Best Colleges in Nevada

Best Colleges in Nevada – 2024

July 3, 2024

Many come to Nevada to try their luck at games of chance, but an increasing number are interesting a different gamble in the realm of higher education. In fact, after years of enrollment decline, UNLV has seen a spike in undergraduate attendance in recent years, and in 2023, Nevada State College morphed into Nevada State University. The following list of the best colleges in Nevada is meant to give you an idea of how to narrow down your search and find the perfect-fit institution to meet your unique needs. The data in each profile card is intended to give a better sense of the academic offerings and outcomes at each institution.

Methodology

Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges in Nevada. As you’ll see, some schools with spectacular (and deserved) reputations simply do not happen to fare well on metrics such as student-to-faculty ratio or spending per student. We understand that a list based solely on prestige/general reputation would look different than what you will find below.

Here’s a quick preview of the top Nevada-based institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.

1) University of Nevada-Reno

2) University of Nevada-Las Vegas

3) Nevada State University

All of the Best Colleges in Nevada profiled below have a history of sending graduates to the most desirable employers and graduate schools in the country. ��һ��ӰԺ�ݲ� will provide you with—when available—each school’s:

Enrollment
Cost of Attendance
Acceptance Rate
Median
Median
Retention Rate
Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each best college in Nevada’s:

Academic Highlights – Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
Professional Outcomes – Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

Also view our:

#1 Best College in Nevada

University of Nevada—Reno

Reno, NV

Academic Highlights: The University of Nevada, Reno provides students with comprehensive academic opportunities through 145 undergraduate programs across 13 colleges and schools. While maintaining an accessible 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UNR ensures personalized learning experiences with 36% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. The university’s strong research mission is supported by 60+ specialized centers and facilities, offering undergraduates exceptional hands-on discovery opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: UNR graduates demonstrate strong career momentum, with 63% employed and 13% continuing their education within six months of graduation. The university serves as Nevada’s leading talent pipeline, with alumni contributing to key employers including Renown Health, Tesla, and the State of Nevada. Most graduates (75%) choose to build their careers in the Greater Reno area, earning competitive average salaries of $53,615 across all majors, demonstrating UNR’s vital role in developing both the regional workforce and Nevada’s innovation economy.

Enrollment: 17,965
Cost of Attendance: $29,264 (In-State); $46,220 (Out-of-State)
Median SAT: Test Blind
Median ACT: Test Blind
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 62%

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

Academic Highlights: UNLV offers students robust academic opportunities through 78 majors and 84 minors across 16 colleges and schools, all supported by an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university’s research enterprise thrives through 55+ specialized centers and institutes, providing undergraduates with exceptional hands-on learning experiences. This combination of academic breadth and research depth prepares students to excel in Las Vegas’ dynamic economy and beyond.

Professional Outcomes: UNLV graduates form the backbone of Southern Nevada’s professional workforce, with top employers including the Clark County School District, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment. More than 60% of alumni choose to build their careers in Nevada, contributing significantly to the state’s key industries, while others make their mark at national leaders like Amazon. With median earnings of $55,000 after ten years, UNLV demonstrates its vital role as both an economic engine for Las Vegas and a launchpad for professional success.

Enrollment: 25,794
Cost of Attendance: $26,504 (In-State); $43,460 (Out-of-State)
Median SAT: 1100
Median ACT: 21
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 50%

#3 Best College in Nevada

Nevada State University

Henderson, Nevada

Academic Highlights: Nevada State University provides career-focused education through 33 majors and 35 minors, offering students personalized attention with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university emphasizes hands-on learning through programs like the NIH-funded INBRE initiative, which trains undergraduates in cutting-edge research methodologies. This combination of accessible academics and practical research opportunities prepares students to meet Nevada’s workforce needs while developing critical thinking skills.

Professional Outcomes: Nevada State graduates play vital roles in their communities, with many employed by top regional organizations, including the Clark County School District, Sunrise Hospital, and the City of Henderson. Alumni predominantly build their careers in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and Henderson, demonstrating the university’s strong connections to Southern Nevada’s economy. These outcomes reflect Nevada State’s success in preparing graduates who immediately contribute to their home state’s growing economy and institutional needs.

Enrollment: 7,224
Cost of Attendance: $25,418 (In-State); $39,499 (Out-of-State)
Median SAT: Test Blind
Median ACT: Test Blind
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 31%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges in Nevada to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including:

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Michael Trivette

A former admissions professional and adjunct faculty member, Michael knows firsthand what students need in order to be successful on a college campus. His experience in college admissions, enrollment management, intercollegiate athletics, student support services, student life and other areas, allows him to help students transition smoothly into the best good-fit colleges.

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