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 gives you a low-cost entry point with a serious completion problem. Net price runs about $6,329 a year and median debt sits at $8,000, so you can finish here without the loan burden that sinks graduates elsewhere. The catch is the 17.9% graduation rate. Most people who start here do not finish, and if you leave with debt and no credential, the low price stops helping you.
The one bachelor-level program with earnings data, Dental Support Services and Allied Professions, pays around $63,005 ten years out. That is a specific, licensable path tied to Las Vegas dental and healthcare demand, and it clears the school's overall median earnings of $38,087 by a wide margin. If you can get into that track and complete it, the math works well. Outside of it, no other bachelor program earnings are listed here, so treat broad promises about "a degree from CSN" with caution and pick your major deliberately.
The financial risk here is not debt, it is stalling out. The $38,087 median reflects a lot of people who never finished or completed lower-paying certificates. Your outcome depends heavily on which program you enter and whether you graduate.
The net price tiers reward lower incomes. Under $30k you pay about $5,180. over $110k you pay roughly $12,804. Even the top tier stays cheap compared with private and out-of-state options, so a higher-income family using CSN as an affordable start to a transfer plan gets real value.
This school fits you if you want a low-cost route into dental support or a specific vocational field, or a cheap two-year base before transferring. Look elsewhere if you need a structured environment to finish, since the completion odds here are against you.
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.