The cost of college in Nevada — and what it pays back
Across the 22 Nevada institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $21,891/yr, $4,985 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $38,981 ten years after entry (below the $43,552 national median), and 5 of the 22 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$21,891
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$38,981
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5.2 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
5/22
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Nevada's 22 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong2
Solid2
Slow1
Weak17
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain University-Nevada | $27,073 | $92,405 | 2.5 yrs |
| Galen Health Institutes-Las Vegas | $24,190 | $61,480 | 3.7 yrs |
| University of Nevada-Reno | $15,927 | $60,614 | 5.2 yrs |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $10,359 | $55,037 | 6.2 yrs |
| Nevada State University | $14,068 | $53,166 | 11.7 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | $6,615 | $38,087 | no payback |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | $8,312 | $44,573 | no payback |
| Great Basin College | $8,471 | $39,289 | no payback |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $10,359 | $55,037 | 6.2 yrs |
| Western Nevada College | $12,732 | $41,987 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Nevada?
The median net price across Nevada colleges is $21,891/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Nevada cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Nevada net price of $21,891/yr runs about $4,985/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Nevada college graduates earn?
A median $38,981 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), below the $43,552 national median.
Which Nevada college pays for itself fastest?
Chamberlain University-Nevada — about 2.5 years to clear its $108,292 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-nevada page.