The best universities in Nevada offer degrees with high academic quality and reputation. The quality education you’ll get from Nevada universities ranked as high-performing schools will be your gateway to getting lucrative jobs, especially in a popular city like Las Vegas. Apart from attending a university, you’ll also get to enjoy and learn from the rich culture of Nevada.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the top degree programs and the top 10 universities in Nevada. You will also find out the application process, tuition cost, and financial aid opportunities offered by the best colleges in Nevada.
What Are the Best Universities in Nevada?
The best universities in Nevada include Touro University Nevada, Roseman University of Health Sciences, University of Nevada-Reno, and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. These Nevada universities ranked highest based on their overall graduation rates and offerings of different reputable undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Some of the other best colleges in Nevada are Nevada State College, Western Nevada College, and Sierra Nevada University. The college graduates from these accredited universities use their quality education to progress into lucrative professions.
How Many Universities Are in Nevada?
There are 15 universities in Nevada, according to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) report for 2019 to 2020. There are seven public universities and four non-profit and for-profit private universities in Nevada. These four-year educational institutions offer a wide range of academic programs covering technical and non-technical subject areas.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Nevada?
The biggest universities in Nevada are the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, the University of Nevada-Reno, and Nevada State College. These universities have a student population ranging from 31,142 to 7,289.
Largest Nevada Universities by Enrollment
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas | 31,142
- University of Nevada-Reno | 20,722
- Nevada State College | 7,289
- Touro University Nevada | 1,687
- Roseman University of Health Sciences | 1,554
Nevada University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Nevada?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Touro University Nevada | Henderson | 88% |
| 2 | Roseman University of Health Sciences | Henderson | 82% |
| 3 | Chamberlain University-Nevada | Las Vegas | 69% |
| 4 | University of Nevada-Reno | Reno | 63% |
| 5 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas | 47% |
| 6 | Southern States University | Las Vegas | 42% |
| 7 | Sierra Nevada University | Incline Village | 34% |
| 8 | Nevada State College | Henderson | 29% |
| 9 | DeVry University-Nevada | Henderson | 23% |
| 10 | University of Phoenix-Nevada | Las Vegas | 17% |
How We Defined Nevada University Rankings
Our ranking of the top 10 universities in Nevada is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the NCES. In coming up with our list of 10 Nevada universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can refer to in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Nevada, Explained
Below are the top 10 universities in Nevada that offer a wide variety of accredited undergraduate and graduate academic programs. Our college ranking is based on universities’ graduation rates sourced from NCES, College Scorecard, and official school websites. We also cover the student population, acceptance rates, top programs, and post-grad median salaries.
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Nevada University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Nevada are an acceptable cumulative GPA, a high school diploma or GED, and official school transcripts. The requirements vary from school to school, depending on specific degrees. For bachelor’s degrees, some schools require test scores for Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT), while others don’t.
A graduate degree will require a bachelor’s degree, 2.75 or higher GPA, professional experience, and a letter of recommendation. There are schools that also require test scores for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
You may get in touch with the school’s admissions department to find specific documents needed for your preferred program.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Nevada
- 2.0 or 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA
- High school diploma or GED
- Official transcripts
- Standardized test scores in SAT/ACT, or MCAT/GMAT/GRE
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional experience
- Personal statement
- Resume
How to Apply to Nevada Universities
You can apply to Nevada universities through the Common Application, or through the university’s official website. Some schools require you to contact the admissions counselor to get your application process started. Be sure to know the requirements for admission before submitting your college application.
Nevada Universities Admissions Process
- Search for the program on the university’s official page.
- Fill out your online application on the official page or via the Common Application.
- Get in touch with the school’s admissions team.
- Submit all the required documents.
- Monitor your application status.
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Why Study in Nevada?
You should study in Nevada because the state offers ample job opportunities and a great art and culture environment. It’s also home to top research universities. It is also a great place for students wanting to immerse themselves in the limelight of Las Vegas and its city life. We discuss further below why you should study in Nevada.
Job Opportunities
Be it management, data analytics, or financial analytics, Nevada’s famous Las Vegas city opens up tons of lucrative career opportunities through its casino industry. Education in a top Nevada university will make your job placement process at top Las Vegas companies easier.
Art and Culture
Nevada’s Lake Tahoe, Valley of Fire, and Las Vegas offer a rich environment of art and culture. By attending a university in the state, you will get to immerse yourself in its rich culture, vibrant festivals, and beautiful landscapes.
Globalized Environment
If you prefer a highly globalized city, then Nevada schools are for you. The state hosts countless international visitors at its tourist hotspots that will provide you with tons of learning experiences and networking opportunities.
More Nevada University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Nevada?
Below are the Nevada university rankings of best schools grouped into different categories. We will include the top public, state, and private schools for you to consider.
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Top Nevada Universities by Major
Read on to find the top Nevada universities that offer the best computer science, business, engineering, nursing, and management programs.
Tuition Costs for Nevada Universities
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average undergraduate tuition for Nevada universities was $17,987 for public schools and $40,471 for private schools from 2019 to 2020. The tuition costs for Nevada universities vary depending on the type of school and degree program. Tuition may also be based on the student’s residency.
