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University of Nevada-Reno vs Chamberlain University-Nevada: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Chamberlain University-Nevada has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,292 in 2.5 years versus 5.2 years at University of Nevada-Reno, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $60,614 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nevada-RenoChamberlain University-Nevada
Net price / yr$15,927$27,073
Total net cost$63,708$108,292
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,614$92,405
Median debt$18,922$20,919
Payback5.2 yrs2.5 yrs
20-year net return$181,372$772,608

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

Which is cheaper, University of Nevada-Reno or Chamberlain University-Nevada?

University of Nevada-Reno, at $15,927 a year after aid versus $27,073 — a gap of $11,146 a year, or $44,584 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 Chamberlain University-Nevada graduates earn more?

Chamberlain University-Nevada graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $31,791 more than the $60,614 at University of Nevada-Reno. 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 Chamberlain University-Nevada?

University of Nevada-Reno: its completers carry a median $18,922 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-Nevada, a difference of $1,997. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

61% of students finish at University of Nevada-Reno, against 20% at Chamberlain University-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.

University of Nevada-Reno vs Chamberlain University-Nevada: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nevada-Reno or Chamberlain University-Nevada a better value?
Chamberlain University-Nevada. It clears its $108,292 net cost in about 2.5 years versus 5.2 years at University of Nevada-Reno, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $60,614 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nevada-Reno or Chamberlain University-Nevada?
University of Nevada-Reno: $15,927/yr net price after aid versus $27,073/yr at Chamberlain University-Nevada — a difference of $11,146 a year, or about $44,584 over four years.
Do University of Nevada-Reno or Chamberlain University-Nevada graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-Nevada graduates earn a median $92,405 ten years after entry, versus $60,614 at University of Nevada-Reno — a $31,791 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.