The best community colleges in Las Vegas offer affordable tuition rates, smaller class sizes, and minimum requirements for a good education. Community college graduates can take on-campus or online courses to gain knowledge in a variety of different fields.
This guide will provide information on the best community college programs in Las Vegas, admission requirements, financial aid opportunities, popular programs, and jobs that you can find after graduation. We have also included some of the best online community colleges in Las Vegas for students interested in online learning.
How Many Community Colleges Are in Las Vegas?
There are four community colleges and one career college in Las Vegas. There are also five colleges in the nearby cities and counties of Carson, Henderson, Reno, Elko, and Clark county.
What Is the Biggest Community College in Las Vegas?
The biggest community college in Las Vegas is the College of Southern Nevada which has three campuses in Nevada. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 29,965 students studying at the College of Southern Nevada.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in Las Vegas?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrington College – Las Vegas | 71% | 62:1 |
| 2 | Arizona College of Nursing – Las Vegas | 68% | 20:1 |
| 3 | Northwest Career College | 66% | 37:1 |
| 4 | Las Vegas College | 58% | 20:1 |
| 5 | Pima Medical Institute – Las Vegas | 54% | 18:1 |
| 6 | Great Basin College | 43% | 18:1 |
| 7 | Truckee Meadows Community College | 28% | 21:1 |
| 8 | Western Nevada College | 27% | 18:1 |
| 9 | Nevada State College | 23% | 18:1 |
| 10 | College of Southern Nevada | 15% | 21:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in Las Vegas: Explained
The best community colleges in Las Vegas offer a variety of programs in nursing, business, healthcare administration, and criminal justice. You will find information related to tuition, student population, financial aid, GPA requirements, and the best programs in the following sections.
Best Online Community Colleges in Las Vegas
- College of Southern Nevada. This college offers a broad range of programs for students to earn skills certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees online. The online programs are in the areas of education, English, history, hospitality management, philosophy, and psychology.
- Great Basin College. At Great Basin College, students can earn degrees at the associate level along with Bachelor of Arts degrees, Bachelor of Science degrees, and Applied Science degrees. They also offer certificates and continuing education programs.
- Pima Medical Institute. The institution offers a variety of programs at different levels including two associate degrees, five bachelor’s degrees, and one master’s degree that can be completed online. Certificate programs for dental assistants, medical assistants, and pharmacy technicians are also offered in a hybrid format.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other Las Vegas Community College Rankings
Below you will find important rankings for the best Las Vegas community colleges. We present the top three choices for transfer credit options, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees.
Best Community Colleges in Las Vegas for Transfer
- Arizona College of Nursing – Las Vegas. This nursing school allows students to transfer from accredited institutions. You can also transfer courses with lab components which ensures that your experience earned is used to keep you on track. Completion of the program also gives you access to the nursing board examination.
- Luna Community College. Luna Community College enables STEM students to transfer to other universities and colleges after completing an associate degree.
- College of Southern Nevada. Graduating students from this college are able to transfer to a four-year bachelor’s program at universities like the University of Nevada. Depending on the area of study accelerated options may be available.
Best Community Colleges for Culinary Arts in Las Vegas
- College of Southern Nevada. The school offers a quality Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts as well as a certificate of achievement. Students can get an Associate of Applied Science degree in either culinary arts or pastry arts.
- Luna Community College. The culinary arts certificate program prepares students to work in commercial kitchen settings. They learn about the basics of baking, catering, and restaurant experience.
- Truckee Meadows Community College. The college offers multiple culinary arts programs such as the culinary arts entrepreneurs program which focuses on entrepreneurial and business skills. In addition to the culinary arts associate degree and certificate, there is also a baking and pastry certificate for students interested in baking.
Best Las Vegas Community Colleges That Offer Bachelor’s Degrees
- Great Basin College. Great Basin College offers on-campus and online programs including a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Applied Science. The areas of study are business and management, information technology, education, health sciences, social services, and social sciences.
- Pima Medical Institute. They offer five fully online bachelor’s programs in healthcare administration, nursing, physical therapist assistant, radiologic sciences, and respiratory therapy. These degrees take one to two years to fully complete.
- Truckee Meadows Community College. The college offers four-year degree programs in career and technical education leadership, cyber-physical manufacturing, dental hygiene, logistics operations management, and nursing.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in Las Vegas
The best community college programs in Las Vegas include criminal justice, paramedic, occupational therapy, dental hygiene, and nursing. In Las Vegas, all community colleges have diverse health care administration or health sciences programs at certificate, training, associate, and also bachelor’s levels.
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice students can complete associate and bachelor’s degrees with transfer options in continuing education. Most criminal justice majors pursue entry-level positions in law and law enforcement. With experience and training, students can go on to work as criminal advisors, investigators, or in forensics.
Paramedic
Paramedic training is offered at many Las Vegas community colleges. Once the program is completed students will be able to work as emergency responders, first responders, or ambulance drivers. These programs are a hands-on learning experience, are very rigorous, and require analytical and quick thinking.