Most Affordable Universities in Nevada
- Sierra Nevada University | Tuition: $1,460/Credit. The flat tuition rate for full-time students at Sierra Nevada University is $17,160 for 2021 to 2022. This applies to Incline Village undergraduate programs.
- Nevada State College | Tuition: $185/Credit. Nevada State College’s tuition prices vary according to the student’s residency. For 2022 to 2023, its full-time resident students need to pay $185/credit, and non-resident students are charged $13,739/year. Its non-resident distance education undergraduate students are charged $93/credit.
- University of Nevada-Reno | Tuition: $256/Credit. This university’s tuition rates differ for in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Its undergraduate fee is $256/credit for in-state students, $282/credit for out-of-state students, and $1,076/credit for international students.
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Tuition: $256/Credit. University of Nevada-Las Vegas’s resident students need to pay $256/credit for undergraduate courses. Its non-resident undergraduate students taking one to six credit hours are charged $538/credit.
- Chamberlain University- Nevada | Tuition: $675/Credit. Chamberlain University’s tuition rates vary by location and degree programs. Its lowest tuition is $675/credit hour in Las Vegas. Its Master of Public Health program costs $550/credit, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice costs $775/credit.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Nevada
The financial aid options for the best universities in Nevada include loan financing, installments, scholarships, work-study options, and federal grants. The availability of these financial aid options differs from one school to another.
Financial Aid for Nevada Universities: A Summary
- Federal grants. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or federal grants are financial gifts offered by the federal government to students in need of financial assistance. It requires you to submit a FAFSA form with verifiable financial documents.
- Student loans. Student loans, whether private or public, are good options for students with good credit scores or cosigners. A loan will include interest rates, payment contracts, and a background check.
- Work-study program. The work-study program offered by universities is also part of the federal program where students who need financial aid apply for on-campus or eligible off-campus jobs. They work a set number of hours at these jobs to pay for their housing, tuition, or food costs.
- University scholarships. Universities also offer scholarships for their undergraduate or graduate programs. You will need to meet the scholarship’s student profile, academic, or financial requirements to be eligible.
Nevada University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Nevada Universities?
- Students with a low-income background
- US citizens or eligible non-citizens
- Students enrolled in a degree program at the university
- Students who don’t owe a federal education loan or grant
Private Nevada Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Las Vegas College. Las Vegas College offers financial aid opportunities through FAFSA grants. You can get in touch with its financial services team to find other aid options.
- Career College of Northern Nevada. You can apply for Career College of Northern Nevada’s veteran’s benefits, external scholarships, FAFSA, work-study assistance, or federal grant loan aid plans.
- Sierra Nevada University. Sierra Nevada University offers FAFSA, work-study, merit-based scholarships, and public and private loans for financial aid options.
Universities in Nevada That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of Nevada-Reno. Out-of-state students at University of Nevada-Reno can apply for financial aid through its Western Undergraduate Exchange Reduced Tuition Scholarship. They can also apply for federal grants, loans, or work-study programs.
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas. This school offers financial aid to its out-of-state students via external scholarships or federal grant options.
- Nevada State College. Nevada State College offers tons of scholarship opportunities to all its students. Some opportunities include the NSC Foundation Scholarship, Matching Scholarship, and Millenium Scholarship.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Nevada State Universities
- Fill out your FAFSA application or use Nevada’s Government Benefit Finder for financial aid options.
- You may also get in touch with your university’s financial aid office to find any internal tuition grants or internal scholarships.
- Submit all the necessary financial aid documents.
Demographics of Universities in Nevada
The student demographics of universities in Nevada are based on the NCES 2019 fall enrollment report.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Nevada
- White: 41.2%
- Black: 7.9%
- Hispanic: 30.4%
- Asian: 11.5%
- Pacific Islander: 1.0%
- American Indian: 0.7%
- Two or More Races: 7.4%
Nevada Employment Outlook for University Students
The Nevada employment outlook for university students differs based on the state’s major cities. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the April 2022 unemployment rate in Nevada was five percent. The job opportunity rates also vary depending on the number of businesses, city economy, industry success, and city resources.
5 In-Demand Nevada Jobs
The top five in-demand Nevada jobs include information technology, management, data analytics, nursing, and healthcare. The salary rate varies depending on your educational qualifications, designation, and company. Below are the top five jobs you can get in Nevada.
Is a University in Nevada Right for You?
Yes, a university in Nevada is right for you if you’re interested in getting a degree in nursing, business, or information technology. University of Nevada-Reno, Touro University Nevada, and University of Nevada-Las Vegas are among the best universities in Nevada. Some of these top schools also provide online options and financial assistance to help you complete your degree.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in Nevada FAQ
The top three public universities in Nevada are University of Nevada-Reno, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and Nevada State College. This top three list is based on the universities’ national and global rankings and their overall graduation rates.
The best nursing colleges in Nevada are Touro University Nevada, Chamberlain University Nevada, and Roseman University of Health Sciences. These schools are premium research universities and are popular for offering programs in the healthcare sector and their students finding jobs in top healthcare companies.
The best majors to get from Nevada universities are nursing, business administration, data science, information systems, and education management. All of these programs are commonly offered by some of the best universities in Nevada.
University of Nevada-Reno is best known for being an R1 research public university. It offers reputable computer science and engineering programs, which require very high research activity efforts.
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