Western Nevada College News & Notes: WNC ranks No. 8 for beauty & affordability

Western Nevada College is known for offering students an affordable and high quality education in a friendly, nurturing environment.

But it has also been named one of the most attractive colleges in the United States. Affordableschools.net recently ranked WNC No. 8 in its list of the nation’s 30 Most Attractive Yet Affordable College Campuses.

On the list, WNC ranks ahead of such major universities such as Texas A&M and Florida State. Great Basin College in Elko received a No. 16 ranking.

“It’s terrific to know that a quality education on a beautiful campus can still be available for the average person with an average salary,” said Tina McAdams, who represents Affordableschools.net.

All 30 institutions of higher learning that made the list have costs which rate below the national average. Citing statistics from the 2012-13 academic year, Affordable Schools reported first-time undergraduate students paid an average of $15,639 in tuition and fees per year and more than $29,000 when living expenses, such as room and board, were included.

In-state students at WNC paid $2,700 for tuition and fees for that school year, while nonresident undergraduates spent $9,345.

According to the Affordable Schools website, to qualify for the list, schools needed either tuition and fees or total cost below the national average. In addition, it was imperative the campuses appealed to the eyes, based on scenery, architecture and green spaces.

Accompanying WNC’s No. 8 ranking, Affordable Schools writer Luke Paton wrote:

“Lying on the eastern edge of the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada mountain range, the Carson City, Nevada, main campus of Western Nevada College takes some beating in the beauty stakes. What’s more, with tuition having been set at only $2,700 for in-state students and $9,345 for non-resident undergraduates in 2012-13, prices are certainly competitive.”

WNC also has campuses at Fallon and Minden.

Affordableschools.net also singled out three campus buildings as outstanding structures. One is the Jack C. Davis Observatory, which was built by community donations, and is open each Saturday evening for stargazing and frequent free lectures and children’s activities.

“Astronomy students can enjoy the curved Jack C. Davis Observatory, which opened in 2003, while the striking Donald W. Reynolds Center for Technology was completed 1999.” The Joe Dini Library and Student Center was singled out for being environmentally-sensitive building with recycled materials used during its construction. “Its neutral facade perfectly complements the surrounding landscape.” The buildings mentioned were designed by H+K Architects of Reno.

To see the entire list, go to: http://affordableschools.net/30-attractive-yet-affordable-college-campuses/