Best Colleges in Nevada for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Nevada College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Nevada is a geographically large state; it is the seventh largest state in the US. Despite its size, Nevada has a relatively small population concentrated in a few large cities. It enjoys high levels of tourism and interaction with the populous neighboring state of California. There are large, popular community colleges but there are relatively few four-year degree institutions. The University of Nevada system is the major source of four-year degrees in Nevada. The large campuses in Reno and Las Vegas lead the state in attendance and degrees conferred.

The state of Nevada is a part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange. This organization is an education common market in which Nevada students can enroll at a wide range of public schools in neighboring states at a reduced cost. Rather than pay out-of-state rates, Nevada students can attend Western Undergraduate Exchange schools at tuition rates near the school’s in-state rate. The neighboring states of California, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Oregon participate in the exchange and charge enrolled out-of-state students no more than 150% of the in-state tuition.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Nevada?

Nevada colleges award degrees in a wide range of majors including technical fields like minerals and mining. The leading category was business and management. The humanities studies were the second group followed closely by psychology, social science, and the natural sciences. The selection range in Nevada is in line with national trends and averages. Business degrees are the most popular choice on a national level.

Nevada’s economy is unique in that it has a substantial level of tourism and gaming. The state economy has above average demands in travel-related fields like hospitality, hotel management, and entertainment fields. Nevada has Las Vegas and many natural tourist destinations. The proximity of some Nevada cities to southern California also adds to opportunities in hospitality and entertainment. The below-listed items are the broad major subject categories with the highest numbers of conferred degrees from all Nevada degree-granting institutions.

How Much More Can You Make by Having a Degree in Nevada

National data consistently shows a direct relationship between salary and education. Employees with bachelor’s degrees earn substantially more than other employees with less education. A bachelor’s degree can add more than $1 million in lifetime earnings when compared to median income high school graduate. The relationship of education to earnings proceeds with advanced degrees and professional degrees. Over the US economy, education is the decisive weight on the pay scale.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Nevada

Career trends in Nevada show continuing high rates of job growth as the state economy expands in technology, tourism, and construction. The state shows high demand for skilled labor and business employment continues to be strong in healthcare and technology.

Tourism and hospitality remain staples of the economy, which have received boosts from additions in professional sports. College graduates that seek careers in the hospitality industry, business, and technology sectors should find an active and growing economy in Nevada.

Top Business Careers and Management Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Chief Executive Officer 1,170 $155,500
Marketing Managers 1,830 $66,000
Administrative Services Managers 1,600 $62,900
Financial Managers 6,060 $92,600
Purchasing Managers 480 $68,100
  • Chief Executive Officers:
    Chief Executive Officers are the top decision-makers in an organization. They have responsibility for the overall performance of the group and for achieving organizational goals.
  • Marketing Managers:
    Marketing Managers provide strategy, planning, and oversight for the organizational effort to reach its customer base or audience.
  • Administrative Services Managers:
    Administrative Services Managers oversee the internal operations of the organization. They ensure that the personnel and organizational groups have adequate support and services.
  • Financial Managers:
    Financial Managers ensure that the organization has adequate resources to meet its goals. They help protect assets and maximize the benefits to the organization.
  • Purchasing Managers:
    Purchasing Managers work the markets to create the best possible pricing, quality, and availability of goods, services, and materials that the organization needs to carry out its processes.

Best Nevada Schools for Business and Management Careers

  • University of Nevada - Reno
  • University of Nevada - Las Vegas
  • College of Southern Nevada
  • Truckee Meadows Community College
  • Nevada State College

Top Humanities fields Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Social Scientists and Related Workers 2,630 $75,100
Social Science Research Assistants 90 $63,900
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 1,180 $40,000
Child, Family, and School Social Workers 3,010 $42,100
Lawyers 4,630 $85,700
  • Social Scientists:
    Social Scientists study the relationships between individuals and their societies. There are many branches of social science including economics and political science.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors:
    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselors diagnose and treat persons with drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse issues and dependencies.
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers:
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers engage with individuals and families to resolve issues and improve relationships. These skilled social workers can be effective advocates for vulnerable populations.
  • Lawyers:
    Lawyers provide expert legal services to businesses, individuals, and government. They are licensed legal advocates that play key roles in courts and government that must shape policies and issue laws., rules, and regulations.