Occupational Therapy
Programs for occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistants cover topics and techniques to help professionals care for their patients. Graduating from an occupational therapy program will help you find jobs in health institutes or in private practices.
Dental Hygiene
Dental assistants are a popular high-paying job in Las Vegas. Dental hygiene students can begin their study at the associate level which will prepare them for licenses and examinations. Students can continue their education and become a dentist, or work in a dental office.
Nursing
Nursing programs are the most popular program in Las Vegas with programs ranging from certificates to academic degrees and advanced degrees. These programs are available on-campus or online to prepare future nurses with the skills and knowledge to work in healthcare.
Las Vegas Community College Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a community college in Las Vegas are typically a high school diploma or equivalent certificate, an entrance exam, and a completed online application form. You will be contacted by admissions or financial aid to discuss the admission process.
Las Vegas Community College GPA Requirements
First-time students must have a high school diploma and have completed courses in English, mathematics, and social sciences. Some community colleges have specified a GPA requirement like the Nevada State College which enrolls incoming high school students. Other colleges may require a general GPA of 3.0 for admissions.
Overall the community colleges in the list above do not require a minimum GPA requirement except for nursing programs. The requirements for nursing programs may differ, such as the RN to BSN bachelor’s degree which requires students to have a comparatively higher GPA. Arizona College of Nursing accepts students with a 2.75 high school GPA.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in Las Vegas
The residency requirements are specific to the particular college being applied to and may affect tuition, and financial aid costs. For admission to a Nevada community college or university with in-state tuition rates, students must be living in Nevada for a least 12 months.
Generally, students from out of state or out of district may not be eligible for certain financial aid opportunities offered by the school. Students may also have to pay a higher credit hour rate while completing their program. Some schools offer general tuition rates, regardless of residency.
Las Vegas Community College Age Requirements
Community colleges accept prospective students who are 16 years of age or older. Most community colleges in Las Vegas have not made the age requirement specific, except the College of Southern Nevada where students must be 16 years or older to be admitted.
Nevada Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- GPA
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Entrance exam (if required)
- 16 years of age
- US citizenship, visa, or proof of residency
- Interview
Why Study in Las Vegas?
You should study in Las Vegas because the city offers great educational opportunities, good job prospects, and accredited programs. Las Vegas is also a lively city with a lot of tourism, making it a great location to meet people and have a full college experience. Below we have broken down some of these reasons in more depth.
Educational Opportunities
With the different types of academic degrees, students have ample educational opportunities to reach high academic achievement at public or private colleges. With internships, transfer options, online classes, and flexible formats, students can gain a vibrant college experience at Las Vegas schools.
Job Opportunities
Las Vegas offers plenty of job opportunities in healthcare, hotel management, and law. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare employment is expected to grow by 16% in the next 10 years.
Accredited Programs
Most programs offered in Las Vegas community colleges are accredited. This means that they have a high educational standard and meet specific criteria that will give you quality education. Accredited programs are continuously developed and improved to maintain accreditation requirements.
Las Vegas Employment Outlook for Community College Students
The unemployment rate in Las Vegas city has declined five percent in the last few years, according to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The city has professionals employed in the fields of catering and hotels, office administration, transportation, sales, healthcare, and management.
The job prospects for employment in the fields of hospitality, professional and business services, and manufacturing are all on an upward positive trend, reports BLS, meaning there is a growing number of career opportunities opening up for community college graduates.
5 In-Demand Las Vegas Jobs
Below are the top five highest-paying jobs in Las Vegas with job openings, national average salaries, and the best programs to lead you into careers in these positions. Some of the jobs include occupational therapy assistant, dental hygenist, paramedic, and registered nurse.
What Community Colleges in Las Vegas Have Dorms?
Community colleges in Las Vegas with dorms are the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, and Nevada State College. Dorms and student housing are provided by many colleges to help students be close to the school. While this provides convenience it can also be a costly addition to expenses each year.
Las Vegas Community Colleges With Dorms
- College of Southern Nevada
- Great Basin College
- Nevada State College
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in Las Vegas?
Some colleges offer short sessions at the end of the year called winter intersessions. Students can take brief courses in their program to better manage their course load. Taking courses in this session will also help you graduate on time and manage a good GPA.
Las Vegas Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Nevada State College
- Truckee Meadows Community College
- Western Nevada College
What Community Colleges in Las Vegas Have Summer Classes?
Community colleges in Las Vegas that offer summer sessions are Great Basin College, Lina Community College, and Las Vegas College. Summer classes are great for students who want to accelerate their graduation date or catch up on classes or credits they may be missing.
Las Vegas Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- College of Southern Nevada
- Great Basin College
- Las Vegas College
- Luna Community College
- Western Nevada College
How to Apply to Community College in Las Vegas
Applying to community colleges is an easy and quick process with few requirements. You can apply to a community college in Las Vegas by following this step-by-step process.
