Rural Nevada's regionally accredited public college serving 3,836 students across 86,500 square miles with career-focused programs.
Great Basin College offers bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, and certificates across career and technical education, healthcare, education, and business fields. The college is nationally recognized for hands-on training in welding, industrial maintenance, mining, and skilled trades, as well as nursing and healthcare programs combining real-world experience with industry credentials. GBC provides 75+ degrees and certificates designed for employment, advancement, or transfer, with dual-credit enrollment programs for high school students in Elko, Ely, Winnemucca, and Pahrump.
The main residential campus is located in Elko, with branch campuses in Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrump, and Winnemucca, plus satellite centers across rural Nevada. GBC serves over 147,000 residents across 86,500 square miles in ten of Nevada's largest counties. The college offers flexible learning through conventional classroom instruction, interactive video technology, and web-based platforms. Student life includes clubs spanning nursing, agriculture, culture, gaming, and leadership opportunities through student government.
GBC admits high school graduates, GED recipients, and transfer students in good standing. First-time college students, transfer students, high school/dual credit students, international students, and health sciences program applicants each follow tailored pathways. Students under 18 may apply with guidance counselor approval; those without a high school diploma or GED are admitted as non-degree seeking and must meet placement test scores or complete six college credits to become degree-seeking. Some specialized programs require additional applications beyond the general Application for Admission.
Great Basin College reports a 96% employment rate for graduates and holds the #1 community college graduation rate in Nevada. The college's career-focused approach emphasizes practical skills aligned with industry needs and workforce development. As part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, GBC provides affordable, flexible education designed to move students from learning to meaningful careers in high-demand fields.