Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Western Nevada College at a Glance
Western Nevada College (WNC) is a public college with its main campus in Carson City, Nevada, United States. There are additional campuses in Fallon and Minden, and WNC centers in Dayton, Fernley, Hawthorne, Lake Tahoe, Lovelock, Smith Valley and Yerington, as well as degree programs in five correctional institutions. The college offers a number of different associate degrees, certificate programs and a bachelor of technology degree. As of 2021, WNC had about 3,500 students.
1971
55 years old
Identity
Is Western Nevada College Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Western Nevada College is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,987 — 22% below average — while paying $12,732/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Western Nevada College has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Western Nevada College compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #100 of 160 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #5 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #6 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #100 | Western Nevada College | 32 | $12,732 | $41,987 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Western Nevada College's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NV.
Best Programs at Western Nevada College
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Western Nevada College. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,732/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in NV
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Carson City, NV
- Student Body
- 1,910 students
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,732
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,987
- Median Student Debt
- $10,500