At $15,402/yr net price, University of Nevada-Reno graduates earn $60,614/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $26,614/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,402 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $61,608 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $60,614/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$26,614/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,922 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,126/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,482/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,116/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,042/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,739/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. | Master | $104,192 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $82,440 | $30,115 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $79,284 | |
| Mining and Mineral Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,161 | $19,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,473 | $21,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 | $17,250 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $66,461 | $41,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $66,169 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,011 | $21,955 |
The Risk Factor
62.4% of students at University of Nevada-Reno graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Nevada-Reno delivers solid financial returns at a reasonable price, with a median graduate earning over $60,000 annually while carrying less than $19,000 in debt. The school's nursing program stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making even the higher debt load worthwhile.
Business administration and computer science graduates also see strong returns, with business majors earning over $82,000 despite moderate debt levels. Mining engineering offers another lucrative path, reflecting Nevada's natural resource economy. However, you should avoid lower-earning programs at UNR since the 62% graduation rate means significant dropout risk.
The school poses moderate financial risk due to its graduation rate, meaning nearly 40% of students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 80% retention rate suggests most students who struggle become apparent after freshman year. Only 24% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited need-based support for middle-income families.
UNR works best for Nevada residents pursuing high-demand majors like nursing, business, or engineering who can leverage the regional job market. Out-of-state students should carefully weigh whether their chosen program justifies the higher costs, particularly given the graduation rate concerns. The school makes less sense for students interested in lower-earning majors or those who need substantial financial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Nevada-Reno worth the cost?
University of Nevada-Reno offers reasonable value with a net price of $15,402 and median debt of $18,922, but the 10-year earnings of $60,614 are below average for college graduates. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with nursing and business programs showing much stronger returns than the overall average.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Nevada-Reno?
Nursing leads with $104,192 in median earnings, followed by business administration at $82,440 and computer science at $79,284. Mining engineering also pays well at $69,338, reflecting Nevada's industry strengths.
How much debt do University of Nevada-Reno graduates typically have?
The median debt is $18,922, which is manageable compared to many universities. However, with overall graduate earnings of $60,614, students should focus on higher-paying programs to ensure good debt-to-income ratios.
Does University of Nevada-Reno have good graduation rates?
The 62.40% graduation rate is concerning and below the national average. This means nearly 4 out of 10 students don't finish their degree, which significantly hurts ROI for those who accumulate debt without graduating.