Las Vegas Community College Application Steps
- Choose a school
- Explore and choose your degree or certificate program with the help of an admissions advisor or school website
- Explore financial aid options available on your school website and submit FAFSA or FAFSA non-filers applications
- Submit required documents
- Wait for response
Cost of Community Colleges in Las Vegas
The cost of community colleges for Nevada students is $6,023 on average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students studying from outside the state will pay on average $26,284. The cost of tuition and fees will vary depending on the program and the specific school you attend.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in Las Vegas?
No, community colleges in Las Vegas are not free, but there are financial aid options. The Nevada Promise Scholarship helps high school students pursue degrees at community colleges with as much financial coverage as possible. The Promise scholarship covers tuition and other fees after all financial aid.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in Las Vegas?
There are four community colleges that participate in the Nevada Promise Scholarship. First-time students can enroll in programs at the Great Basin College, College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada College.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in Las Vegas?
High school students under 20 years of age from Nevada can apply for the Nevada Promise Scholarship. They must apply through FAFSA and complete two mandatory informational training sessions before being accepted into the program.
How to Apply for Free Community College in Las Vegas
- Complete a mentorship
- Apply to community colleges in Las Vegas or surrounding counties in Nevada
- Apply for financial aid through FAFSA
- Attend the training sessions
Scholarships for Community Colleges in Las Vegas
Scholarships for community colleges in Las Vegas include the Carrington High School Scholarship, Jacobs Presidential Scholars Program, and Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship. Some of these scholarships are offered during the first year, per credit, or for a fixed amount.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in Nevada
- Check the school page or scholarship information online to know the requirements
- If you meet the requirements, prepare your application and a motivation letter to show how you qualify
- Fill out the FAFSA form (if required)
- Verify your financial situation (if required)
- Submit your application for the scholarship request
- Maintain GPA during the program (if required)
Las Vegas Community College Scholarships List
- Carrington High School Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship is offered to recent high school graduates and can be used towards their tuition.
- Jacobs Presidential Scholars Program | $Amount: $1,000. You must be able to show unemployment and have a GPA of 2.0 or higher to apply for the scholarship. It is granted to currently enrolled students taking at least six credits.
- Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship | $Amount: $40/credit. To study at a community college in Nevada, the students can get an amount per credit for up to 15 classes each semester.
Other Las Vegas Community College Financial Aid Options
Most community colleges in Las Vegas offer financial aid programs to help students pursue their learning and education goals. Las Vegas community colleges’ financial aid options include grants, student loans, scholarships, student employment, and military benefits.
Federal Grants
To apply for federal grants, students must apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. If qualified, you will be awarded a specific federal grant for your situation. The amount granted may vary by program and duration.
Nevada Grants
Upon applying through FAFSA, you can also qualify for grants like the Silver State Opportunity Grant Program if you qualify as a low-income student who is enrolled in an eligible program. The Nevada State Access Grant is needs-based funding for eligible students. Other grants include the Nevada State College Grant and Nevada State Opportunity Grant.
Student Loans
To apply for federal loans, you will need to complete your FAFSA application form which will tell you the federal government funding options available to you. You can also get a loan from the college that you are studying like Carrington College. There are also subsidized, non-subsidized, and non-federal loan options to explore.
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered to qualifying students who meet a high-educational standard as they are usually merit-based or needs-based. Some scholarships are awarded to high school graduates entering a college program. The requirements and criteria to apply for scholarships can be based on GPA, admissions sessions, and transcripts.
Work-Study Employment
Some colleges offer on-campus employment to students through job boards and work-study programs. Arizona College of Nursing allows students to work and finance their degrees at the same time. These not only help finance their program but also gain experience in the field.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in Las Vegas?
The financial aid requirements for community colleges in Las Vegas are proof of residency in the state of Nevada, proof of acceptance to a college, and enrollment in a number of credit courses. A certain GPA might be required for scholarships and grants. Some colleges may ask for proof of dependents if you are a caregiver.
Las Vegas Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- Residency status
- Family status
- GPA
- Credits enrolled
Should You Attend Community College in Las Vegas?
Yes, you should attend community colleges in Las Vegas. Las Vegas is a great city for students who want to pursue careers in healthcare, law, game development, and accounting. There are many financial aid and scholarship opportunities for prospective students along with a great campus life and campus housing for a rich college experience.
Las Vegas Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Las Vegas community colleges is based mainly on graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect a student’s chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best Las Vegas Community Colleges FAQ
Yes. FAFSA helps out of state residents with tuition funding and grants, but it may be limited in comparison to the funding provided to resident students.
No, UNLV, or the University of Nevada – Las Vegas, is not a community college. It is a public university located in Paradise, Nevada that offers a variety of programs at the college and university levels.
A con of studying in Las Vegas is that it is a large tourist destination which can make the cost of living more expensive than in other cities in Nevada.
You can get the in-state tuition price in Nevada if you can show that you pay your own taxes and have resided in, and currently reside in, Nevada for more than 12 months.
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