholarships total over $808,000, providing opportunities beyond academics. Women make up 62% of the student body, and the college serves a diverse population with significant Hispanic enrollment at 27%. With a 97% employment rate, graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields across the rural West.

Academics & Faculty

Western Nebraska Community College focuses on career and technical training programs that prepare students for immediate employment in regional industries. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention in hands-on learning environments. However, only 35.5% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and education. The college serves as a regional center for workforce development in western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. Students typically pursue certificates and associate degrees in fields like agriculture, healthcare, and skilled trades. With 97% of graduates finding employment, the school prioritizes job readiness over traditional academic pathways. Programs align closely with local economic needs in this rural agricultural region.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 35.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,729

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$53,775
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$31,127
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$18,154

View all 61 programs →

Campus Life

The Scottsbluff campus sits in Nebraska's panhandle, 100 miles from Colorado's Front Range and surrounded by farming communities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack heavy coats for the long cold season. With housing capacity for 336 students and total enrollment of 948, about 35% of students live on campus in the residence halls.

The student body is 62% female and reflects the region's demographics, with 55% white students and 27% Hispanic students. Most weekends revolve around Cougar athletics, with 142 student-athletes competing in seven NJCAA sports. The athletic program awards over $800,000 in scholarships annually. Students often head to nearby Scotts Bluff National Monument for hiking or drive to Colorado for weekend trips. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Campus life moves at a small-town pace, where everyone recognizes familiar faces walking between classes. Many students work part-time jobs in agriculture or local businesses while completing their degrees.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 336 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1926

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–40°F
July Avg: 58°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 31.4"
Annual Snowfall: 42.1"

Student Demographics

Western Nebraska Community College draws heavily from its regional community, with 72% of students coming from Nebraska. The student body reflects the demographics of western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming, with Hispanic students making up over a quarter of enrollment. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and business that traditionally attract female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable career training. The mix creates a close-knit campus where local students pursue practical skills for regional employment opportunities.

Men: 38.1%
Women: 61.9%
White: 54.9%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 27.1%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 72.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 24.8%

Location

Scottsbluff sits in western Nebraska's Panhandle, roughly 350 miles from Denver and 100 miles from Wyoming's border. This remote town of 15,000 serves as a regional center for the North Platte River Valley's agricultural communities. The area is known for Scotts Bluff National Monument, a historic landmark that rises 800 feet above the prairie. With 948 students, Western Nebraska Community College anchors this rural setting where farming and ranching dominate the economy. The college draws 72% of its students from Nebraska, serving scattered communities across the sparsely populated western counties. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Western Nebraska Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361-1899

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,729
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,387
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $95/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $9,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Western Nebraska Community College?

Western Nebraska Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students from across the region. The college serves 948 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in career and technical programs.

How much does Western Nebraska Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,974 annually, with in-state tuition set at just $3,000. The college keeps costs accessible for working families, as students from households earning under $30,000 pay only $3,369 net price.

What academic programs is Western Nebraska Community College known for?

The college specializes in career and technical education that serves the agricultural and industrial needs of western Nebraska and eastern Wyoming. With a 97% employment rate for graduates, the programs clearly align with regional job market demands.

What are the job prospects for Western Nebraska Community College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $38,729 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical nature of the career programs. With monthly loan payments averaging just $95, the financial return makes the investment manageable for most students.

Where do students live at Western Nebraska Community College?

The college houses 336 students on campus in Scottsbluff, a town-remote setting that creates a close-knit community atmosphere. With 72% of the 948 students coming from in-state, the campus serves as a regional center for western Nebraska.

Does Western Nebraska Community College have competitive athletics?

The Cougars compete in 7 NJCAA sports with 142 total athletes supported by $808,042 in athletic scholarships. The athletic programs provide opportunities for student-athletes in a region where community college sports often serve as stepping stones to four-year programs.