University of Nevada-Reno
University of Nevada-Reno is a public university in Reno, NV ranked #512 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 15,723 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 85.3%. Students most often pursue Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 80.3% first-year retention, and 62.5% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $15,402, about $1,596 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -20.2%, roughly 105.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,182. That's about $5,494 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Nevada-Reno 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-Reno graduates 62.5% of students within six years and keeps 80.3% 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 University of Nevada-Reno'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 | $8,994 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,370 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $24,702 |
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 24.1% of University of Nevada-Reno 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 $12,126 to $20,739 depending on family income. Use University of Nevada-Reno's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $18,042/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $20,739/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,182
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,182
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $13,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.2%
- Employment Rate 90.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Nevada-Reno 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-Reno vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Nevada-Reno's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Nevada-Reno's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Nevada-Reno graduates earn $49,182 median, the -20.2% 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 15,723
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 80.3%
- Graduation Rate 62.5%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into University of Nevada-Reno
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Nevada-Reno 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 85.3%, University of Nevada-Reno 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 85.3% acceptance rate, University of Nevada-Reno 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 University of Nevada-Reno undergraduates. Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen, Psychology, General, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, Gen 8.5%
- Psychology, General 5.6%
- Biology, General 4.8%
- Marketing 4.3%
- Criminology 4.0%
- Business/Commerce, General 4.0%
See more majors
- Mechanical Engineering 3.6%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 3.5%
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. Computer Engineering $107,148
- 2. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $96,796
- 3. Mining and Mineral Engineering $94,923
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $93,888
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $87,851
- 6. Chemical Engineering $86,398
- 7. Civil Engineering $83,066
- 8. Accounting and Related Services $80,890
- 9. Finance and Financial Management Services $77,047
- 10. Mathematics $77,008
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Medicine (First Professional Degree) $189,236
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $149,415
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $137,609
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $131,367
- 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $111,459
- 6. Civil Engineering (Master's Degree) $102,489
- 7. Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) $98,544
- 8. Education, General (Doctoral Degree) $78,676
- 9. Psychology, General (Master's Degree) $75,814
- 10. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $72,306
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer Engineering grads earn $107,148—39% more than Mathematics ($77,008). Graduate: Medicine programs lead with $189,236 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-Reno. 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
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 344 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 227 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 193 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 175 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 164 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 (64 programs)▼
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Marketing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Criminology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Journalism
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Computer Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
- Social Work
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Civil Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Economics
- Political Science and Government
- English Language and Literature, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Mathematics
- Nutrition Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Anthropology
- Sociology
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- International Business
- History
- Chemical Engineering
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Philosophy
- Geography and Cartography
- Physics
- Agriculture, General
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Forestry
- Materials Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Dance
- Research and Experimental Psychology
Online Master's Degrees (57 programs)▼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Engineering
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Civil Engineering
- Biotechnology
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- Special Education and Teaching
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teaching Assistants/Aides
- Music
- Journalism
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Public Administration
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Communication and Media Studies
- Anthropology
- Statistics
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Criminology
- Biology, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Geography and Cartography
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Plant Sciences
- Chemical Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Philosophy
- Nutrition Sciences
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
- Geological/Geophysical Engineering
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Economics
- Sociology
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (34 programs)▼
- Education, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Civil Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Computer Engineering
- Chemistry
- English Language and Literature, General
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Materials Engineering
- Geography and Cartography
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Anthropology
- Public Health
- Mechanical Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Economics
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Political Science and Government
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomedical/Medical Engineering
- Statistics
- Plant Sciences
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Legal Professions and Studies, Other
- History
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Mining and Mineral Engineering
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (15 programs)▼
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Engineering, Other
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Philosophy
- Criminology
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Special Education and Teaching
- Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Security Science and Technology
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Public Health
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (3 programs)▼
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)▼
- Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 15,723
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 46.9%
- Female Students 53.1%
- Caucasian 51.2%
- Asian 8.1%
- Hispanic 24.8%
- Black 3.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 24.1%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Nevada-Reno's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Nevada-Reno'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-Reno support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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-Reno, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 24.1% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Nevada-Reno support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of 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-Reno, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Nevada-Reno serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #512 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $15,402 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $49,182 median earnings. The 62.5% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 80.3% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of Nevada-Reno's Strengths
Ranked #512 with a B+ grade, University of Nevada-Reno prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of Nevada-Reno excel at providing affordable education ($15,402 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-Reno's 80.3% retention and 62.5% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($49,182 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of Nevada-Reno and $15,402 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 62.5% six-year graduation rate sits 0.0 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 80.3% first-year retention is 3.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -20.2% return on investment is 105.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,182 run about 13% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $15,402 is roughly $4,497 lower than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 80.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.4% employment rate within three years sits 22.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 24.1% trails the national share by 9.4 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
EDsmart rates University of Nevada-Reno—a public university in Reno, NV—at B+ overall. It stands at #512 among 1971 schools Completion earns B+, 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.
80.3% of learners come back after year one while 62.5% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -20.2% 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 $15,402 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $24,702.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $9,300 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $13,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.1% 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
Graduates report median earnings of about $49,182 six years after entry. This is roughly 13% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.4%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -20.2%, 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
85.3% 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-Reno 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 Reno, NV 89557
- Website www.unr.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNorthwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Endowment$458.1M