Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
Interested in attending a STEM school in Nevada? Our ranking of top research universities for bachelor’s degrees displays schools that will best prepare you for STEM careers.
Best Research Universities in Nevada 2024
- University of Nevada, Reno 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Reno 18 to 1
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas 18 to 1
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
A research university is a great option for students interested in obtaining STEM degrees. Research universities invest heavily in research, which consequently provides meaningful and extensive opportunities for its students and faculty to participate in research. We’ve identified 2 research universities in Nevada. To be included in our ranking, schools must be a fully accredited universities and must must offer doctoral degrees across the range of STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Best Research Universities in Nevada 2023
- #1 Best Grad Schools in Nevada 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #14 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $9,142Expenses: $17,362Starting 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 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $8,994Expenses: $20,270Starting Salary: $56,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
Find the Best Research Universities in Nevada for 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 research universities throughout the U.S. for a look at the top research institutions in every state.