Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEVADA PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Nevada provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in Nevada

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  1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  2. University of Nevada, Reno
  3. College of Southern Nevada
  4. Nevada State University
  5. Western Nevada College
  6. Great Basin College
  1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  2. University of Nevada, Reno
  3. College of Southern Nevada
  4. Great Basin College
  5. Western Nevada College
  6. Nevada State University
  1. University of Nevada, Reno 86%
  2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 85%
  3. Nevada State University 82%
  1. University of Nevada, Reno 18 to 1
  2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
  3. Nevada State University 18 to 1
  4. College of Southern Nevada 17 to 1
  5. Western Nevada College 17 to 1
  6. Great Basin College 17 to 1
  1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas $8,159
  2. University of Nevada, Reno $8,133
  3. Nevada State University $5,550
  4. Great Basin College $3,607
  5. College of Southern Nevada $3,383
  6. Western Nevada College $3,383
  1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas $5,976
  2. University of Nevada, Reno $5,814
  3. Nevada State University $4,487
  1. Great Basin College
  2. Western Nevada College
  3. Nevada State University
  4. College of Southern Nevada
  5. University of Nevada, Reno
  6. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  1. Nevada State University
  2. Western Nevada College
  3. Great Basin College
  4. College of Southern Nevada
  5. University of Nevada, Reno
  6. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  1. Nevada State University 82%
  2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 85%
  3. University of Nevada, Reno 86%
  1. College of Southern Nevada 17 to 1
  2. Western Nevada College 17 to 1
  3. Great Basin College 17 to 1
  4. University of Nevada, Reno 18 to 1
  5. University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
  6. Nevada State University 18 to 1
  1. College of Southern Nevada $3,383
  2. Western Nevada College $3,383
  3. Great Basin College $3,607
  4. Nevada State University $5,550
  5. University of Nevada, Reno $8,133
  6. University of Nevada, Las Vegas $8,159
  1. Nevada State University $4,487
  2. University of Nevada, Reno $5,814
  3. University of Nevada, Las Vegas $5,976

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?

Nevada’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 6 public universities in Nevada. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Nevada, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2023

  1. #1

    University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Las Vegas , NV
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    35K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    Cost of Degree: $9,142
    Expenses: $17,362
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Nevada, Reno

    Reno , NV
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    23K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Nevada, Reno

    Cost of Degree: $8,994
    Expenses: $20,270
    Starting Salary: $56,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Nevada, Reno known for?

    University of Nevada, Reno’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  3. #3

    College of Southern Nevada

    Las Vegas , NV
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2025 #1 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    17%

    Student body

    40K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Southern Nevada

    Cost of Degree: $4,110
    Starting Salary: $37,400
    What is College of Southern Nevada known for?

    College of Southern Nevada’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Western Nevada College

    Carson City , NV
    #2 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2025 #4 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Nevada College

    Cost of Degree: $3,920
    Starting Salary: $35,800
    What 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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Great Basin College

    Elko , NV
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2025 #2 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    4K

    Career Outlook for degree at Great Basin College

    Cost of Degree: $3,855
    Expenses: $11,570
    Starting Salary: $37,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
    Compare school
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Nevada’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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.

  1. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
  2. University of Nevada, Reno
  3. Nevada State University
  4. Western Nevada College
  5. Great Basin College
  6. College of Southern Nevada

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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