University of Nevada-Las Vegas
University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public university in Las Vegas, NV ranked #651 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 24,131 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.3%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.9% first-year retention, and 50.1% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $10,011, about $6,987 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 7.0%, roughly 78.3 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,865. That's about $823 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Nevada-Las Vegas Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates 50.1% of students within six years and keeps 77.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Nevada-Las Vegas'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 | $9,142 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,072 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,050 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $19,440 |
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 40.3% of University of Nevada-Las Vegas students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $8,024 to $15,555 depending on family income. Use University of Nevada-Las Vegas's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $14,169/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $15,555/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,865
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,865
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.8%
- Employment Rate 86.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Nevada-Las Vegas 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.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Nevada-Las Vegas's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Nevada-Las Vegas's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates earn $42,865 median, the 7.0% 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 500-620
- SAT Math 480-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 24,131
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 77.9%
- Graduation Rate 50.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of Nevada-Las Vegas
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Nevada-Las Vegas 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 96.3%, University of Nevada-Las Vegas 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 96.3% acceptance rate, University of Nevada-Las Vegas is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980 and 1230 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Nevada-Las Vegas undergraduates. Hospitality Administration/Management, Psychology, General, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Hospitality Administration/Management 11.9%
- Psychology, General 8.4%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.1%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 6.0%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.4%
- Biology, General 4.8%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.7%
- Accounting and Related 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. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $98,502
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $94,072
- 3. Computer Science $92,551
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Civil Engineering $88,453
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $85,200
- 6. Economics $76,496
- 7. Construction Management $75,485
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $73,964
- 9. Computer Engineering $70,200
- 10. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $66,037
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Dentistry (First Professional Degree) $153,878
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $127,195
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $115,681
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Law (First Professional Degree) $107,314
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $106,504
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $99,510
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $89,899
- 8. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $86,720
- 9. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $85,344
- 10. Hospitality Administration/Management (Master's Degree) $84,565
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $98,502—49% more than Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($66,037). Graduate: Dentistry programs lead with $153,878 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Nevada-Las Vegas. 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
- Hospitality Administration/Management (Bachelor's Degree, 522 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 268 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 265 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 237 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 210 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 (79 programs)â–¼
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer Science
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Marketing
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Mechanical Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Political Science and Government
- Social Work
- Economics
- Sociology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Fine and Studio Arts
- History
- International Business
- Nutrition Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Human Services, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Design and Applied Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Special Education and Teaching
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Music
- Computer Engineering
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Architecture
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Philosophy
- Dance
- Chemistry
- Landscape Architecture
- Construction Management
- Social Sciences, General
- Interior Architecture
- Physics
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Area Studies
- Real Estate
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Public Health
- Culinary Arts and Related Services
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Statistics
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Security Science and Technology
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Administration
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Information Science/Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Education, Other
- Construction Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business/Commerce, General
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Applied Mathematics
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
Online Master's Degrees (57 programs)â–¼
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education and Teaching
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Social Work
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Health
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Architectural Sciences and Technology
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Music
- Communication and Media Studies
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Biology, General
- History
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- Sociology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
- Physics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Interior Architecture
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Public Policy Analysis
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Nutrition Sciences
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Information Science/Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Engineering, Other
- Construction Management
- Construction Engineering
- Chemistry
- Architecture
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Online Doctoral Degrees (57 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- English Language and Literature, General
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Special Education and Teaching
- Chemistry
- Biology, General
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Computer Science
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Public Policy Analysis
- Physics
- Human Biology
- History
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Statistics
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Social Work
- Security Science and Technology
- Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Information Science/Studies
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Education, Other
- Construction Engineering
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Business/Commerce, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Area Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (31 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Engineering, Other
- Social Sciences, General
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Public Health
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Architecture and Related Services, Other
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Education, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Special Education and Teaching
- Social Work
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
- Music
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
- Education, Other
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (5 programs)â–¼
- Dance
- Education, General
- Music
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Online First Professional Degrees (6 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Dentistry
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Public Health
- Public Policy Analysis
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 24,131
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 22.5%
- Asian 15.8%
- Hispanic 35.3%
- Black 9.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients 40.3%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Nevada-Las Vegas's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Nevada-Las Vegas's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Nevada-Las Vegas support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: University of Nevada-Las Vegas has a diverse student body, with 22.5% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Nevada-Las Vegas support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Nevada-Las Vegas serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #651 nationally with a 7.0% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,011 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $42,865 median earnings. The 50.1% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 77.9% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Nevada-Las Vegas's Strengths
Ranked #651 with a B grade, University of Nevada-Las Vegas prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Nevada-Las Vegas excel at providing affordable education ($10,011 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: University of Nevada-Las Vegas's 77.9% retention and 50.1% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($42,865 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Nevada-Las Vegas's 7.0% ROI and $10,011 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 50.1% six-year graduation rate sits 12.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 77.9% first-year retention is 1.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 7.0% return on investment is 78.3 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,865 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,011 is roughly $7,107 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 77.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.2% employment rate within three years sits 18.0 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- 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
University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public university based in Las Vegas, NV and earns a B overall grade. It stands at #651 among 6272 schools Completion earns B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability A-.
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.
Student momentum is strong: 77.9% retention and 50.1% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures 7.0% for this program.
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 $10,011 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $19,440.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,429 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 40.3% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $42,865 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 2% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 86.2%.
The ROI comes in near 7.0%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.3% 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 University of Nevada-Las Vegas 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
Similar Schools
Institutions with similar academic profiles, selectivity, and outcomes
Nearby Schools
Other campuses you might consider
Other Nevada campuses you might consider
Contact Information
- Address Las Vegas, NV 89154
- Website www.unlv.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$361.5M