Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024
Small colleges in Nevada are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024
- Nevada State University 18 to 1
- Western Nevada College 17 to 1
- Great Basin College 17 to 1
- Nevada State University $5,550
- Great Basin College $3,607
- Western Nevada College $3,383
- Nevada State University $4,487
- Western Nevada College 17 to 1
- Great Basin College 17 to 1
- Nevada State University 18 to 1
- Western Nevada College $3,383
- Great Basin College $3,607
- Nevada State University $5,550
- Nevada State University $4,487
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
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Nevada is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 4 small colleges in Nevada. The list below of the best small colleges in Nevada. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2023
- #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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:
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #4 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #5 Best Public 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: $3,920Starting 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 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
Student body
<1K
What is Sierra Nevada University known for?
Sierra Nevada University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #2 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nevada 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nevada 2025
- #2 Best Online Associate in Graphic Design 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nevada
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2024
- #11 Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #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: $3,855Expenses: $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 Small 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.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in West Virginia and New Hampshire.