Western Nevada College: $3,920 Tuition

$3,920Tuition

1,967Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,987Earnings

#3 in NevadaPublic4-yearData: 2023-24

About Western Nevada College

Western Nevada College serves as a stepping stone for students throughout the Silver State, with 1,967 students enrolled across its Carson City campus and satellite locations. Nearly 99% of students come from Nevada, making this a true community-centered institution. The college functions as both a community college and four-year school, offering associate degrees and bachelor's programs in high-demand fields like nursing, education, and business.

Students pay an average net price of $12,424 after financial aid, making this one of Nevada's most affordable higher education options. In-state tuition runs just $3,920 annually. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,987 ten years after enrollment, while carrying relatively low debt loads of $10,500. Monthly loan payments average only $111, reflecting the school's commitment to keeping education accessible.

The student body leans female at 58%, with a diverse mix that's 52% white and 31% Hispanic. The 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in a small-city setting. While graduation rates hover around 36% for both four-year and six-year completion, the college's 94.1% employment rate shows graduates find work quickly. The Wildcats compete in athletics, though the focus remains squarely on career preparation and transfer pathways.

Academics & Faculty

Western Nevada College serves as a community college offering both two-year associate degrees and select four-year bachelor's programs to its 1,967 students. The school focuses heavily on career preparation and workforce development, with strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, and business. Students work closely with faculty in an 18:1 ratio, though the 36.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. The college emphasizes practical, hands-on learning that prepares graduates for Nevada's job market. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere where local employers actively recruit from popular programs like welding and criminal justice.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 98.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,987

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$69,617
Accounting and Related Services.	Associate	$35,060
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$26,353

View all 51 programs →

Campus Life

Western Nevada College sits in Carson City, Nevada's capital, about 30 minutes south of Reno. The campus serves 1,967 students in a high desert setting where winter snow meets summer heat. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as temperatures swing from below freezing in January to over 90 degrees in July. The college operates as a community college with some four-year programs, drawing 99% of its students from Nevada.

Campus life feels intimate with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, though most students commute rather than live on campus. The student body is 58% women and reflects Nevada's diversity, with 31% Hispanic enrollment. Carson City offers outdoor recreation year-round, from skiing at nearby Lake Tahoe in winter to hiking and lake activities in summer. Students often head to Reno for nightlife and entertainment on weekends. The Wildcats compete in athletics, providing some campus unity, but this isn't a traditional residential college experience. Monthly loan payments average just $111 for those who borrow.

Setting: City-Small
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–45°F
July Avg: 52°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 9.7"
Annual Snowfall: -1,545.1"

Student Demographics

Western Nevada College draws almost entirely from Nevada, with 99% of students calling the state home. This community college serves a diverse local population where Hispanic students make up nearly one-third of enrollment alongside a white majority. Women outnumber men , reflecting the school's strong programs in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract female students. The college functions as an accessible gateway to higher education for working-class Nevada families, offering affordable pathways to both career training and four-year degree transfers throughout the Silver State.

Men: 41.9%
Women: 58.1%
White: 51.7%
Black: 2.4%
Hispanic: 31.2%
Asian: 2.4%
In-State Students: 99.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 18.5%

Location

Carson City, Nevada sits about 30 miles south of Reno in the shadow of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The state capital offers small-city charm with a population around 58,000, blending government offices with historic mining heritage. Students can ski at nearby Lake Tahoe resorts or explore desert landscapes within an hour's drive. The college draws 98.99% of its students from in-state, reflecting its strong ties to Nevada communities. Carson City's elevation of 4,700 feet provides four distinct seasons and stunning mountain views. The downtown area features museums, casinos, and outdoor recreation opportunities that appeal to the college's 1,967 students. Students considering colleges in Nevada may also compare Western Nevada College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Carson City, Nevada 89703-7399

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,987
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,643
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $111/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $10,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Western Nevada College?

Western Nevada College operates as an open-admission community college, meaning they accept all students who apply with a high school diploma or equivalent. With 1,967 students enrolled and 98.99% being Nevada residents, the school serves primarily local students seeking affordable higher education options. The college focuses on providing accessible education rather than selective admissions.

How much does Western Nevada College cost after financial aid?

Students at Western Nevada College pay an average net price of $12,424 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,920. Only 18.45% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the already low cost structure. Monthly loan payments average $111, and median debt upon graduation is $10,500, making this one of Nevada's most affordable college options.

What academic programs is Western Nevada College known for?

Western Nevada College maintains an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing personalized attention in its community college programs. The school operates on a semester system and serves as a transfer pathway for students planning to continue at four-year universities. Many students use WNC as an affordable stepping stone to complete general education requirements before transferring.

What are the graduation rates at Western Nevada College?

Western Nevada College has a 36.60% six-year graduation rate and 35.44% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $41,987 ten years after enrollment, with a 94.1% employment rate. These outcomes reflect the college's role as both a career preparation institution and transfer pathway for students.

Where is Western Nevada College located and what is campus life like?

Western Nevada College sits in Carson City, Nevada's small state capital, serving a student body that is 58.06% female and 31.22% Hispanic. The Wildcats compete in athletics, though the focus remains on academics and workforce preparation. The intimate setting allows for close community connections in Nevada's government center.

Is Western Nevada College a good value for career preparation?

Western Nevada College offers exceptional value with only 3.04% of students taking federal loans and a 32.70% loan repayment rate. The low debt burden of $10,500 median debt combined with strong local employment connections makes it ideal for students seeking practical career training. The school's community college model emphasizes workforce development and transfer preparation at minimal cost.