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College of Southern Nevada vs Northwest Career College: which has better ROI?

Public, Las Vegas NV · vs · Private for-profit, Las Vegas NV

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but College of Southern Nevada comes closer — median earnings $38,087 against a $13,230 total, vs $27,530 at Northwest Career College. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCollege of Southern NevadaNorthwest Career College
Net price / yr$6,615$16,470
Total net cost$13,230$65,880
Median earnings, 10 yrs$38,087$27,530
Median debt$8,000$9,500
Payback
20-year net return-$218,690-$482,480

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, College of Southern Nevada or Northwest Career College?

College of Southern Nevada, at $6,615 a year after aid versus $16,470 — a gap of $9,855 a year, or $52,650 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do College of Southern Nevada or Northwest Career College graduates earn more?

College of Southern Nevada graduates report a median $38,087 ten years after entry, $10,557 more than the $27,530 at Northwest Career College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, College of Southern Nevada or Northwest Career College?

College of Southern Nevada: its completers carry a median $8,000 in federal loans versus $9,500 at Northwest Career College, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

68% of students finish at Northwest Career College, against 19% at College of Southern Nevada. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

College of Southern Nevada vs Northwest Career College: frequently asked questions

Is College of Southern Nevada or Northwest Career College a better value?
College of Southern Nevada comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, College of Southern Nevada or Northwest Career College?
College of Southern Nevada: $6,615/yr net price after aid versus $16,470/yr at Northwest Career College — a difference of $9,855 a year, or about $52,650 over four years.
Do College of Southern Nevada or Northwest Career College graduates earn more?
College of Southern Nevada graduates earn a median $38,087 ten years after entry, versus $27,530 at Northwest Career College — a $10,557 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.