Nevada State University
Nevada State University is a public university in Henderson, NV ranked #1381 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 3,791 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 86.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Health/Medical Preparatory Programs.
Academically, students benefit from a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.0% first-year retention, and 31.0% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $13,208, about $3,790 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -10.9%, roughly 96.2 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $47,092. That's about $3,404 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Nevada State University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Nevada State University graduates 31.0% of students within six years and keeps 77.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Nevada State University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $6,368 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,300 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | Not reported |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | Not reported |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $23,035 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 22.1% of Nevada State University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $11,793 to $19,917 depending on family income. Use Nevada State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,591/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $19,917/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $47,092
- 10-Year Median Earnings $47,092
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,547
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 40.9%
- Employment Rate 86.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Nevada State University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Nevada State University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Nevada State University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Nevada State University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Nevada State University graduates earn $47,092 median, the -10.9% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,791
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.0%
- Graduation Rate 31.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
How to Get Into Nevada State University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Nevada State University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 86.2%, Nevada State University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 86.2% acceptance rate, Nevada State University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Nevada State University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 43.8%
- Psychology, General 9.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 8.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.1%
- Biology, General 5.0%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.1%
See more majors
- Special Education and Teaching 3.7%
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 3.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $100,298
- 2. Health/Medical Preparatory Programs $85,007
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $63,418
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Area Studies $54,607
- 5. Special Education and Teaching $53,159
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $52,661
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $50,691
- 8. History $50,149
- 9. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $47,833
- 10. Psychology, General $46,520
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $100,298—116% more than Psychology, General ($46,520). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Nevada State University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 66 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 58 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 29 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (22 programs)▼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Special Education and Teaching
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- History
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication and Media Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
- Mathematics
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,791
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 21.6%
- Female Students 78.4%
- Caucasian 21.4%
- Asian 10.1%
- Hispanic 46.1%
- Black 9.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 22.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Nevada State University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Nevada State University's undergraduate population. Women make up 78.4% of the student body, while men represent 21.6%.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Nevada State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Nevada State University has a diverse student body, with 21.4% identifying as White. Women make up 78.4% of undergraduates. About 22.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Nevada State University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Nevada State University serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1381 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $13,208 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $47,092 median earnings. The 31.0% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.0% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: Nevada State University's Strengths
Ranked #1381 with a B- grade, Nevada State University prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like Nevada State University excel at providing affordable education ($13,208 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: Nevada State University's 77.0% retention and 31.0% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($47,092 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Nevada State University and $13,208 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 31.0% six-year graduation rate sits 31.5 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.0% first-year retention is 0.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -10.9% return on investment is 96.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $47,092 run about 8% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,208 is roughly $3,910 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 19:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.3% employment rate within three years sits 18.1 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 22.1% trails the national share by 16.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Henderson, NV, Nevada State University operates as a public university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It stands at #1381 among 6272 schools Grades by category break down as Completion C+, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
77.0% of learners come back after year one while 31.0% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -10.9%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,208 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $23,035.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,827 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,547 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 22.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $47,092 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 8% higher.
Roughly 86.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -10.9%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
86.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Nevada State University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Henderson, NV 89002
- Website nevadastate.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$1.3M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate25.0%