Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
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
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- College of Southern Nevada
- Nevada State University
- Western Nevada College
- Great Basin College
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- University of Nevada, Reno
- College of Southern Nevada
- Great Basin College
- Western Nevada College
- Nevada State University
- University of Nevada, Reno 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
- Nevada State University 18 to 1
- College of Southern Nevada 17 to 1
- Western Nevada College 17 to 1
- Great Basin College 17 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $8,159
- University of Nevada, Reno $8,133
- Nevada State University $5,550
- Great Basin College $3,607
- College of Southern Nevada $3,383
- Western Nevada College $3,383
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $5,976
- University of Nevada, Reno $5,814
- Nevada State University $4,487
- Great Basin College
- 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
- College of Southern Nevada
- University of Nevada, Reno
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- College of Southern Nevada 17 to 1
- Western Nevada College 17 to 1
- Great Basin College 17 to 1
- University of Nevada, Reno 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
- Nevada State University 18 to 1
- College of Southern Nevada $3,383
- Western Nevada College $3,383
- Great Basin College $3,607
- Nevada State University $5,550
- University of Nevada, Reno $8,133
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas $8,159
- Nevada State University $4,487
- University of Nevada, Reno $5,814
- 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?
- 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
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.
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.
Best Public 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 Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #3 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
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: $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 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 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #5 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #14 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
62%
Student body
23K
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 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 2025
- #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 Early Childhood Education
- #9 Best Online Associate in Communications
- #11 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
- #12 Best Online Associate in English
- #12 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #14 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #21 Best Online Associate in Sociology
- #22 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
17%
Student body
40K
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 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
32%
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 #4 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$4K
Graduation
34%
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
- #2 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nevada 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nevada
- #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
48%
Student body
4K
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 Public College in Your Area of Interest
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.
Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.