Best Colleges in Nevada

Get equipped with the resources that will help you easily navigate your learning journey. Discover schools that match your goals and aspirations.

Best Accredited Colleges

#1 University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV

$11582

42%

Providing a high-quality education to more than 30,000 students each year, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas tops our list of the best online colleges in Nevada. Along with more than 200 individual distance courses, the university offers fully online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields of study like healthcare administration, urban leadership, emergency and crisis management, and nursing. All online classes at UNLV are asynchronous, meaning you can watch lecture recordings, interact with classmates, and complete assignments whenever is most convenient for you. Many students at the university also elect to enroll in hybrid courses, combining the flexibility of online education with face-to-face instruction in the classroom. To apply to a bachelor's program at UNLV, you must have a high school diploma with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Prospective undergraduates must also receive a minimum score of 22 on the ACT or 1120 on the SAT. Graduate admission standards vary, but most programs require a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA, letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores.

Learn More

View School Profile

#2 University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV

$16230

55%

The University of Nevada, Reno hosts seven online master's and doctoral programs, including tracks in educational equity and diversity, justice management, nursing practice, and social work. Undergraduate students at the university can also supplement their core coursework by pursuing fully online minors in addiction treatment services and Basque studies. Online programs at UNR feature multiple start dates throughout the year, making it easier for students to schedule their learning according to their schedules. All courses are delivered online and asynchronously, though some programs require students to participate in field experiences in their own communities. Admission requirements vary across graduate programs, but all require applicants to have a bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Prospective master's and doctoral students must also submit two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. The university's executive MBA program requires applicants to take the GRE or GMAT, though UNR does not set minimum scores for these exams.

Learn More

View School Profile

#3 Great Basin College

Elko, NV

$12230

28%

Great Basin College exclusively serves undergraduate students through more than 50 associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs. Fully online areas of study at the college include early childhood education, graphic communication, computer programming, and medical coding and billing. Online students at GBC enjoy access to the same services available to on-campus learners. For example, the college's academic success center provides free access to tutoring, study skills workshops, proctored exams, and writing assistance. In addition, all online learners are matched with a dedicated advisor who provides support throughout the enrollment, credit transfer, and/or financial aid application processes. As an open-admission institution, GBC welcomes all students, regardless of their academic background. Applicants must submit high school or GED transcripts and take a placement exam, though the college waives this requirement for prospective students who have taken the ACT or SAT. To transfer credit earned at another regionally accredited college or university, you must have earned at least a 2.0 GPA in your prior coursework.

Learn More

View School Profile

#4 Sierra Nevada College

Incline Village, NV

$28679

44%

Located in the mountain ski resort community of Incline Village one mile from Lake Tahoe, Sierra Nevada College enrolls about 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students. SNC’s teacher education campuses in Las Vegas and Reno offer flexible bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and professional development courses designed for working professionals. SNC offers 30 undergraduate majors and concentrations in business, humanities, social sciences, fine arts, science, and technology. The school also delivers interdisciplinary programs such as outdoor adventure leadership and sustainability. Business programs include ski area management and global business management. SNC also offers master’s degrees in education, interdisciplinary studies, and creative writing. Additionally, the college provides continuing education, summer arts programs, and four online degrees. SNC uses a rolling online admissions process and considers incoming freshmen with a minimum 2.6 GPA and SAT math and reading scores above 400 or ACT scores above 19.

Learn More

View School Profile

#5 Nevada State College

Henderson, NV

$15136

16%

Nevada State College offers an RN-to-BSN program that is specifically designed to ensure that working nurses can balance their studies with their professional obligations. This program features fully online and asynchronous coursework, multiple start dates throughout the year, a generous transfer policy, and field experience requirements that students can meet at their current place of employment. More than 90% of faculty who teach in the program have received specialized training in distance education. Online learners at NSC also enjoy a variety of support services, including web-based tutoring, 24/7 technical support, and personalized feedback on essays and research papers. You must currently hold a nursing license to apply to this program. Generally, prospective students also need an associate degree from an accredited institution earned with at least a 2.0 GPA, though the college does provide provisional admission to some nurses who hold nursing diplomas. Applicants can expect to receive their admission decision within 24-48 hours.

Learn More

View School Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best colleges in Nevada?

Some of the best colleges in Nevada include the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), Nevada State College, and College of Southern Nevada.

2. How do I apply to colleges in Nevada?

To apply to colleges in Nevada, you typically need to complete an online application form, submit your high school transcripts, provide standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), write an essay, and pay the application fee. Each college may have specific requirements, so it's important to check their websites for detailed instructions.

3. What majors and programs are offered at Nevada colleges?

Nevada colleges offer a wide range of majors and programs across various fields of study. Some popular majors include business, engineering, nursing, psychology, education, computer science, and hospitality management. Each college has its own set of majors and programs, so it's best to explore their websites for a comprehensive list.

4. How much does tuition cost at Nevada colleges?

Tuition costs vary depending on the college and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. On average, in-state tuition for Nevada colleges ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition can be around $20,000 to $30,000 per year. It's important to check with each college for their specific tuition rates.

5. Are there scholarships available for Nevada college students?

Yes, there are scholarships available for Nevada college students. Many colleges offer their own scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria. Additionally, there are external scholarships provided by organizations, foundations, and government agencies. It's recommended to research and apply for scholarships early to increase your chances of receiving financial aid.

6. What is the student-to-faculty ratio at Nevada colleges?

The student-to-faculty ratio at Nevada colleges varies depending on the institution. On average, it can range from 15:1 to 25:1. Smaller colleges tend to have lower student-to-faculty ratios, allowing for more personalized attention and interaction with professors.

7. Are there on-campus housing options available?

Yes, many Nevada colleges offer on-campus housing options for students. These can include dormitories, apartments, or residential halls. Living on campus provides students with a convenient and immersive college experience, fostering a sense of community and involvement.

8. What extracurricular activities and clubs are available at Nevada colleges?

Nevada colleges offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs to cater to diverse interests. These can include sports teams, student organizations, academic clubs, cultural clubs, volunteer groups, and more. Participating in extracurricular activities can enhance your college experience and provide opportunities for personal growth and networking.

9. Can I transfer credits from a community college to a four-year college in Nevada?

Yes, many Nevada colleges accept transfer credits from community colleges. However, the transferability of credits depends on various factors such as the specific courses taken, grades earned, and the policies of the receiving institution. It's advisable to consult with academic advisors at both the community college and the four-year college to ensure a smooth credit transfer process.

10. What support services are available for students at Nevada colleges?

Nevada colleges provide a range of support services to help students succeed academically and personally. These services may include academic advising, tutoring centers, career counseling, health services, counseling and psychological services, disability support, and student organizations dedicated to specific needs or interests. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to make the most of their college experience.