Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
Here are the best colleges and universities in Nevada. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.
Best Colleges in Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- College of Southern Nevada
- Nevada State University
- Western Nevada College
- Sierra Nevada University
- Great Basin College
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- College of Southern Nevada
- Sierra Nevada University
- Great Basin College
- Western Nevada College
- Nevada State University
- University of Nevada, Reno 88%
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 83%
- Nevada State University 79%
- Sierra Nevada University 67%
- College of Southern Nevada 21 to 1
- Great Basin College 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
- Western Nevada College 18 to 1
- Nevada State University 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Reno 17 to 1
- Sierra Nevada University 9 to 1
- Sierra Nevada University $35,508
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $7,949
- University of Nevada, Reno $7,923
- Nevada State University $5,400
- Great Basin College $3,518
- College of Southern Nevada $3,293
- Western Nevada College $3,293
- Sierra Nevada University $18,700
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $5,823
- University of Nevada, Reno $5,625
- Nevada State University $4,365
- Great Basin College
- Sierra Nevada University
- Western Nevada College
- Nevada State University
- College of Southern Nevada
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Nevada State University
- Western Nevada College
- Great Basin College
- Sierra Nevada University
- College of Southern Nevada
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Sierra Nevada University 67%
- Nevada State University 79%
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 83%
- University of Nevada, Reno 88%
- Sierra Nevada University 9 to 1
- University of Nevada, Reno 17 to 1
- Great Basin College 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
- Western Nevada College 18 to 1
- Nevada State University 18 to 1
- College of Southern Nevada 21 to 1
- College of Southern Nevada $3,293
- Western Nevada College $3,293
- Great Basin College $3,518
- Nevada State University $5,400
- University of Nevada, Reno $7,923
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $7,949
- Sierra Nevada University $35,508
- Nevada State University $4,365
- University of Nevada, Reno $5,625
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $5,823
- Sierra Nevada University $18,700
Colleges and Universities in Nevada
From bigger universities, like the University of Nevada, Reno and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to smaller schools, like Western Nevada College, students have plenty of options. While the University of Nevada, Las Vegas serves 25,000 students, making it Nevada’s largest higher education institute, their friendly rival university in the north, the University of Nevada, Reno, comes in at a close second, with just over 19,000 students.
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Though Western Nevada College is much smaller in student population, this school offers three campuses and seven other instructional sites across the state. With yearly tuition at the three major universities being under $10,000 and tuition at several smaller colleges coming in at $5,000 or less, students are sure to find an affordable degree. Additionally, those hoping to pursue a career in healthcare or a related field may want to consider attending one of Nevada’s three private colleges or the two biggest universities, all of which offer unique degrees in areas spanning radiology, pediatrics, and nursing. Nevada is also home to one Judaic college, Touro University Nevada, located in Henderson, a city just outside of Las Vegas.
Though most know Nevada for the glitzy casinos and attractions in Las Vegas, it is also home to beautiful Lake Tahoe, a favorite of skiers, hikers, beachgoers, locals, and vacationers. In Nevada, students can bet big and enjoy the outdoors, all while earning their degree at one of The Silver State’s exemplary colleges and universities.
Check out the top degree programs and future career opportunities offered in Nevada.
What are Nevada’s Colleges & Universities?
- 2 Research Universities
- 5 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 2 Graduate Schools
- 6 Public Colleges & Universities
- 1 Private College or University
- 4 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 6 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 5 Community Colleges
- 6 Online Colleges
Nevada’s Best Overall
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges
We’ve identified 7 colleges and universities in Nevada that meet our criteria. This list of the top colleges in Nevada below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Nevada.
Best Colleges in Nevada 2023
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
- #9 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
47%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for degree at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Cost of Degree: $8,947Expenses: $16,802Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Nevada, Las Vegas known for?
University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Nevada, Las Vegas’s Online Degrees
BA in Anthropology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Multidisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Urban Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Nevada 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #3 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #5 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #16 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #19 Best Online Master's in Special Education
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Education
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
63%
Student body
23K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/23
Career Outlook for degree at University of Nevada, Reno
Cost of Degree: $8,797Expenses: $19,888Starting Salary: $56,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Nevada, Reno known for?
University of Nevada, Reno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Earth Sciences
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physics
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
University of Nevada, Reno’s Online Degrees
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nevada
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Hospitality and Tourism
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #4 Best Online Associate in Web Design
- #6 Best Online Associate in Software Development
- #7 Best Online Associate in Education
- #9 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #9 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #11 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
- #12 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #12 Best Online Associate in English
- #15 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #21 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #22 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
16%
Student body
43K
Career Outlook for degree at College of Southern Nevada
Cost of Degree: $3,968Starting Salary: $37,400What is College of Southern Nevada known for?
College of Southern Nevada’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Business
- Mathematics
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Medical
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
College of Southern Nevada’s Online Degrees
BAS in Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Fire And Emergency Services Administration
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
29%
Student body
9K
What is Nevada State University known for?
Nevada State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Western Nevada College
Cost of Degree: $3,838Starting Salary: $35,800What is Western Nevada College known for?
Western Nevada College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Western Nevada College’s Online Degrees
BAS in Construction Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BAS in Organization And Project Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Construction
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
67%
Graduation
34%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/21
What is Sierra Nevada University known for?
Sierra Nevada University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nevada
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nevada 2024
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design
- #12 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #14 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #19 Best Online Associate in Entrepreneurship
- #24 Best Online Associate in Small Business Management
- #24 Best Online Associate in Business Management
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
44%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Great Basin College
Cost of Degree: $3,772Expenses: $11,570Starting Salary: $37,300Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Great Basin College known for?
Great Basin College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Great Basin College’s Online Degrees
BAS in Management And Supervision
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Digital Information Technology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in English
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Human Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BAS in Land Surveying/Geomatics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Nevada’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.