About Nevada State University
Nevada State University serves 3,791 students in Henderson's rural-fringe setting just outside Las Vegas. The public institution has built a reputation as a teaching-focused college that prioritizes hands-on learning and community engagement. With an 82% acceptance rate, NSU welcomes students who may not fit the traditional four-year college mold but are serious about their education. The Scorpions compete in athletics while maintaining strong ties to Nevada's growing healthcare and education sectors.
Students pay an average net price of $13,208 after financial aid, making this one of Nevada's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $53,166 ten years after starting college, though the relatively modest debt load of $19,691 keeps monthly payments manageable at $209. The employment rate of 95.9% shows that NSU graduates find work, even if the 31% six-year graduation rate indicates many students take longer paths to completion.
The student body reflects Nevada's diversity, with 46% Hispanic students and 78% women creating a unique campus active. Nearly all students are Nevada residents (99.2%), fostering strong local connections. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though only 77% of students return for their second year.
Students pay an average net price of $13,208 after financial aid, making this one of Nevada's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $53,166 ten years after starting college, though the relatively modest debt load of $19,691 keeps monthly payments manageable at $209. The employment rate of 95.9% shows that NSU graduates find work, even if the 31% six-year graduation rate indicates many students take longer paths to completion.
The student body reflects Nevada's diversity, with 46% Hispanic students and 78% women creating a unique campus active. Nearly all students are Nevada residents (99.2%), fostering strong local connections. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though only 77% of students return for their second year.
Academics & Faculty
Nevada State University draws students seeking affordable education with strong career preparation. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 31% six-year graduation rate suggests many students face challenges completing their degrees. Women make up 78% of enrollment, reflecting the school's strength in fields like nursing, education, and social work. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused programs rather than research. Students benefit from small class sizes in professional programs, but academic support systems need strengthening given retention struggles. With 76% of students returning for sophomore year, the school works to help students navigate college successfully while keeping costs manageable.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 31.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.0%
- Retention Rate
- 77.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,166
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,633 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $46,673 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,443 |
Campus Life
Nevada State University sits in Henderson, about 15 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The campus serves 3,791 students in Nevada's desert climate, where winter coats gather dust and sunscreen becomes essential gear. Women make up 78% of the student body, creating a female-dominated environment. Hispanic students represent the largest demographic group at 46%, followed by white students at 21%.
The rural-fringe setting means you're close enough to Vegas for weekend adventures but far enough away to focus on academics during the week. With 99% of students coming from in-state, most already know Nevada's rhythms and return home regularly rather than building traditional campus life. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio suggests smaller class discussions are possible. Campus traditions center around the Scorpions athletic teams, though social life often gravitates toward Las Vegas entertainment and outdoor activities in Red Rock Canyon. Students frequently balance work and school, reflected in the high 95% employment rate after graduation.
The rural-fringe setting means you're close enough to Vegas for weekend adventures but far enough away to focus on academics during the week. With 99% of students coming from in-state, most already know Nevada's rhythms and return home regularly rather than building traditional campus life. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio suggests smaller class discussions are possible. Campus traditions center around the Scorpions athletic teams, though social life often gravitates toward Las Vegas entertainment and outdoor activities in Red Rock Canyon. Students frequently balance work and school, reflected in the high 95% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 40°–59°F
- July Avg
- 84°–107°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 6.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Nevada State draws almost exclusively from within state borders, with 99% of students calling Nevada home. The student body is majority Hispanic at 46%, reflecting the growing demographics of the Las Vegas metro area where most students originate. Women make up nearly four-fifths of enrollment, a split that aligns with the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and social work. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families throughout Nevada. This demographic mix creates a tight-knit campus community rooted in local Nevada culture.
- Men
- 21.6%
- Women
- 78.4%
- White
- 21.4%
- Black
- 9.8%
- Hispanic
- 46.1%
- Asian
- 10.1%
- In-State Students
- 99.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.1%
Location
Nevada State University sits in Henderson, about 16 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The rural-fringe setting offers a quieter campus environment while keeping the entertainment capital of the world within easy reach. Henderson ranks as Nevada's second-largest city and one of the safest communities in the state. The Mojave Desert landscape surrounds the area with mountain views and year-round sunshine. With 99.21% of students coming from in-state, most are already familiar with Nevada's desert climate and outdoor recreation opportunities. The proximity to Las Vegas provides internship and job prospects in hospitality, gaming, and business sectors. Students considering colleges in Nevada may also compare Nevada State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Henderson, Nevada 89002
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,166
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,526
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $45,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $209/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,691
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Nevada State University?
Nevada State University accepts 82.48% of applicants, making it relatively accessible to prospective students. The school primarily serves Nevada residents, with 99.21% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Nevada State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $13,208 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay around $11,793, while those from higher-income families pay closer to $19,917.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Nevada State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 19:1 across the university's 3,791 enrolled students. This public state college operates on a semester calendar system and maintains a 76.97% retention rate.
What are the graduation rates at Nevada State University?
Only 31% of students graduate within six years, with a similar 31.6% completing their degrees in four years. Despite these challenging completion rates, graduates find strong employment opportunities with a 95.9% employment rate.
Where is Nevada State University located and what is the campus setting like?
The university sits in Henderson, Nevada, in a rural-fringe setting outside the main metropolitan area. The Scorpions compete as the school's athletic teams in this more secluded environment.
What is the student demographic breakdown at Nevada State University?
Women make up 78.4% of the student body, creating a gender-imbalanced campus. The student population is 46.11% Hispanic and 21.39% White, reflecting Nevada's diverse demographics.
