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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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.
Best Online College in Nevada
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.
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 addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online
$7,923
$24,013
88%
29%
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.
$5,625
$21,715
78%
21,034
Public
Yes
$7,923
$24,013
Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online
$7,923
$24,013
88%
29%
$5,625
$21,715
78%
21,034
Public
Yes
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in Nevada
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.
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