At $13,208/yr net price, Nevada State University graduates earn $53,166/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,166/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,208 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $52,832 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,166/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,166/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,691 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,793/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,021/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,176/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,591/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,917/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,633 | $22,827 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $17,875 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $46,673 | $24,585 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $28,443 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
31.0% of students at Nevada State University 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
Nevada State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with a troubling 31% graduation rate that undermines any potential earnings gains. The low net price of $13,208 annually helps, but you face serious completion risk at this institution.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $71,633 in median earnings with reasonable debt levels. This program justifies your investment and aligns well with Las Vegas area healthcare demand. Business administration offers modest returns at $47,260, while education majors earn $46,673 but carry higher debt loads that eat into your financial benefit.
Psychology represents a financial trap here. Graduates earn just $28,443 while carrying $24,250 in debt, creating a crushing debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. The program simply does not generate sufficient earning power to justify the cost.
Your biggest risk is not finishing. With only three in ten students graduating, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without earning a degree. The 77% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the school is not working for them.
You should consider Nevada State only if you can secure admission to the nursing program or if you need the geographic convenience for business or education careers in the Las Vegas market. The low percentage of students receiving aid suggests limited financial assistance opportunities.
Skip this school if you are considering psychology or any program not listed among the top earners. The combination of low graduation rates and weak earnings in most fields creates too much financial risk for the marginal benefits you would receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nevada State University worth the cost?
Nevada State University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $13,208 per year and median debt under $20,000. However, the 31% graduation rate is concerning and means most students don't finish their degree.
What programs at Nevada State University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs at Nevada State University provide the strongest return, with graduates earning around $71,633 annually. Business and education programs offer moderate returns at $47,260 and $46,673 respectively, while psychology graduates earn significantly less at $28,443.
How much debt do Nevada State University graduates typically have?
Nevada State University graduates leave with a median debt of $19,691, which is manageable compared to many schools. The low debt load helps offset concerns about the school's below-average graduation rate.
Are Nevada State University graduates financially successful after college?
Nevada State University graduates earn $53,166 ten years after enrollment, which is reasonable given the school's low cost. Success varies dramatically by major, with nursing graduates earning significantly more than those in liberal arts fields.