Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2024

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

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

Sort by:
  1. Nevada State University
  2. Western Nevada College
  3. Sierra Nevada University
  4. Great Basin College
  1. Sierra Nevada University
  2. Great Basin College
  3. Western Nevada College
  4. Nevada State University
  1. Nevada State University 82%
  1. Nevada State University 18 to 1
  2. Western Nevada College 17 to 1
  3. Great Basin College 17 to 1
  1. Nevada State University $5,550
  2. Great Basin College $3,607
  3. Western Nevada College $3,383
  1. Nevada State University $4,487
  1. Great Basin College
  2. Sierra Nevada University
  3. Western Nevada College
  4. Nevada State University
  1. Nevada State University
  2. Western Nevada College
  3. Great Basin College
  4. Sierra Nevada University
  1. Nevada State University 82%
  1. Western Nevada College 17 to 1
  2. Great Basin College 17 to 1
  3. Nevada State University 18 to 1
  1. Western Nevada College $3,383
  2. Great Basin College $3,607
  3. Nevada State University $5,550
  1. 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?

Nevada’s Best Overall

Nevada's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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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.

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Best Small Colleges in Nevada 2023

  2. #2

    Western Nevada College

    Carson City , NV
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2025 #4 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Nevada 2024 #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
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  4. #4

    Great Basin College

    Elko , NV
    #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nevada 2025 #2 Best Community Colleges in Nevada 2025 #6 Best Public 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
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Nevada’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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. Sierra Nevada University
  2. Nevada State University

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.

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