In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find the time for your own personal and professional pursuits. Students who want to boost their marketability and increase their earning potential can obtain an advanced degree from one of the best accredited online colleges in Nevada without altering their busy schedules.
This article explores the best online colleges in Nevada that can help you meet your professional and academic goals. Distance learners can look into these virtual schools in Nevada to find resource guides concerning average tuition rates, acceptance rates, and available programs.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada: Two Types of Accreditation
National and regional accreditation are the two types of accrediting recognition for post-secondary schools across the United States. The primary accrediting bodies that guarantee a school’s legitimacy belong in either of these two categorizations.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regional accreditation is more widely accepted than national accreditation. The minimum requirements for regional accreditation are more stringent than the requirements for national accreditation. This reputation also makes transferring credits earned through regionally accredited institutions much easier.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
National accreditation is new and considered less prestigious. Accrediting bodies can accredit schools in any part of the US, irrespective of the geographical location. Although you can transfer credits from one nationally accredited college to another, transferring them to a regionally accredited school might be challenging since the requirements differ.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important for college because it confirms that a school meets a set standard of educational quality. Accredited schools are considered legitimate and degrees granted by these institutions are respected. Accreditation also helps maintain the overall integrity of the education system.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in Nevada
You can find out whether an online college in Nevada is accredited by checking the school’s website. You can also check the US Department of Education’s database or search for the college on the regional accrediting agency’s website. Below is a detailed guide on how to find accredited colleges.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
Although the US Department of Education does not accredit schools, it reviews all federally-recognized accrediting agencies and oversees the accreditation system. You can search the name of an institution on the US Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education and review its database.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
The regional accrediting body for schools in Nevada is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). You can log into the NWCCU site and select ‘Search Institutions’. The page will redirect you to a directory of NWCCU-accredited institutions, their websites, date of accreditation, and school type.
Visit the School’s Official Website
You can also find out if a school is accredited by checking the school’s website. This information is usually on the college’s ‘About’ page. You can also check the homepage of schools and departments for specific program accreditations.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Touro University Nevada | Middle States Commission on Higher Education (Regional) | 88% |
| 2 | University of Nevada, Reno | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Regional) | 58% |
| 3 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Regional) | 52% |
| 4 | University of Phoenix-Nevada | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 40% |
| 5 | National University | WASC Senior College and University Commission | 34% |
| 6 | Nevada State College | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Regional) | 28% |
| 7 | Western Nevada College | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Regional) | 24% |
| 8 | DeVry University-Nevada | Higher Learning Commission (Regional) | 23% |
| 9 | Great Basin College | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Regional) | 23% |
| 10 | College of Southern Nevada | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (Regional) | 18% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in Nevada by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada: Deep Dive
The best accredited online colleges in Nevada include the University of Nevada, Great Basin College, and Nevada State College. Below is a deep dive into these colleges, their accrediting bodies, enrollment, and graduation rates.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in Nevada?
The easiest online college that is accredited in Nevada is Touro University. With an 80 percent graduation rate, the non-profit university has the highest graduation rate among all online universities in the state. Its physician assistant studies program is relatively easy to complete, although it does require 500 hours of direct patient care.
The school prioritizes students’ well-being. There are counseling and tutoring services for students in need and accommodation for students with disabilities. Students can also take advantage of the workshops and advisors for their career support services.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in Nevada?
The cheapest accredited online college in Nevada is the Great Basin College. Its official website states that its in-state tuition is $120 per credit, while non-resident students pay $176 per credit. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that Great Basin College’s annual tuition for in-state students is $3,593 and $12,809 for out-of-state students.
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Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada?
No, there are no free accredited online colleges in Nevada. Prospective students must meet the admission requirements and pay their tuition fees to access their programs. However, students can access thousands of free and valuable learning materials from various massive open online course providers and the MIT OpenCourseWare.
Students who want to pursue a college degree but cannot cover the costs can apply for financial aid. Federal and state funding is usually available for accredited colleges, and students can apply for scholarships and grants to cover school expenses.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in Nevada?
You should choose an accredited online college in Nevada because of the convenience of online programs. Students can maintain their daily schedule while in school and explore various learning and degree options. Below, we cover the three top factors that make Nevada an excellent state to get your education.
