At $12,424/yr net price, Western Nevada College graduates earn $41,987/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,987/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,424 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,987/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,987/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $10,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,311/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,725/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,655/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,200/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,595/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. | Associate | $69,617 | $19,048 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $35,060 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $26,353 | $11,250 |
The Risk Factor
36.6% of students at Western Nevada College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Western Nevada College delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning nearly $70,000 annually while liberal arts majors struggle at just $26,000. The low net price of $12,424 per year helps offset weaker earnings outcomes across most programs.
Nursing stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning $69,617 annually despite carrying $19,048 in debt. The program's strong ROI reflects Nevada's healthcare demands and nursing shortages. Accounting graduates earn a modest $35,060, which may struggle to justify even the school's low costs given limited career advancement prospects in rural Nevada.
Liberal arts represents the biggest financial risk at Western Nevada, with graduates earning just $26,353 while carrying $11,250 in debt. The 36.6% graduation rate compounds this problem, as many students accumulate debt without completing degrees.
Western Nevada works best for nursing students who can access strong regional healthcare job markets and students seeking affordable general education before transferring to four-year programs. The school's community college roots show in its low costs but also limited program depth outside healthcare.
Avoid Western Nevada if you need strong alumni networks, diverse career services, or programs beyond nursing and basic business. The rural location limits internship opportunities and post-graduation job prospects outside healthcare and government roles.
The unusually low 18.45% of students receiving financial aid suggests most students pay out-of-pocket or qualify for minimal assistance. Merit scholarships remain limited, making the low sticker price the primary cost advantage rather than generous aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Nevada College worth the cost?
Western Nevada College offers decent value for nursing students who can expect $69,617 in earnings, but other programs show weak returns with liberal arts graduates earning just $26,353 annually. The low graduation rate of 37% means many students pay without finishing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Western Nevada College?
Nursing programs at Western Nevada College provide the strongest financial returns at $69,617 annually, while accounting graduates earn $35,060. Liberal arts and general studies graduates see much lower earnings at $26,353 per year.
How much debt do Western Nevada College graduates have?
Western Nevada College graduates carry a median debt of $10,500, which is relatively manageable compared to four-year universities. This lower debt load helps offset the modest earnings for most programs outside of nursing.
What is the graduation rate at Western Nevada College?
Only 37% of students graduate from Western Nevada College, meaning nearly two-thirds leave without completing their program. This low completion rate increases the risk of paying tuition without gaining the credentials needed for better earnings.