When passing by school campuses in Reno, I sometimes wonder what those schools teach.

The closest community college near Reno is Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC). The main campus is located at 7000 Dandini Blvd, Reno, NV 89512, situated to the northeast of Reno. Established in 1971, it is the largest community college in the Reno area, with over 11,000 students currently enrolled. The Redfield Campus (18600 Wedge Parkway) and several satellite campuses operate throughout Reno and Sparks.

TMCC offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degree programs, along with over 100 certificate programs covering various fields such as Nursing, Fire Science, Welding, IT, Business, and Culinary Arts. For Nevada residents, tuition per semester is quite affordable, ranging from approximately $700 to $1,200 (for 12 credits).

There is an official articulation agreement with UNR and Nevada State University, making it well-known that students can transfer to a four-year institution after completing their associate degree at TMCC. Many online classes are also available, making it convenient for adult learners who are balancing work and studies.

Further southwest is Western Nevada College (WNC). The main campus is located at 2201 West College Parkway in Carson City, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Reno.

WNC functions similarly to TMCC, with well-developed vocational training programs in fields such as Education, Nursing, Business, Welding, and Automotive Technology. There are also learning centers in the northern Fallon area and the Douglas County Campus in Minden/Gardnerville. For those living in Carson City, Minden, or Fallon, WNC may be more accessible than TMCC. Tuition is comparable to that of TMCC.

Another college to mention is Great Basin College (GBC). Its main campus is located in Elko (1500 College Parkway, Elko, NV), about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Reno, but it offers a wide range of online courses that can be taken remotely from Reno. GBC has well-established online certificate programs in Mining, Geology, Welding, and Business. Notably, GBC's specialized programs in mining-related vocational training are recognized in the industry.

When choosing a community college, consider your target certificate or degree, commuting distance, and the ratio of online classes. The most practical choice in Reno is TMCC, while WNC may be better for those heading toward Carson City, and GBC is an option for those seeking online vocational training. Don't forget to apply for financial aid and FAFSA at each school.

TMCC particularly offers support for adult learners through the Nevada Promise program, which provides some tuition assistance.