Best Online Colleges in Nevada

Thinking about pursuing a degree? Find out how the best online colleges in Nevada can make education more accessible and beneficial for you.
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Doug Wintemute is a writer who focuses on higher learning and entertainment. Since 2014, he has contributed to content and editorial work for award-winning publications. He completed his BA and MA in English at York University, graduating summa cum l...
Updated on March 1, 2024
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Best Online Colleges in Nevada

Nevada's postsecondary education system prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity. The state features some of the lowest average tuition costs in the nation, along with financial aid programs that put higher education within reach for most residents.

To accommodate even more students, most colleges in Nevada have incorporated online learning. Not only do online programs open the door to busy and out-of-state learners, they also improve affordability in some cases.

In this guide, we examine what online college in Nevada might look like and where it can take you. We also spotlight one of the best online colleges in Nevada and what makes the school special.

Related Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best Online College in Nevada

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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#1 Best Online Colleges in Nevada Best Value

University of Nevada-Reno

  • Reno, NV
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $263
Out-of-State | $551

Credits to Graduate: 120

This public institution in the Truckee Meadows ranks as Nevada’s best online college. Located on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevadas, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) enrolls more than 20,000 students. You can also choose from multiple online programs offered at UNR. 

At the undergrad level, you earn an online bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies. The program lets you customize your degree based on your academic interests and career objectives. You’ll work with an academic advisor to design an individualized degree plan. Nurses can also advance their education with the flexible online RN-to-BSN program.

UNR shines when it comes to online graduate education. As a graduate student, you can choose from online programs in accounting, business administration, cybersecurity, education, public health, or social work. 

Nurses can enroll in the online DNP program, which offers tracks for nurses with a BSN and those with an MSN. You’ll pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency status as an online graduate student.

Undergrad applicants must apply to UNR and then enroll in their major. At the graduate level, admission requirements vary by program. Some graduate programs do not require standardized test scores, such as the GRE. Reach out to UNR to learn more about admission requirements and application deadlines. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,923
Out-of-state
$24,013
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,625
Out-of-state
$21,715
ROI Score

ROI Value Score: High

We’ve reviewed hundreds of schools to find the ones that give you the best bang for your buck.

We compared how much you could earn in 10 years with a degree from this school versus only having a high school diploma. Then we compared that amount against school costs and financial aid opportunities. A higher return for your investment results in a higher score for this school.

Our Methodology
High
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
21,034
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
29% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

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To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

  • Affordability (30%)
  • Student outcomes (30%)
  • Reputation (20%)
  • Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In our ranking of online colleges in Nevada, only one school met our rigorous criteria. We chose to spotlight the University of Nevada, Reno and highlight why it made our list.

Cost of College in Nevada

The cost of college in Nevada varies depending on your school type and your location. While the average four-year public school charges in-state students just over $6,500 per year, both out-of-state public school students and private school students pay over $23,500.

While still expensive, these rates compare quite favorably to the national averages. In fact, they come in at least $3,000 lower in each category.

Cost of College in Nevada in 2021-2022
Institution Type Average Tuition & Required Fees
Public 4-year (In-State) $6,564
Public 4-year (Out-of-State) $23,550
Private 4-year $23,896
Source: NCES

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Nevada

Nevada has many careers with strong projected growth rates for the foreseeable future. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth of less than 3% for all occupations between 2020 and 2030, each of the 10 jobs below exceeds a 49% projected job growth.

The promising outlook bodes well for Nevada's online colleges as well. After all, the highest-paying of these in-demand careers require a bachelor's degree at minimum, including nurse practitioners, logisticians, and physical therapy assistants.

10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Nevada
Job Job Growth 2020-2030 Average Annual Wage 2022
Solar Photovoltaic Installers 88% $55,460
Bicycle Repairers 65% $34,020
Nurse Practitioners 61% $136,230
Restaurants Cooks 57% $35,500
Costume Attendants 55% $46,100
Logisticians 53% $72,130
Physical Therapist Assistants 52% $65,890
Gambling Dealers 51% $22,020
Home Health and Personal Care Aides 51% $33,450
Usher, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers 49% $25,680
Source: Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation, BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Nevada

Is online college free in Nevada?

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Not all online colleges in Nevada are free, but in-state students do have access to the Nevada Promise Scholarship, which covers up to three years of tuition and fees at a state community college.

Some schools have their own free college opportunities as well, such as the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). UNR's Nevada Guarantee program offers free tuition for up to four years to eligible students with financial need.

How many online colleges are in Nevada?

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There are 10 public and private nonprofit colleges in Nevada, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). All but two of these schools offer online programs.

What is the cheapest online college in Nevada?

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The title for most affordable online college in Nevada likely belongs to the University of Nevada, Reno, with annual tuition rates of $7,875 for in-state students. UNR also has a free tuition program for students in need.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) also boasts low tuition rates, charging in-state students $9,299 for a year of study.

Is Nevada State College online?

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Nevada State University, formerly Nevada State College, has two fully online degree programs: a BA in history and a BA in interdisciplinary studies. You can opt to complete these programs entirely online or complete them in a hybrid fashion.

What is the number 1 college in Nevada?

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The number one college in Nevada depends on your needs and perspective, but UNR and UNLV provide some of the lowest tuition rates and the highest number of program options. The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) also deserves consideration as the largest and most diverse school in the state. CSN also boasts more than 45 online undergraduate programs.


Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed February 15th, 2024.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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