Great Basin College (GBC) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

A member of the Nevada System of Higher Education, Great Basin College (GBC) was opened in 1967 as “Elko Community College.” Today, the college consists of several campuses serving its nearly 5,000 students. The main, or Elko Campus, is home to the lovely residential facility and is the hub for six large Nevada counties. Branch campuses, centers, and facilities are located in Battle Mountain, Ely, Pahrunp, and Winnemucca, as well as satellite centers in Amargosa Valley, Austin, Beatty, Carlin, Crescent Valley, Eureka, Gabbs, Jackpot, McDermitt, Owyhee, Round Mountain, Wells, and Wendover. Students may work toward associate and baccalaureate degrees at GBC, and high school students may participate in several dual enrollment schemes.

Information Summary

Ranks 10th in Nevada and 2472nd overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	57.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$14,698
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	13 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	63% / 30%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,451

Academics

Students may choose to participate in degree- and certificate-granting programs through GBC. Bachelor degree programs generally last 4 years, associate degree programs two, and certificate programs just one year. Other programs offered may last only one semester, and generally improve on career skills in areas like real estate, business, or office administration. Students may choose from areas of study like agriculture, education, English, integrative studies, technology/industry, physical education, science, broadcast technology, business & business administration, health sciences, human and social services, career/technical education, fine arts & humanities, and computer office technology. Areas of concentrations include production, resource management, early childhood education, digital information technology, surveying/geomatics, diesel technology, journalism, languages, and more. At GBC, students have access to technological and scholarly resources like the Great Basin College Library, computing labs, top software, campus email, and the computing help desk.

For students already engaged in preexisting commitments like careers, jobs, or families, or facing obstacles like location or transportation, GBC offers Classes at a Distance. Students can attend Internet courses via the WebCampus, interactive video courses (IAV), and LiveNet courses. Additionally, students may speed up the process of receiving a title or degree by earning college credit by examination through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), College Board Advanced Placement Examination (CBAPE), and Challenge Examinations. It may also be possible to award students credit hours for knowledge and experience, as determined by a qualified GBC faculty member and the Academic Standards Committee of the Faculty Senate. High school students may earn credit by enrolling in special programs like the dual-enrollment program or tech prep in participating school districts. In addition to degree- and certificate-granting programs, custom courses are designed at GBC to improve area business and industry. Examples are workplace literacy, technology training, computer training, technical writing, management and supervisory training, customer service, communication, first aid, and more.

All students are assisted in their academic or technical pursuits by the Academic Success Center. With instruction offered in writing, science, and foreign languages, students have access to tutors during all regular ASC hours. Essay correction is also available by advanced e-submission to editors at the ASC. Student Retention services help students in making the transition to the postsecondary educational environment, providing valuable advice and personal counseling. The Adult Learning Centers at GBC provide adult basic instruction on a variety of subjects like English, math, grammar, writing, and English as a Second Language. The Adult Basic Education department caters to those 18 years of age and older who wish to improve basic job or academic skills, or to complete GED Test Prep or the GED Test.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

The college has an open admissions policy. Some courses may have prerequisites, and limited enrollment programs cannot necessarily guarantee acceptance for every student. Students may apply online, or print a paper application to submit by mail, or to a local branch campus’s Admissions Office. Advisement services are available to answer any student queries during the application process. Special requirements apply to international students. Anyone wishing to transfer post-secondary credit hours to GBC must submit the necessary official transcripts.

Financial Aid

At GBC, students may qualify for a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, federal grants, loans and work-study programs, and Veterans’ Benefits. Many students also take advantage of the GBC Career Center to find full- or part-time work in the local community to supplement their educational expenses. Students wishing to qualify for financial aid must begin the process by filling out the FAFSA, available online.

Scholarships may be available as based on merit, need, or other qualification, such as the Millennium Scholarship, the USA Funds Scholarship, the NASA Space Grant Scholarship, and more.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 4234th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Nevada.

Students

The Elko Campus is the heart of GBC student life with the College Community Center. At the CCC, students find the Fitness Center, CafeX, the Student Government Association, the Office for Prospective Students, and the GBC Student Advocate’s office. The Student Government Association hosts many events and activities in which students may participate, such as themed events, game nights, Red Ribbon Week, and community service projects. Students can also get involved with the Community Center through the theater program. Various clubs and organizations are available for student participation, including the Art Club, the GBC Democrats, the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, the Native American Club, Phi Theta Kappa, Rotaract, the Social Work Association, and more.

Convenient and affordable student housing is available at GBC. Single residents are welcome, as are married students and students with families. Set across from the main Elko campus are student residences, and the Griswold Hall dorm and apartments for families are just down the street. A regular schedule of student housing events is designed for the benefit of campus residents. Childcare is available through the Mark H. Dawson Child & Family Center.

Many GBC students take advantage of The Advising & Career Center’s Student Employment Services. From referrals to job search training, students are helped along the entire path from education to employment. Resume, cover letter, student workshops, and interview prep assistance are also available.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

While GBC does not field any intercollegiate competitive sports teams, there is a campus fitness center available to students. Located on the Elko Campus, students may participate in basketball, rock climbing, karate, yoga, kickboxing, pilates, and weight training. Available equipment includes weight machines, exercycles, elliptical machines, treadmills, and more. Student may become gym members for a small fee, and can even earn credit for hours spent in the gym (currently 1 credit per 17 hours logged!)

Accreditation

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is the accrediting agency for Great Basin College, a member college of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Great Basin College