ABOUT GBC
Welcome to Great Basin College!
Great Basin College values you! Valuing what we have in common and our differences means we will foster a college climate of mutual trust, tolerance, informed discourse and always seek to promote GBC as a "safe space" to explore new ideas and perspectives with opportunities for you to grow, learn and be successful in a friendly, supportive campus environment. GBC enriches people's lives by providing student-centered, post-secondary education to rural Nevada. GBC students enjoy outstanding academic programs, smaller class sizes, and excellent faculty who really care about our students. We are GBC!
ADMISSIONS
ACADEMICS
For High School Students
STUDENT SERVICES
GBC ONLINE
As part of Great Basin College's mission of transforming lives through education, GBC offers hundreds of online classes and several certificate and degree programs. See our current catalog for more information.
COMMUNITY
Great Basin College wants to be your choice for higher education. GBC offers associate and baccalaureate level instruction in career and technical education and academic areas. About 4,000 students are enrolled annually online from across the country and on campuses and centers across 86,500 square miles, two time zones, and ten of Nevada's largest counties. We border Arizona, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and California. We are GBC!
INFORMATION
Need to find COVID-19 information quick? Check out our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources page!
About Great Basin College
Great Basin College (GBC) is a regionally accredited public institution with campuses in Elko, Winnemucca, Ely, and Pahrump, serving rural Nevada while reaching students beyond the state through flexible online programs. The college offers certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees designed for today's high-demand careers. Grounded in industry standards and community needs, GBC programs focus on practical and professional skills that lead to real job opportunities.
That career-focused approach is reflected in GBC's nationally recognized programs across career and technical education, healthcare, education, and business. The college is especially known for hands-on training in high-demand fields such as welding, industrial maintenance, mining, and other skilled trades, as well as nursing and healthcare programs that combine real-world experience with industry-recognized credentials. As part of the Nevada System of Higher Education, GBC offers an affordable, flexible education designed to move students from learning to meaningful careers.
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Why Choose GBC
Career & Technical Education That Meets Workforce Demand
GBC is a leader in career and technical education, offering programs developed to meet regional and industry workforce needs.
Flexible Learning Options
Students have the option to be fully online or attend classes at one of four rural Nevada campuses and community-based centers. 74% of GBC students learn fully online.
Breadth of Programs
Choose from 75+ degrees and certificates across academic, career, and technical fields, designed for employment, advancement, or transfer.
Accreditation & Student Success
GBC is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) with specialized program accreditations. GBC proudly holds the #1 community college graduation rate in Nevada.
Student-Centered Instruction
Experienced faculty provide personalized instruction, mentoring, and academic support in a small-college learning environment.
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Our History & Mission
Great Basin College was founded in 1967 to expand access to higher education in rural northeastern Nevada. Originally opened as Elko Community College with 367 students, GBC has grown into a regional and online institution serving learners across Nevada and beyond. In 2017, GBC celebrated 50 years of service, marking decades of educational impact and community partnership.
Mission: Transforming lives through education.
This mission guides GBC's work across four core priorities:
- Access - Expanding educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds
- Student Success - Supporting students in completing their educational goals
- Workforce Development - Offering high-demand programs aligned with industry needs
- Culture & Community - Serving as a trusted partner in the communities we support
Why Great Basin College
Great Basin College offers associate and baccalaureate level education in academic, career and technical fields. Welcoming students from all corners of the country, both online and at our various campuses and centers, GBC's presence extends across two time zones and spans more than 86,000 square miles throughout Nevada. A leader in rural higher education, GBC takes pride in developing students who are well-prepared to meet the demands of industry and who contribute to the success and prosperity of the local economy.