Respectability
Since accreditation serves as a form of guarantee, it makes your degree reputable. This reputation means employers will view your degree with the respect it deserves and puts you on equal standing with applicants with in-person degrees during the job application process.
Flexibility
The flexibility of online programs is perhaps its most attractive feature. Students can attend their classes online from the comfort of their homes and manage their time. Unlike traditional learning, some courses do not require the students to be present in a class all the time. They can access pre-recorded sessions and learning materials at any time.
Affordability
Online students do not have to worry about accommodation costs since they take their classes from home. This deduction makes the tuition more affordable. Accredited colleges also receive federal and sometimes state financial aid to reduce the burden of tuition expenses on students.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada
The most affordable accredited online colleges in Nevada include Great Basin College, Western Nevada College, and College of Southern Nevada. Below is a detailed overview of education costs in these schools, the base tuition rates, and the cost per credit for resident and non-resident students.
- Western Nevada College | Tuition: $102/Credit. The college offers a top Bachelor of Science in Project Management which ranks among the top 20 programs in the country, as per the school’s official website. Students will also pay a $7 technology fee and a $5 web fee for online courses.
- College of Southern Nevada | Tuition: $113/Credit. The college offers top programs in accounting and nursing. The elearning fee per online course is $10, along with a technology fee of $9 per credit. Western undergraduate exchange students can also receive a tuition discount.
- Great Basin College | Tuition: $120/Credit. GBC offers top Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees in Arts and Sciences. The annual base tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students are $3,593 and $12,809 respectively, excluding fees for books and supplies.
- Nevada State College | Tuition: $185/Credit. Nursing and psychology are the top programs that NSC offers. Graduate students enrolled in distance learning programs pay $93/credit and $125/credit.
- Touro University-Nevada | Tuition: $280/Credit. The university offers four-year programs in nursing to both online and campus learners. The base tuition rate for undergraduate programs is $9,900 with $150 miscellaneous fees, while graduate students pay $43,650 and $5,238 for fees.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in Nevada That Accept Financial Aid
The most affordable accredited colleges in Nevada that accept financial aid are the College of Southern Nevada, DeVry University, and Great Basin College. These schools also receive federal and state grants, scholarships, and other types of financial aid.
- National University | Tuition: $370/Quarter unit. The private university offers online and hybrid courses to adult learners. One-hundred percent of students in this institution receive financial aid.
- DeVry University | Tuition: $609/Credit. DeVry University operates a uniform academic calendar for both graduate and undergraduate programs. One hundred percent of the students in this school are receiving financial aid.
- Nevada State College | Tuition: $185/Credit. NSC offers 26 four-year programs and 16 minors. It launched its first Bachelor of Science degree in deaf and hard-of-hearing education in 2008. Ninety-five percent of NSC students receive financial aid.
- College of Southern Nevada | Tuition: $112.75/Credit. CSN is the largest public university in Nevada, with hundreds of university staff. Eighty-three percent of CSN students receive financial aid, with 52 percent benefiting from state scholarship opportunities.
- Great Basin College | Tuition: $120.25/Credit. The four-year institution offers baccalaureate and associate level degrees in career and technical education. Sixty percent of GBC students receive financial aid, with 62 percent benefiting from state scholarship opportunities.
Best Online Schools in Nevada by Popular Subjects
The best online schools in Nevada offer various certificates, associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees. Below is a list of these schools according to their most popular subjects. If you’re interested in computer science, nursing, medical coding, therapy, or psychology, we’ve got you covered.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in Nevada
The best accredited online colleges in Nevada that offer associate degree programs include the Great Basin College, DeVry University, and Western Nevada College. We have made a list of the best associate degree program each school offers below.
- University of Phoenix-Nevada | Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program is just five weeks long and requires no application fee or SAT scores. The University of Phoenix will even request your prior college transcripts for you. The program has flexible enrollment dates that allow you to start whenever you’re ready.
- National University | Associate of Science in General Education. NU is a Yellow Ribbon school that offers tuition discounts to members and dependents. It has also invested $30 million in scholarship opportunities for qualified students. This program has flexible enrollment dates and students can apply or transfer at any time.
