University of Nevada-Reno vs Nevada State University: 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 11.7 years at Nevada State University, on median earnings of $60,614 vs $53,166 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Nevada-Reno | Nevada State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,927 | $14,068 |
| Total net cost | $63,708 | $56,272 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $60,614 | $53,166 |
| Median debt | $18,922 | $19,691 |
| Payback | 5.2 yrs | 11.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $181,372 | $39,848 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Nevada-Reno or Nevada State University?
Nevada State University, at $14,068 a year after aid versus $15,927 — a gap of $1,859 a year, or $7,436 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 Nevada State University graduates earn more?
University of Nevada-Reno graduates report a median $60,614 ten years after entry, $7,448 more than the $53,166 at Nevada State University. 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 Nevada State University?
University of Nevada-Reno: its completers carry a median $18,922 in federal loans versus $19,691 at Nevada State University, a difference of $769. 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 34% at Nevada State University. 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.