University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada · Public · 96.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 67/100 · Fair Value
UNLV posts a 67/100 ROI score in our Fair Value tier, anchored by an excellent 48.4% earnings premium over the high-school baseline — one of the strongest in the public-university market. Median earnings of $39,300 six years out climb to $55,037 by year ten. The school's affordability is its biggest advantage: in-state tuition of $9,748 and a net price of just $10,359 push four-year cost to $41,436 — among the lowest published totals on our database for a major public research university. Median debt of $19,450 against $39,300 early earnings yields a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, well within the manageable zone, with a 9.1-year paybackPeriod. Where UNLV stumbles is on the back end: a 50.5% completion rate is below average for a public flagship-tier institution, and the three-year repayment rate of 63.9% is mediocre. The student body of 24,622 is large, with a 40.1% Pell rate reflecting Nevada's economic profile and UNLV's role as the affordable urban public option. Engineering, nursing, computer science, and accounting programs deliver strong outcomes; hospitality administration (425 graduates, the largest program) and broad business programs deliver respectable but middling earnings. UNLV is one of the cleaner public-university value plays in the Mountain West, especially for in-state students.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,748/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $27,411/yr |
| Average net price | $10,359/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $41,436 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,037 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,450 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $206 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 50.5% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 24,622 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Nevada-Las Vegas is $9,748/year ($27,411/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $10,359/year, or roughly $41,436 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,526/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $15,905/year.
The median graduate leaves with $19,450 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $206 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,037 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,526 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,537 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,606 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,513 |
| $110,001+ | $15,905 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $8,526 net — an outstanding number reflecting Pell, Nevada Promise, and institutional aid. Across four years that's $34,104 against $39,300 graduate earnings — among the cleanest low-income value math in our database. Pell-eligible Nevada residents with clear program targets should treat UNLV as a top-tier value play.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001–$48,000 bracket pays $8,537 (essentially the same as the lowest bracket), $48,001–$75,000 pays $10,606, and $75,001–$110,000 pays $13,513 — a clean monotonic progression. Middle-income families pay $34,000-$54,000 over four years, manageable against expected earnings. The math is solid for any in-state student picking a credentialing program.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $15,905 — about $63,620 across four years. Even at full price for in-state, UNLV remains one of the cheaper flagship-tier publics in the country. High-income full-pay students get strong engineering and nursing programs at a price that lets them graduate debt-free with family support.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Nevada-Las Vegas with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology | $51,200 | C |
| Hospitality Administration | $58,719 | C+ |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,556 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $56,095 | C+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,798 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $94,600 | A |
| Communication and Media Studies | $56,944 | C |
| Biology | $62,087 | D |
| Computer Science | $94,475 | B+ |
| Accounting | $74,490 | B |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
UNLV's nursing program is the school's flagship value play: 224 graduates with first-year earnings of $83,327 climbing to $94,600 by year four. Median debt of $19,733 yields a 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio — an A grade. With Nevada's hospital labor shortages and Las Vegas's dense healthcare market, BSN graduates step directly into 6-figure-trajectory careers. This is one of the strongest nursing programs in the public-university market on a price-to-outcomes basis.
Computer Science
Computer Science graduates 169 students with first-year earnings of $64,854 climbing to $94,475 by year four. Median debt of $21,012 yields a 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio (B+ grade). Strong placement into Las Vegas tech, gaming-industry software, and remote roles for West Coast firms. UNLV's CS program is a credible alternative to higher-priced California publics for students who can secure remote work or local placements.
Hospitality Administration
Hospitality is UNLV's signature program by volume — 425 graduates annually, the largest program in our entire dataset for many comparison purposes. First-year earnings of $35,277 climb to $58,719 by year four, with $19,003 median debt yielding a 0.54 debt-to-earnings ratio (C+ grade). Direct pipeline into Las Vegas's gaming, hotel, and entertainment industries. Earnings are not exceptional but the local network and industry connections are genuinely top-tier in the country.
Accounting
Accounting graduates 169 students with first-year earnings of $49,751 climbing to $74,490 by year four. Median debt of $18,159 yields a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio (B grade). CPA-pipeline students who pass the licensure exam see strong career trajectory; the debt is modest enough that even before licensure, the math is comfortable. Solid mid-volume value play.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering graduates 114 students with first-year earnings of $67,050 climbing to $97,901 by year four. Median debt of $20,500 yields a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio (B+ grade). Among the strongest engineering ROI profiles in the Mountain West public system, with placement into aerospace, energy, and Western US engineering firms. A clear pick for in-state students with engineering aptitude.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 63.9% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 57.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 96.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 500-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 510-630 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 18-25 |
| Enrollment | 24,622 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 40.1% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,197 |
UNLV admits 96.2% of applicants — effectively open access, a posture appropriate for a metro public serving Nevada's workforce. SAT mid-ranges of 500-610 (math) and 510-630 (reading) and an ACT range of 18-25 indicate a broad, mid-academic student body. The 50.5% completion rate is the natural consequence of access-oriented admission: many enrolled students arrive underprepared for full-time university work. Students who arrive with strong high-school records and clear program targets can extract excellent value here.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among UNLV's listed peers — University of Nevada Reno, Nevada State University, University of Mississippi, University of Kentucky, and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — UNLV stacks up well. UNR posts a similar ROI score with slightly stronger completion. Mississippi and Kentucky are larger flagships with comparable earnings outcomes but somewhat higher costs. UTRGV is a closer demographic peer (high Pell, urban public access). Nevada State, the smallest peer, posts weaker earnings. UNLV's hospitality and gaming programs give it national-level reputation in those niches that most peers can't match.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas (this school) | 67 | $10,359 | $55,037 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | 75 | $15,927 | $60,614 |
| University of Kentucky | 69 | $18,851 | $59,025 |
| The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | 69 | $4,831 | $49,620 |
| University of Mississippi | 65 | $13,314 | $50,994 |
| Nevada State University | 58 | $14,068 | $53,166 |
Who Thrives Here
UNLV fits Nevada residents seeking an affordable urban public with strong programs in engineering, nursing, computer science, hospitality, and accounting. With 24,622 students and a 40.1% Pell rate, the campus is large, working-class-leaning, and commuter-heavy. Strong outcomes are concentrated in pre-professional and STEM tracks; students entering hospitality, criminal justice, communications, or psychology see solid but unremarkable earnings. Out-of-state students paying $27,411 sticker tuition should weigh whether their home state's flagship offers a comparable program-specific ROI.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $10,359 per year leads to $41,436 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $55,037 a decade out. The payback period of 9.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows a 50.5% graduation rate and concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $19,450 against $55,037 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.