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 gives you a modest but manageable financial picture. Median debt sits at $10,500, one of the lowest figures you'll find for a four-year school, and it undercuts the median 10-year earnings of $41,987 by a wide margin. That gap matters: you can borrow lightly here and still clear the debt fast even on a below-average salary. The problem is the earnings ceiling. At roughly $42,000 a decade out, this degree pays for regional entry-level work, not a fast track to high income.
The 36.6% graduation rate is the real risk. Nearly two out of three students don't finish, and the cheap debt only works in your favor if you actually walk away with a credential. If you enroll, stall, and leave, you carry loans without the earnings bump that justifies them. Treat finishing as the whole point, not an option.
No bachelor-level program earnings are listed, so pick your field based on the Carson City and northern Nevada job market rather than assuming any major here pays a premium. This is a school that rewards a clear plan and steady enrollment.
The net price tiers are unusual. Families under $48,000 pay less than higher earners, dropping to $11,725 in the $30-48k range, while families over $110,000 pay $19,595. That flat-to-inverted curve means the sticker price stays affordable for lower-income households, and Nevada residency keeps costs contained across the board.
This school fits you if you're a Nevada resident who wants a low-cost, low-debt path into local work and can commit to graduating. Look elsewhere if you're aiming for high earnings out of the gate or you're not confident you'll finish, since the completion odds here are the biggest threat to your return.
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.