University of Nevada-Reno vs Avalon Institute-Las Vegas: which has better ROI?
University of Nevada-Reno has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $63,708 in 5.2 years versus not at all at Avalon Institute-Las Vegas, on median earnings of $60,614 vs $30,803 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Nevada-Reno | Avalon Institute-Las Vegas |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,927 | $16,571 |
| Total net cost | $63,708 | $66,284 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,614 | $30,803 |
| Median debt | $18,922 | $6,332 |
| Payback | 5.2 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | $181,372 | -$417,424 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Nevada-Reno or Avalon Institute-Las Vegas?
University of Nevada-Reno, at $15,927 a year after aid versus $16,571 — a gap of $644 a year, or $2,576 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Nevada-Reno or Avalon Institute-Las Vegas graduates earn more?
University of Nevada-Reno graduates report a median $60,614 ten years after entry, $29,811 more than the $30,803 at Avalon Institute-Las Vegas. 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, University of Nevada-Reno or Avalon Institute-Las Vegas?
Avalon Institute-Las Vegas: its completers carry a median $6,332 in federal loans versus $18,922 at University of Nevada-Reno, a difference of $12,590. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Avalon Institute-Las Vegas, against 61% at University of Nevada-Reno. 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.