Best Nevada Schools for Careers in the Humanities Fields

  • University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • University of Nevada-Reno
  • College of Southern Nevada

Top Natural Sciences Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Microbiologists 40 $54,500
Conservation Scientists 200 $54,300
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 230 $139,500
Atmospheric and Space Scientists 80 $85,000
Materials Scientists 40 $88,100
  • Microbiologists:
    Microbiologists study life forms at tiny levels to develop information and research that contributes to an understanding of all lifeforms.
  • Conservation Scientists:
    Conservation Scientists research and develop information about natural resources and methods to prevent waste and damage to natural systems.
  • Medical Scientists:
    Medical Scientists conduct research tests and experiments to determine the causes of human disease and methods to treat and prevent them.
  • Atmospheric and Space Scientists:
    Atmospheric and Space Scientists study and perform research on the atmosphere and outer space. They study efforts and technology for space travel and improvements in air transportation.
  • Materials Scientists:
    Materials Scientists research and develop information on the characteristics of substances. They work to identify materials that may have safe and effective usefulness in medical, commercial, and other applications.

Best Nevada Schools for Natural Science Careers

  • University of Nevada-Reno
  • University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • College of Southern Nevada
  • Nevada State College

Top Psychology Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists 440 $55,600
Psychologists, All Other 90 $78,200
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary 250 $46,800
Psychiatrists 80 $212,900
Psychiatric Technicians 78,470 $40,500
  • Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists:
    Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists are highly trained professionals that work within a framework of an organization such as a company, school system, or institution. They provide treatment and diagnosis and support of organizational efforts to create appropriate environments.
  • Psychologists:
    Psychologists study normal and abnormal mental conditions. They work with patients to resolve issues concerning relationships and interactions with the social environment.
  • Psychology Teachers:
    Psychology Teachers at the post-secondary level teach and perform research in general or specialized areas of psychology.
  • Psychiatrists:
    Psychiatrists are specialized medical doctors that diagnose, study, and treat mental disorders.
  • Psychiatric Technicians:
    Psychiatric Technicians support psychiatrists and psychologists in treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, and clinic facilities. They provide tests and reports and related support services.

Best Nevada Schools for Psychology Careers

  • University of Nevada--Las Vegas
  • University of Nevada—Reno
  • College of Southern Nevada
  • Truckee Meadows Community College
  • Nevada State College

Top Social Science Careers and Salaries

CAREER NAME NUMBER OF JOBS AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Urban and Regional Planners 210 $56,300
Anthropologists and Archeologists 320 $48,700
Marriage and Family Therapists 400 $58,100
Child, Family, and School Social Workers 3,010 $42,100
Healthcare Social Workers 800 $55,400
  • Urban and Regional Planners:
    Urban and Regional Planners use knowledge of the economy, infrastructure, transportation systems, healthcare, and land use to develop plans and assessments for urban, suburban, and rural populations.
  • Anthropologists and Archeologists:
    Anthropologists and Archeologists use modern tools and techniques to study ancient civilization and artifacts.
  • Marriage and Family Therapists:
    Marriage and Family Therapists provide support for relationship issues to help resolve them and create stronger healthier family bonds.
  • Child, Family, and School Social Workers:
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers focus on the well-being of children as parts of family units, school groups, and other parts of their communities.
  • Healthcare Social Workers:
    Healthcare Social Workers help bring needed resources to vulnerable populations. They work with individuals, families, communities, and healthcare organizations.

Best Nevada Schools for Social Science Careers

  • University of Nevada-Reno
  • University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • Nevada State College

Additional Careers in Nevada

Want to See All the Nevada Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Nevada

Occupation Growth % Change Jobs in 2024
Architecture and Engineering Occupations 34.63% 16,140
Legal Occupations 31.07% 13,340
Education and Library Occupations 30.94% 71,290
Food Prep and Serving Occupations 30.51% 229,168
Construction and Extraction Occupations 31.37% 84,141
Production Occupations 38.16% 58,273

Best Associate Degrees in Nevada

Best Associate Degrees in Nevada
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An associate degree can be an excellent start for many careers. Getting a two-year degree is a good way to determine if that particular career is a good fit for you. If it is, then you can consider continuing your education in that field. If it’s not, there’s still time to apply classes and credits earned with that degree and head in another direction. Either way, a two-year degree will help you on your career journey. Nevada has a plethora of associate degree programs to choose from.

