At $6,329/yr net price, College of Southern Nevada graduates earn $38,087/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,087/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $6,329 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $25,316 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,087/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,087/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,180/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,908/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,451/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,224/yr |
| $110,001+ | $12,804/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $73,949 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $72,118 | $9,608 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $63,005 | |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $62,012 | $10,433 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
17.9% of students at College of Southern Nevada graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
College of Southern Nevada delivers strong ROI for healthcare programs but weak returns elsewhere. The $6,329 annual net price makes it one of Nevada's most affordable options, yet the 17.9% graduation rate creates significant financial risk for most students.
Dental support services and nursing programs justify the investment with graduates earning $72,000-$74,000 annually. These healthcare tracks align well with Las Vegas's growing medical sector and tourism industry demand for health services. Allied health diagnostic programs also perform well at $62,000, making CSN a solid choice if you can secure admission to these competitive programs.
The problem lies outside healthcare. With overall median earnings of $38,087 after 10 years, most other programs fail to generate meaningful returns. The low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees, making program selection critical to your financial success.
You face minimal debt risk with median borrowing at just $8,000, but the bigger threat is time lost if you don't graduate. Only 30% of students receive financial aid, suggesting many pay the already-low sticker price.
CSN works financially if you gain admission to nursing, dental support, or allied health programs and can handle the institutional challenges that prevent most students from graduating. The school makes sense for career changers seeking healthcare credentials or students who need rock-bottom pricing. Skip CSN if you want a traditional college experience or plan to study outside healthcare fields where job prospects remain limited in the Las Vegas market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is College of Southern Nevada worth the cost?
College of Southern Nevada offers strong value with a low net price of $6,329 per year and median debt of only $8,000. However, the 18% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly reduces the return on investment.
What programs at College of Southern Nevada have the best ROI?
Dental support services and nursing programs at College of Southern Nevada provide the strongest returns, with graduates earning $63,000-$74,000 annually. These healthcare programs justify the relatively low cost and debt levels.
How much debt do College of Southern Nevada graduates have?
College of Southern Nevada graduates carry a median debt of $8,000, which is manageable compared to most colleges. The low debt load helps offset the modest average earnings of $38,087 ten years after enrollment.
What is the graduation rate at College of Southern Nevada and does it affect ROI?
College of Southern Nevada has an 18% graduation rate, meaning most students don't complete their programs. This dramatically reduces the school's overall value proposition, even though costs are low for those who do graduate.