Nevada's comprehensive community college offering transfer degrees, workforce training, and four-year bachelor's programs.
Western Nevada College offers a diverse range of academic programs including transfer degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences, professional programs in Nursing and Allied Health, and workforce/career/technical education. The college grants associate degrees, certificates of achievement, and a bachelor of technology degree. Students can complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree and transfer to four-year institutions such as University of Nevada, Reno; UNLV; and Nevada State College. The college also operates degree programs in five correctional institutions and maintains centers in Dayton, Fernley, Hawthorne, Lake Tahoe, Lovelock, Smith Valley, and Yerington.
WNC operates multiple campuses and centers across Nevada, with the main campus in Carson City encompassing approximately 359,980 square feet on 187.83 acres. The college features the Jack C. Davis Observatory with three telescopes and a weather station. Student services include a library with academic coaching, testing center, wireless access, and student community programs such as Wildcat Life, Wildcat Wellness, and a Wildcat Reserve food pantry. Additional facilities include art galleries, a child development center, police services, and performing arts venues. The college mascot is the Wildcats, with school colors of blue and yellow.
WNC has open admissions policies allowing any adult who can benefit from instruction to enroll. New degree or certificate-seeking students must have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC). Placement into English and Math courses uses multiple measures including high school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, AP scores, Accuplacer testing, and guided self-placement tools. All new degree/certificate-seeking students who have never attended college must attend a new student orientation and meet with a counselor. A one-time $15 application fee applies when registering for the first credit class. Accuplacer testing is available by appointment for $15.
Western Nevada College reports a 17% higher graduation rate than the national average. In recent years, 592 students were awarded scholarships totaling nearly $900,000. The college serves approximately 5,000 students annually across its various programs and locations. Notable alumni include politicians Don Gustavson and John Oceguera, and baseball players Tim Peterson and Braden Shipley.