Great Basin College stands out for making higher education accessible and affordable for rural Nevada families, with net prices that rank among the lowest in the nation.
The college's commitment to affordability, combined with a zero percent default rate, creates a sustainable path to higher education even for students with modest post-graduation earnings.
Great Basin College is a small public institution serving rural Nevada with a focus on accessibility and affordability rather than high earnings outcomes. While Azimuth's data shows the college ranking in the lower tier nationally for return on investment, it excels in keeping costs manageable for students and families. The institution serves a substantial population of first-generation students, with over 52% being the first in their families to attend college, reflecting its role as an access point for rural Nevada communities.
The college's strength lies in its affordability profile, ranking in the top 10% nationally for keeping net prices low across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,125 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $8,529 per year. Even high-income families pay only $12,010, making it one of the most affordable options in the region. This pricing structure, combined with modest debt levels, creates a pathway for students who might not otherwise access higher education.
As a small public college in Elko, Nevada, Great Basin College serves students who need local access to higher education in a rural setting. While graduates earn modest incomes compared to larger research universities, the institution provides essential workforce training for the region, particularly in healthcare fields like nursing, where outcomes are notably stronger than the institutional average.
Great Basin College's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional workforce provider, with Adult Health Nursing standing out as the clear success story. This nursing program graduates 23 students annually who earn a median of $70,009 ten years out, nearly double the institutional average and well above typical nursing salaries in rural areas. The program's strong aggregate return of over $1.6 million demonstrates how focused professional programs can deliver excellent outcomes even at smaller institutions.
The nursing program's success highlights the college's ability to serve local healthcare workforce needs effectively. With Nevada facing ongoing healthcare worker shortages, particularly in rural areas, Great Basin College's nursing graduates fill essential roles while achieving financial stability that exceeds what most other programs at the institution provide. The program combines practical training with strong employment prospects in a field where demand consistently outpaces supply.
While the college's overall program mix is limited compared to larger institutions, the nursing program shows how strategic focus on high-demand professional fields can create meaningful career pathways. The program's graduates benefit from both job security and earnings that provide comfortable living standards in rural Nevada, where cost of living remains moderate compared to urban areas.
Great Basin College graduates see modest long-term earnings compared to other public institutions nationwide. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $39,289, placing the college in the bottom 20% nationally for earnings outcomes. The institution's earnings performance falls short of expectations, with graduates earning about $4,400 less than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating challenges in delivering strong financial returns on educational investment.
The college's limited program portfolio affects overall earnings potential. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the strongest program, with 23 graduates earning a median of $70,009 ten years out, significantly above the institutional average. This nursing program represents the college's highest aggregate return offering, combining solid enrollment with strong pay outcomes. However, most other programs show more modest earnings potential, reflecting the institution's focus on serving local workforce needs rather than high-earning career paths.
While earnings outcomes are below national averages, graduates benefit from Nevada's moderate cost of living, which helps stretch earnings further than in higher-cost regions. The college's role as a regional workforce provider means many graduates remain in the area, where living costs are generally lower than urban Nevada markets, providing some additional purchasing power despite modest absolute earnings levels.
Great Basin College excels in affordability, ranking among the top 10% of public institutions nationally for keeping costs manageable across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,125 per year after aid, well below typical public college costs, while middle-income families see annual expenses around $8,529. Even high-income families pay only $12,010 annually, making the college accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds without creating significant financial strain.
Debt levels remain reasonable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with about $15,750 in federal student loan debt. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $9,720, a modest level that reflects both the college's low sticker prices and families' ability to cover more costs through savings and current income rather than borrowing. The institution's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates, despite modest earnings, can generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
The combination of low net prices and manageable debt creates a sustainable financial model for students. While earnings may be modest compared to other institutions, the low cost structure means students aren't burdened with excessive debt relative to their post-graduation income potential, allowing for financial stability even with more moderate career outcomes.
Great Basin College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
