University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs in Nevada.
Nevada is a geographically large state; it is the seventh largest state in the US and contains some great colleges. 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 are among the best colleges and 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.
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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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,816* | $46,748* | $55,016* | $77,636* | $90,324* | $109,668* |
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.
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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. - Accountants:
The accounting function records financial transactions pertaining to a business. Summarizing, analyzing, and reporting these transactions to oversight bodies, regulators, and tax collection agencies are among the tasks related to accounting. - Business administrators
- Business development
- Business managers
- Entrepreneurs
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Human resources manager
- Hospitality manager
- International business
- Organizational leaders
- Operations manager
- Project managers
- Supply chain manager
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 Counselors and Mental Health Counselors diagnose and treat patients 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.
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.
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 |
- 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. - School Counselor
- Mental Health Counselor
Additional careers in Nevada
- Cyber security analyst
- CIS professional
- Criminal justice careers
- Child counselor
- Corrections and case manager
- Database administrator
- Early childhood education teacher
- Educator
- Forensic psychology
- Forensic scientist
- Healthcare administrators
- Homeland security and crisis management
- IT specialist
- Preschool teachers
- Public administrator
- Software engineer
- Web developers
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 Degree Programs in Nevada
Great Basin College
Score: 94.81
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State: $13,448
- Net Price: $7,058
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,197
- Undergrad Students: 3,197
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $47,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Truckee Meadows Community College
Score: 74.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,144
- Out-of-State: $11,243
- Net Price: $7,966
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
- Total Enrollment: 9,651
- Undergrad Students: 9,651
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $40,400
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
College of Southern Nevada
Score: 71.85
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,110
- Out-of-State: $12,209
- Net Price: $7,685
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Total Enrollment: 28,901
- Undergrad Students: 28,901
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,100
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Western Nevada College
Score: 64.2
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,920
- Out-of-State: $12,019
- Net Price: $16,259
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 34%
- Total Enrollment: 3,582
- Undergrad Students: 3,582
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,400
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Top 5 Best Bachelor's Programs in Nevada
University of Nevada-Reno
Score: 86.95
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,994
- Out-of-State: $25,950
- Net Price: $16,670
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 20,945
- Undergrad Students: 16,973
- Graduate Students: 3,972
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Score: 82.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,142
- Out-of-State: $26,098
- Net Price: $13,159
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 30,660
- Undergrad Students: 25,365
- Graduate Students: 5,295
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Nevada State College
Score: 78.3
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State: $20,449
- Net Price: $16,624
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 7,169
- Undergrad Students: 7,115
- Graduate Students: 54
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Great Basin College
Score: 70.7
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State: $13,448
- Net Price: $7,058
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 3,197
- Undergrad Students: 3,197
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
College of Southern Nevada
Score: 59.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,110
- Out-of-State: $12,209
- Net Price: $7,685
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 17%
- Total Enrollment: 28,901
- Undergrad Students: 28,901
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $55,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Best Master's Programs in Nevada
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Score: 88.58
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,119
- Out-of-State: $23,075
- Net Price: $13,159
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 30,660
- Undergrad Students: 25,365
- Graduate Students: 5,295
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Nevada-Reno
Score: 88.04
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,792
- Out-of-State: $22,748
- Net Price: $16,670
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 20,945
- Undergrad Students: 16,973
- Graduate Students: 3,972
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
DeVry University-Nevada
Score: 5
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,072
- Out-of-State: $17,072
- Net Price: $40,030
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- Total Enrollment: 10
- Undergrad Students: 10
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: N/A
- Student-to-faculty: 2:1
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.
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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.
Scholarships for Nevada College Students
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
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
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
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
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.
Top Social Science Careers and Salaries
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 use modern tools and techniques to study ancient civilization and artifacts.
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 focus on the well-being of children as parts of family units, school groups, and other parts of their communities.
Healthcare Social Workers help bring needed resources to vulnerable populations. They work with individuals, families, communities, and healthcare organizations.