Great Basin College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,772		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$9,079 		Grads Salary
$31,300
Truckee Meadows Community College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
10,249		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$8,547 		Grads Salary
$33,900
College of Southern Nevada
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
33,942		 Graduation Rate
15%		 Net Price
$7,574 		Grads Salary
$32,300
Western Nevada College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,702		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$11,815 		Grads Salary
$30,500

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Nevada

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Nevada
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When people think of going to college, they typically think about bachelor’s degree programs from a college or university. Workers with four-year degrees out-earn those with two-year degrees, or no degree at all. If you are considering a bachelor’s degree in the state of Nevada, you’ll have plenty of options for programs from some of the best colleges in the state.

University of Nevada-Reno
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
20,993		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$16,359 		Grads Salary
$67,100
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
31,142		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$11,834 		Grads Salary
$66,100
Nevada State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
5,584		 Graduation Rate
23%		 Net Price
$14,360 		Grads Salary
$79,300
Great Basin College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,772		 Graduation Rate
43%		 Net Price
$9,079 		Grads Salary
$31,300
Truckee Meadows Community College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
10,249		 Graduation Rate
28%		 Net Price
$8,547 		Grads Salary
$33,900
Sierra Nevada University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
755		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$30,338 		Grads Salary
$62,300
College of Southern Nevada
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
33,942		 Graduation Rate
15%		 Net Price
$7,574 		Grads Salary
$32,300
Western Nevada College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
3,702		 Graduation Rate
27%		 Net Price
$11,815 		Grads Salary
$30,500
DeVry University-Nevada
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
67		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$26,408 		Grads Salary
NA

Best Master's Degrees in Nevada

Best Master's Degrees in Nevada
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An advanced degree is a commitment of time, energy, and money, so you want to be sure you’re making the best decision possible. For many, a graduate degree or doctorate is the natural progression in their careers. For those who want to teach or research at the collegiate level, this is especially true, but people in other fields attain terminal degrees so they can be considered experts in their field. Whatever your motivation, if you are interested in an advanced degree, Nevada has some of the best master’s degrees and doctorate programs.

University of Nevada-Reno
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
20,993		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$16,359 		Grads Salary
$67,100
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
31,142		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$11,834 		Grads Salary
$66,100
Sierra Nevada University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
755		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$30,338 		Grads Salary
$62,300
DeVry University-Nevada
College Type
4-year, Private for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
67		 Graduation Rate
33%		 Net Price
$26,408 		Grads Salary
NA
Learn about MBA's in Nevada

College Tuition Costs Vs Salary Potential

College costs are higher than most families can afford to pay and the vast majority of students require some type of financial assistance. The average public out-of-state tuition is about $27,000 per year, and that would require an investment of more than $100,000 to complete a four-year degree. The average tuition for private schools is higher, and a four-year private degree would require about $140,000 in tuition expenses. Today’s student and student family must weigh the costs of education and develop plans for managing the costs.

Public colleges and universities get substantial financial support from public funds. The taxpayers of the state support the institutions and guarantee their obligations. Public schools, in turn, offer residents lower rates for tuition that reflect the state subsidy of the public college and university system. Nevada offers in-state tuition rates for residents which can substantially reduce the costs of education. Students must qualify by providing proof of residency.

Nevada participates in an education common market with public and other participating colleges in 14 states. Nevada students can use the education common market to attend participating schools at tuition rates that range between the in-state rate and 150% of the in-state rate.

College Cost Analysis - Nevada vs National

Average Nevada Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $5,845

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $21,125

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Nevada provides federal grants to 37% of those who apply for them, which is close to the national average. However, Nevada is substantially below the national average in dollars per recipient. Overall, Nevada’s college costs are lower than in most states.

