Best Colleges in Nevada

Staff Writers
By
Updated on October 30, 2024
Learn more about our editorial process
The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed the top 4-year colleges in Nevada. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

College graduates in Nevada enjoy an advantage when competing in a state job market with above-average unemployment (4% in November 2019) and below-average annual wages of $46,170. Additionally, consider the above-average cost of living in major cities such as Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno.

With Las Vegas casinos drawing tourists to the state, leisure and hospitality remains a leading industry in Nevada. Other top industries include professional and business services, government, and education and health services. Healthcare professionals in the Las Vegas-Henderson area can command above-average wages.

According to a 2017 state report, college graduates with training in information technology, business, engineering, and nursing can qualify for some of the state’s most coveted jobs. High-demand jobs in Nevada include software developers, managers, engineers, nurses, and accountants.

Best Accredited Colleges in Nevada

#1 Best Colleges in Nevada

University of Nevada-Las Vegas

  • Location-markerLas Vegas, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,355
  • Out-of-state$25,311
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,976
  • Out-of-state$22,518
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate86%
  • Students Enrolled31,093
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Colleges in Nevada

University of Nevada-Reno

  • Location-markerReno, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,923
  • Out-of-state$24,013
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,814
  • Out-of-state$22,356
  • Retention Rate80%
  • Acceptance Rate85%
  • Students Enrolled21,791
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Colleges in Nevada

Great Basin College

  • Location-markerElko, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,607
  • Out-of-state$10,967
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate38%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled3,197
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment99%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Colleges in Nevada

Nevada State College

  • Location-markerHenderson, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,550
  • Out-of-state$19,289
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,487
  • Out-of-state$18,225
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate82%
  • Students Enrolled7,169
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment41%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Explore More College Resources

How to Choose Your College Class Schedule

How to Choose Your College Class Schedule

Learn how to create the best class schedule each semester by considering important academic and nonacademic factors.

Steve Bailey

by Steve Bailey

Updated March 22, 2023

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?

Discover the challenges and opportunities full-time vs. part-time students face and get tips on which college experience is right for you.

Marisa Upson

by Marisa Upson

Updated October 12, 2023

Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?

Summer Semester: When Does It Start? And Should You Enroll?

School’s out — or, rather, in — for summer. Discover the pros and cons of enrolling in an optional summer semester in college.

Anne Dennon

by Anne Dennon

Updated March 20, 2023