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$4,110Tuition
27,790Students
18%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$38,087Earnings
#8 in NevadaPublic4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About College of Southern Nevada

The College of Southern Nevada serves as Nevada's largest community college and the primary pathway for Las Vegas area students seeking affordable higher education. With 27,790 students enrolled across multiple campuses, CSN functions as both a transfer preparation center and career training center in America's fastest-growing metropolitan area. The college has built its reputation on accessibility and workforce development, particularly in hospitality, healthcare, and technical fields that support Las Vegas's tourism-driven economy.

Students pay an average net price of $6,329, making CSN one of the most affordable college options in Nevada. In-state tuition runs just $4,110 annually. Graduates earn a median of $38,087 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of only $8,000. The employment rate reaches 91.0%, reflecting strong job placement in Las Vegas's service and technical sectors. This combination of low cost and solid employment outcomes makes CSN a practical choice for budget-conscious students.

The student body reflects Las Vegas's diversity, with Hispanic students comprising 41.17% of enrollment and significant representation across racial groups. Nearly all students (98.55%) come from Nevada. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes, but the college's nine NJCAA athletic programs and 180 student-athletes add campus life beyond academics.

Academics & Faculty

College of Southern Nevada operates as a community college serving Nevada's largest metropolitan area with practical, career-focused programs. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio means professors can provide more individual attention than at large universities. However, the 17.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work, family, and education. CSN is known for strong programs in hospitality management, nursing, and automotive technology that directly serve Las Vegas's tourism and service economy. The college also functions as a transfer pathway for students planning to complete bachelor's degrees at four-year institutions. Most students work while attending classes part-time.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
17.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
17.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,087

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $73,949
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $72,118
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Bachelor $63,005
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $62,012
Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $54,035
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Associate $42,123
Legal Support Services. Associate $41,937
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Associate $40,467
Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs. Associate $35,060
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $34,704

View all 147 programs →

Campus Life

The College of Southern Nevada sprawls across multiple campuses in America's entertainment capital, where 27,790 students navigate desert heat that demands sunscreen year-round rather than winter coats. With 98.55% of students from Nevada, this community college serves locals who typically commute to class rather than live on campus. The student-faculty ratio of 21:1 means you'll likely sit in larger lecture halls, especially for popular general education courses.

CSN students are 56.42% women and reflect Las Vegas's diversity, with 41.17% Hispanic and 24.71% White enrollment. The 9 varsity sports teams compete at the NJCAA level, though with only 180 total athletes, most students aren't involved in athletics. Weekends often mean work rather than campus activities, as many students juggle jobs in the city's hospitality industry. The campus culture centers on practical career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students frequently transfer to four-year universities after completing general education requirements or earning associate degrees in high-demand fields like nursing and culinary arts.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 0 1 0
Burglary 4 0 0 0
Dating Violence 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 1 0
Arson 0 0 0 1
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
39°–58°F
July Avg
79°–103°F
Annual Precipitation
4.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"

Student Demographics

College of Southern Nevada draws from Las Vegas's diverse working-class community. Nearly all students come from Nevada, reflecting the school's role as the region's primary affordable higher education option. The student body is 41% Hispanic, making it a Hispanic-serving institution that mirrors Southern Nevada's demographics. About 30% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves students from lower-income families seeking career advancement. Women slightly outnumber men at 56%, typical for community colleges where many students pursue healthcare, education, and business programs. The college functions as an educational lifeline for local residents balancing work and family obligations.
Men
43.6%
Women
56.4%
White
24.7%
Black
10.5%
Hispanic
41.2%
Asian
9.1%
In-State Students
98.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
29.6%

Location

College of Southern Nevada sits in Las Vegas, Nevada, the state's largest city with over 650,000 residents. The campus serves a metropolitan area of 2.3 million people in the Mojave Desert. Las Vegas offers year-round sunshine with over 310 sunny days annually and minimal rainfall. Students live among world-famous entertainment venues, from casinos on the Strip to Red Rock Canyon just 30 minutes west. The city's tourism industry employs nearly 400,000 people, creating abundant internship and job opportunities. Nevada has no state income tax, helping students stretch their budgets. The desert climate means summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees. Students considering colleges in Nevada may also compare College of Southern Nevada with similar schools in the region.
Address
Las Vegas, Nevada 89146-1164
Charleston Campus
Charleston Campus
College of Southern Nevada Cheyenne
College of Southern Nevada Cheyenne
CSNHenderson
CSNHenderson
T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada
Greater Nevada Field, Reno, Nevada

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$38,087
Median Earnings (5 years)
$49,143
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$31,800
Loan Repayment Rate
31.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$8,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at College of Southern Nevada?

As a community college, College of Southern Nevada maintains an open enrollment policy for most programs. The school serves nearly 28,000 students who want affordable access to higher education in Las Vegas. Students can enroll directly without traditional admission barriers that four-year universities impose.

How much does College of Southern Nevada cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,329 annually at College of Southern Nevada. In-state tuition runs just $4,110, making this one of Nevada's most affordable college options. Low-income students with family earnings under $30,000 pay only $5,180 after aid.

What is the student-faculty ratio at College of Southern Nevada?

College of Southern Nevada maintains a 21:1 student-faculty ratio across its multiple campuses. The college focuses heavily on career preparation and workforce development programs that align with Las Vegas's hospitality and service economy. Students can choose from academic transfer paths or professional certification programs.

What are the graduation rates at College of Southern Nevada?

College of Southern Nevada reports a 17.9% six-year graduation rate, which reflects the part-time nature of many community college students. Many students transfer before completing degrees or attend while working full-time in Las Vegas's round-the-clock economy. The college serves a diverse population with 41% Hispanic enrollment and significant numbers of working adults.

Where are College of Southern Nevada's campuses located?

College of Southern Nevada operates multiple campuses throughout the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The college serves 98.6% in-state students who want to stay close to home while earning credentials. Las Vegas's growing population and tourism industry create strong demand for the college's hospitality and technical programs.

Does College of Southern Nevada offer athletic scholarships?

College of Southern Nevada provides $242,722 in athletic scholarships across nine NJCAA sports programs. The Coyotes field 180 total athletes in community college competition. Athletics offer another pathway for students to afford college while developing skills in this rapidly growing desert city.