Online Schools and Colleges in Nevada

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on June 27, 2023
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Nevada schools offer a wide range of courses, programs and degrees online for levels kindergarten through graduate school. Nevada not only has 20 universities offering fully-online degree programs in a variety of topics, but it also provides 10 fully-online programs for students in grades K-12, which is unusual at the primary level. Nevada is at the forefront of online education due to the foundation of The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) in 1968. During the 2013-2014 school year, over 130,000 students enrolled in online courses in Nevada.

Enrollment in online courses continues to rise nationwide. According to U.S. News & World Report, 6.3 million students enrolled in at least one online class in 2016, representing a 5.6% increase over the previous year.

How Can I Find Which Online Colleges Offer the Degree I’m Looking for in Nevada?

Learners should carefully research options before choosing from among the online schools and colleges in Nevada. With so many options, the research process can seem daunting. However, identifying which degree you are interested in pursuing can help you narrow down the options. Click the icon below to learn about online programs in Nevada.

How Much More Do College Grads in Nevada Make?

The table below illustrates the correlation between education and income. Individuals with higher educational attainment tend to earn higher salaries. Additionally, professionals with higher levels of educational attainment have lower unemployment levels, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Data from Statistical Atlas shows similar trends among professionals in Nevada. Postgraduate degree-holders in the state earn a median salary of $62,000 per year, while bachelor’s degree-holders earn a median annual salary of $46,000. State residents who hold only a high school diploma earn a median salary of $30,000 per year.

Salary Comparison Accordion to Education Level
Less Than a High School DiplomaHigh School DiplomaAssociate DegreeBachelor’s DegreeMaster’s DegreeDoctoral Degree
$28,756$37,960$44,824$62,296$74,568$94,900

Source:BLS

Best Online Colleges in Nevada

At online schools and colleges in Nevada, more than 10,000 undergraduate students take courses exclusively online each year. Learners can choose from more than 20 entirely remote programs from Nevada institutions. This guide includes information about online education in the Silver State, and it explores accreditation, financial aid, online resources, and adult education services.

#1 Online Schools and Colleges in Nevada

College of Southern Nevada

  • Location-markerLas Vegas, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,083
  • Out-of-state$10,273
  • Retention Rate0%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled33,942
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment46%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Online Schools and Colleges in Nevada

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

  • Location-markerLas Vegas, NV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,454
  • Out-of-state$22,505
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,459
  • Out-of-state$20,510
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled31,171
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment44%
  • AccreditationYes

Paying for Online College in Nevada: Tuition and Financial Aid

In-state tuition rates at Nevada public universities rank among the lowest in the country, according to U.S. New & World Report. Tuition rates at private institutions in Nevada are also lower than the national average, making Nevada an attractive option for students seeking affordable college choices.

Despite the relative affordability of a college education in Nevada, most learners apply for scholarships and grants to reduce student debt. The following sections include information about funding options for learners attending online schools and colleges in Nevada.

Tuition Comparisons
In-State TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNational Average
$5,920$21,176$9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State)
Tuition Comparisons
TuitionOut-of-State TuitionNational Average
$23,261N/A$30,731

Source:National Center for Education Statistics

Cost Considerations for Online Students in Nevada

Online students typically save on costs related to transportation and room and board. Additionally, distance learners may qualify for lower tuition rates. However, online students are responsible for fees and expenses beyond tuition. Below are some cost considerations for students attending online schools and colleges in Nevada.

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    Books and Course Materials

    Most schools charge online students a one-time fee to access all digital materials required for a course.

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    Technology Fee

    Online students typically pay a per-credit or per-semester technology fee, which does not apply to on-campus learners.

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    Exam Proctoring

    Many schools permit online students to take exams at an authorized testing center near their home. These facilities often charge exam proctoring fees.

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    Laboratory Fee

    Online students enrolled in a class with a lab component must typically visit campus to participate in laboratory experiments and group work. Learners may incur costs related to transportation and lodging.

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    Transfer Credit Charge

    Some schools charge online students to transfer credits from another institution. This fee may be a fixed amount per enrollment period or may be based on the number of transfer credits.

Qualifying for In-State Tuition in Nevada

To qualify for in-state tuition rates, financially independent students in Nevada must have resided in the state for at least one year prior to enrollment. Financially dependent students take on the residency status of their parents or guardians. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces who are on permanent duty in the state and who are graduates or enrollees of a Nevada high school qualify for in-state tuition rates. Learners should contact prospective schools to learn about each institution’s requirements.

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Paying for College in Nevada: Scholarships and Financial Aid

Nevada students can apply for financial assistance from public agencies and private organizations. Scholarships and grants are ideal forms of funding, as they do not require repayment. Below are some scholarship and grant programs available to learners attending online schools and colleges in Nevada.

Scholarships for Nevada College Students


plusBruce Fishkin Scholarship Fund

Who Can Apply: The program supports outstanding high school seniors who reside in Chicago, Las Vegas, Fairfield County, or Westport County. Applicants must submit an essay and participate in a personal interview.