- Western Nevada College | Associate of Business. This associate degree provides the academic knowledge and industry skills that allow students to successfully achieve their higher education goals. Students who complete this program will be able to apply technology to aid communications and decision-making.
- DeVry University | Online Associate Degree in Health Technology. The program has the AHIMA’s RHIT certification exam preparation built into it. Students get first-hand experience with medical records in a virtual lab and receive job searching help with DeVry’s career support services.
- Great Basin College | Associate of Applied Science-Early Childhood Education. The early childhood education department provides students with the skills to work professionally with young children. The program combines coursework with practical experience for students to obtain reflective feedback and grow professionally.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Nevada
Nevada’s best accredited online colleges for bachelor’s degree programs are Nevada State College, DeVry University, and the University of Phoenix. Below is an overview of these schools and their best programs.
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The program curriculum provides a balanced and broad education in psychology to meet the needs of students seeking a liberal arts degree or advanced training in psychology. Upon completion, students will have in-depth knowledge of statistical analyses and theories.
- University of Phoenix-Nevada | Bachelor of Science in Education. This university has a program support specialist who helps students navigate teacher licensure and requirements for credentials. They also partner with hundreds of school districts to help with placements for students’ clinical experience and practice.
- Nevada State College | History (BA). This history program is highly flexible and offers a wide range of classes to give students a solid historical foundation. Graduates can apply to law schools and graduate schools to prepare for librarianship and archival work careers.
- Western Nevada College | Bachelor of Applied Science in Organization & Project Management. This degree provides students with a strong leadership scope. They will understand how project management implementation contributes to the region’s economic development. Students’ organizational leadership skills apply to both profit and non-profit businesses.
- DeVry University | Online Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development. This degree’s curriculum aligns with industry certifications to validate students’ knowledge and skills. Additionally, the program teaches students how to become data analysts and software and application developers.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in Nevada
The best accredited online colleges that offer master’s degree programs in Nevada include DeVry University, the University of Phoenix, and the University of Nevada, Reno. The overview below provides details of these programs and why they are the top choice for you.
- University of Nevada, Reno | Online Master of Science in Business Analytics. This 100 percent online program has three flexible enrollment dates. It is also AACSB-accredited and has a small student-to-faculty ratio.
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Master of Science-Nursing. This degree offers students part-time enrollment or full-time enrollment options. The program curriculum meets the essentials of a master’s degree education in nursing that the American Association of Colleges and Nursing requires.
- University of Phoenix-Nevada | Master of Business Administration. This program prepares students for life in the business industry. Accreditation occurs once every decade with a quality review. The program contains a credit transfer policy that accelerates your degree with eligible transfer credits.
- National University | Master of Science in Computer Science. The program offers various advanced areas of specialization. Students must take a real-time, three-month project to solve real problems for a client against a deadline.
- DeVry University | MBA-Business Intelligence And Analytics Management. This program develops skills that you can use to pursue an entry-level or intermediate-level management career. The school’s Master’s Advantage allows you to earn your degree with fewer courses.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in Nevada
You should attend an accredited online college in Nevada because they are affordable and offer a vast variety of programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Nevada has over 12,000 students exclusively enrolled in distance learning programs.
Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada FAQ
You can choose the best accredited online college by considering factors such as tuition fees and financial aid, admission requirements, and online student services. You must also ensure that the college offers your prospective major and that all programs are entirely online.
Yes, online colleges are cheaper than in-person colleges. Private schools offer more affordable online programs and public schools typically offer lower rates to online, out-of-state students. Virtual students do not have to pay for accommodation and other miscellaneous expenses.
No, students do not prefer online learning. According to a Sallie Mae’s recent report How America Pays for College, 75 percent of students and their families prefer in-person education. This preference is primarily due to the difficulty concentrating and collaborating with peers. However, the study also states that 17 percent of students would prefer to only study online.
No, online classes are not easier to complete than traditional classes. While many students might opt for elearning due to its accessibility and convenience, it does not reduce the workload or alter the curriculum. Students will still need to put in the same amount of work and sometimes even more to overcome the distractions that might accompany online education.
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