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College of Southern Nevada draws 27,790 students to Las Vegas despite a 17.9% graduation rate, making it the state's largest urban campus by far. Nevada's urban colleges serve students across a $6,329 to $47,705 net price spectrum, with career-focused programs aligning to the state's economic shift beyond gaming. Roseman University graduates earn $120,163 annually, reflecting Nevada's growing health sector demand. The Tesla Gigafactory and renewable energy expansion create new pathways for technical graduates, while the state's lack of income tax keeps more earnings in graduates' pockets. Community colleges like Truckee Meadows offer affordable entry points at $7,457 net cost. Las Vegas and Reno anchor most programs, though Henderson hosts specialized health universities. Acceptance rates hover consistently around 85% at major public universities, providing accessible urban education options. Career colleges dominate the middle price range, with nursing and medical programs commanding higher costs but delivering strong employment outcomes. Nevada's urban college market reflects a state transitioning from service-based tourism to technology and logistics, with educational programs adapting to support warehouse automation, solar energy installation, and healthcare services for a growing population.
15
Schools
$22,356
Avg. Net Price
$56,556
Avg. Earnings
45.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Nevada

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Large 15,723 $15,402 62.4%
2 City-Small 1,967 $12,424 36.6%
3 City-Midsize 24,131 $10,011 50.1%
4 City-Large 6,752 $7,457 28.2%
5 City-Large 554
6 City-Large 27,790 $6,329 17.9%
7 City-Large 19
8 City-Large 573 $40,925
9 City-Large 2,222 $14,842 67.3%
10 City-Large 500 $47,705 49.3%
11 City-Large 396 $37,850 50.0%
12 City-Midsize 748 $22,661 49.4%
13 City-Large 4
14 City-Midsize 359 $30,306 41.3%
15 City-Midsize

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of Southern Nevada so much larger than other urban colleges?

College of Southern Nevada enrolls 27,790 students, nearly three times larger than UNLV's 24,131. As a community college serving the Las Vegas metropolitan area, it provides affordable education at $6,329 net cost and serves as a transfer pathway to four-year programs.

How do Nevada's urban college costs compare to national averages?

Net prices range from $6,329 at College of Southern Nevada to $47,705 at Carrington College-Reno. Public universities like UNR cost $15,402 and UNLV $10,011, while specialized health programs command premium prices reflecting Nevada's growing medical sector.

Where do Nevada urban college graduates earn the highest salaries?

Roseman University graduates earn $120,163 annually, followed by Touro University Nevada at $104,805. These health sciences programs capitalize on Nevada's expanding healthcare needs, while Chamberlain University nursing graduates earn $92,405 in Las Vegas's competitive medical market.

Does Nevada's job market support urban college graduates?

Nevada's economic diversification beyond casinos creates opportunities in logistics, renewable energy, and healthcare. The Tesla Gigafactory employs technical graduates, while Las Vegas's population growth drives demand for medical professionals. No state income tax increases take-home earnings.

What explains the 17.9% to 67.3% graduation rate variation?

Northwest Career College achieves 67.3% graduation rates through focused vocational training, while College of Southern Nevada's 17.9% reflects its open-access community college mission serving varied student needs including part-time and transfer students.

See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.