Financial Aid Nevada Nationally
Received Federal Grants 37% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $9,606 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a post-secondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Nevada

Scholarships and grants are important sources of funds for higher education. The costs of a four-year degree would challenge most US families, and many students borrow funds to pay tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Borrowed funds can fill the needs of students, but student borrowers must repay the loans after graduation. Grants and scholarships can pay tuition and costs, but students do not have to repay them. Grants and scholarships can reduce the student’s financial burden both before and after college.

Finding and applying for scholarships requires time and effort. Many students must spend substantial time searching for grants and scholarships. Nevada students should search for scholarships and grants that apply to their location, status, gender, and all other significant traits. Many scholarships seek to promote specific fields of study or help women that have had a gap in their education. Students must be thorough and allow time before graduation to conduct a scholarship search.

TDF_logo

TDF

The Doyle Foundation

https://doylefound.org/scholarships/applications/
Amounts: Up to $30,000
Deadline: February 1
The Doyle Foundation awards scholarships on the basis of need and merit. Students can choose any field of study and attend state or private universities in or outside of Nevada. Recipients must be graduates of the Washoe County School District in Northern Nevada, or they must be graduates or currently enrolled in the Truckee Meadows Community College in Nevada. Applicants must submit the SAR section of the FAFSA, school transcripts, and a personal essay.

KCGMS

Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship

http://www.nevadatreasurer.gov/uploadedFiles/nevadatreasurergov/content/GGMS/Forms/MemorialScholarshipProcedures.pdf
Amounts: Up to $4,500 annually
Deadline: April 1
The Governor of Nevada signed this state-sponsored award into law in 2011. The Nevada State Treasurer's Office administers the Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship. The award is a merit-based fund providing aid to one Northern and one Southern Nevada resident. The award supports students intending to become educators. Eligible recipients must attend the University of Nevada-Reno, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Great Basin College, Sierra Nevada College, or Nevada State College. Eligible students must be entering the senior year or have earned more than 90 credit hours, with a major in elementary or secondary education. Award winners must have a 3.5-grade point average or higher and demonstrate a record of community engagement.

TNOHS_logo

TNOHS

The Nevada’s Otto Huth Scholarship

http://dcfs.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dcfsnvgov/content/Programs/CWS/IL/2015-OTTO%20Flyer.pdf
Amounts: Up to $40,000
Deadline: April 15
The Otto Huth scholarship supports students that were children in the Nevada Foster Youth system. Award recipients can renew their awards up to an overall total of $40,000. The scholarship supports eligible students that attend colleges in the state of Nevada. Winners must begin higher education with 12 months of the award, have a 2.0 GPA or higher, and plan on attending school full-time. The awards can cover tuition, books, room and board, and other educational expenses like student health insurance.

RRFS_logo

RRFS

Reno Rodeo Foundation Scholarships

https://www.renorodeofoundation.org/scholarships/
Amounts: $1,000 & $2,500 (Several Awards)
Deadline: February 13
The Rodeo Foundation supports college-bound students attempting to enter their first year of college. The program requires a 3.0-grade point average, a verifiable need for financial assistance, and intention to carry a full-time course load in college. The program selection gives preference to applicants that have been active in the 4-H, FFA, or Rodeo activities. Eligible applicants must be graduating high school seniors from designated Northern Nevada counties. The eligible areas are Elko, Washoe, Humboldt, Pershing, Eureka, and Lander counties. Recipients must enroll in the Nevada System of Higher Education unless the chosen major is not available in the Nevada system

TNPS_logo

TNPS

The Nevada Promise Scholarship

https://www.csn.edu/promise
Amounts: Varies
Deadline: October 31 (Also need to finish FAFSA before it’s deadline)
The Nevada Promise covers unpaid registration and fees at specific state schools. Eligible applicants must be Nevada residents and high school graduates or graduating seniors. The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a last dollar award; it covers unpaid costs for Nevada students that attend any of the state’s four community colleges, namely, the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, or Western Nevada College. Nevada residents do not have to pay tuition at these community schools. The program requires community service and active coordination with program mentors. The Nevada Promise program may be a stepping stone for Nevada residents to achieve four-year degrees.

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