University of Nevada-Las Vegas vs Nevada State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, University of Nevada-Las Vegas comes out ahead: 67/100 to 58/100, a 9-point edge over Nevada State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Nevada-Las Vegas runs $10,359 a year against $14,068 at Nevada State University - $3,709 more a year, or about $14,836 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates earn a median $55,037 against $53,166 at Nevada State University. The cost earns itself back in 9.1 years at University of Nevada-Las Vegas and 10.8 years at Nevada State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Nevada-Las Vegas owing a median $19,450 versus $19,691 at Nevada State University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.43 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Nevada-Las ... | Nevada State University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $9,748 | $6,765 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $27,411 | $21,833 |
| Net Price (avg) | $10,359 | $14,068 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $41,436 | $56,272 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,300 | $45,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $55,037 | $53,166 |
| Graduation Rate | 50.5% | 33.6% |
| Payback Period | 9.1 yr | 10.8 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $19,450 | $19,691 |
| Monthly Payment | $206 | $209 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.43 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 63.9% | 68.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 57.2% | 53.4% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 96.2% | 86.8% |
| Enrollment | 24,622 | 3,762 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Nevada... | Nevada State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $8,526 | $11,438 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,537 | $13,084 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,606 | $16,002 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $13,513 | $17,757 |
| $110,001+ | $15,905 | $21,125 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Nevada... | Nevada State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $94,600 | $95,918 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $60,958 | $64,201 |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $53,070 | $62,684 |
| Biology | $62,087 | $28,205 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $61,524 | $60,273 |
| History | $39,477 | $57,600 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,556 | $46,443 |
| English Language and Literature | $48,773 | $56,591 |
| Teacher Education | $56,095 | $54,646 |
| Psychology | $51,200 | $53,468 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Nevada... | Nevada State Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 89 | 71 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 67 | 57 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 74 | 83 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 40 | 13 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 24 | 37 |
| Overall ROI Score | 67 | 58 |
The Verdict
University of Nevada-Las Vegas has the clearly stronger ROI here (67 vs 58) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Nevada State University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Nevada State University
Below Average Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.