University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, Nevada · Public · 73.7% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 75/100 · Strong Value
University of Nevada-Reno
Strong ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $9,578/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $27,720/yr |
| Average net price | $15,927/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $63,708 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,614 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $41,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $18,922 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $201 |
| Estimated payback period | 8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 61.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,599 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
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 | $12,674 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,125 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,537 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,317 |
| $110,001+ | $21,646 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Nevada-Reno with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | $68,419 | B |
| Registered Nursing | $97,949 | A |
| Marketing | $67,914 | C+ |
| Psychology | $51,553 | C |
| Biology | $59,715 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $72,227 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $77,237 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,460 | B |
| Civil Engineering | $81,201 | B+ |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $52,084 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Nevada-Reno is $9,578/year ($27,720/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 $15,927/year, or roughly $63,708 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,674/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,646/year.
The median graduate leaves with $18,922 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $201 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $60,614 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.46 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 73.6% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 77.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 72.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 76.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 73.7% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 520-640 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-650 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-26 |
| Enrollment | 15,599 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.9% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $13,293 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Reno (this school) | 75 | $15,927 | $60,614 |
| Towson University | 79 | $17,413 | $64,390 |
| University of Rhode Island | 79 | $21,440 | $69,743 |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | 76 | $11,900 | $64,270 |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | 67 | $10,359 | $55,037 |
| Nevada State University | 58 | $14,068 | $53,166 |
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Nevada-Reno delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $15,927 per year ($63,708 over four years), graduates earn a median of $60,614 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 8 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $18,922 against $60,614 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
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.