Amount: Full tuition, including room and board

plusGovernor Guinn Millennium Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Seniors enrolled in an accredited program leading to teacher licensure in elementary or secondary education can apply for this scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum 3.5 GPA and must commit to teaching in the Nevada school system after graduation.

Amount: Up to $10,000

plusNetwork of Executive Women in Hospitality Las Vegas Chapter Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Women who are halfway through a two-year or four-year hospitality program in Nevada or Utah can apply for this scholarship. The scholarship program is open to both members and nonmembers.

Amount: $2,500 to $10,000

plusNevada Promise Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This scholarship covers the cost of community college tuition, after financial aid. Applicants must plan to enroll in a participating Nevada community college.

Amount: Varies

plusOtto Huth Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The program supports individuals who have aged out of the state foster care system. Applicants must have been accepted to a two-year or four-year school in Nevada.

Amount: Up to $40,000

Grants for Nevada College Students


plusLeveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program Grants

Who Can Apply: Nevada participates in the federal LEAP program, which provides need-based funding. Students apply for the grant through the Nevada Grant Office.

Amount: Up to $5,000

plusNevada Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants

Who Can Apply: This grant is available to Nevada residents with American Indian ancestry attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and pursue an accredited associate or bachelor’s program.

Amount: Varies

plusSilver State Matching Grant Program

Who Can Apply: The Nevada State Treasury administers this grant program. Applicants must hold Nevada residency and must have an SSGA Upromise 529 account and an adjusted gross household income of no more than $74,999.

Amount: Varies

plusSilver State Opportunity Grant

Who Can Apply: High school seniors who demonstrate financial need can apply for this grant from the Nevada System of Higher Education. Applicants must show proof of Nevada residency.

Amount: Varies

plusUSAA Distinguished Valor Matching Grant Program

Who Can Apply: The program supports dependents of active or deceased U.S. Armed Forces members. Applicants must have an active USAA 529 college savings plan account and have an adjusted gross household income of less than $95,000.

Amount: Varies

The Importance of Accreditation for Online Colleges and Universities in Nevada

Accreditation is a voluntary process that involves review by a third-party agency. Accreditation demonstrates the academic quality of a school or program to students, parents, and benefactors. Learners attending online schools and colleges in Nevada can look for both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

  • Regional and National Accreditation

    The Commission for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED) oversee the accreditation process in the United States. Regional accrediting agencies typically evaluate degree-focused, nonprofit institutions. National accreditation typically applies to career and vocational schools. Regional accreditation is the most prestigious type of institutional accreditation.
  • Subject-Specific Accreditation

    The ED and CHEA also oversee subject-specific agencies that offer programmatic accreditation. For example, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits nursing programs. Subject-specific accreditation demonstrates that a program meets industry standards and prepares learners to succeed in the field.
  • How to Know if Your School or Program is Accredited

    Accredited institutions typically feature their accreditation status on their official website. Learners can also contact schools directly to learn about their accreditation status. To verify this information, students can search the CHEA directory, which includes an updated list of accredited U.S. colleges and universities.

Online College and Adult Education in Nevada

Many adult learners choose online schools and colleges in Nevada. The flexibility of online learning can help busy professionals pursue their education. The sections below include information about programs for adult students in Nevada.

By the Numbers: Adult Education in Nevada

Nevada offers high school programs for adult learners in 14 of its 17 school districts, as well as in Department of Corrections facilities.

More than 85% of the students in Nevada’s adult basic education classes are English language learners.

Approximately 66% of adult learners in Nevada are of Hispanic descent.

Adult Education Programs for Nevada Students

Online College Resources for Nevada Students

As the demand for online education continues to grow, Nevada institutions and the state government offer resources and services for distance learners. Below are five resources for learners attending online schools and colleges in Nevada.

This website contains college preparation information for various types of students, including high school seniors and members of underrepresented minority groups.
Through this website, students can learn about programs and services designed to help Nevada students meet their academic and professional goals.
This website helps learners find accredited institutions and programs, along with information about scholarships and federal higher education initiatives.
NNLC provides resources including high school equivalency and citizenship classes. The council offers scholarship information and community-based employment options for full-time students.
This website provides a list of online programs and courses with approval from the Nevada Department of Education. Students can also find distance education application forms and contact information.

City Spotlight: Colleges in Nevada

Las Vegas, NV

In 2010, Forbes ranked Las Vegas as the fastest-growing city in the country. It makes sense that colleges and universities — and students — would choose to share the neon lights of Nevada’s largest city. Out of the eight institutions making up the state’s public system of higher education, three are found in Las Vegas. Graduates of Las Vegas colleges can seek employment in a range of industries, many of which require postsecondary training, such as professional/scientific tech services or health care.

The biggest Las Vegas employers have tens of thousands of workers, and the city and its environs are home to a large part of the Nevada populace. The U.S. Census Bureau counts almost 600,000 Nevadans in Las Vegas and more than 2 million in Clark County, creating a major metropolitan area and economic hub.

Colleges and Universities in Las Vegas

COLLEGESIZETUITIONTYPE
College of Southern Nevada61,662$2,078Public
University of Nevada-Las Vegas36,235$5,812Public

Reno, NV

Reno, Nevada has many jobs that focus on the health care, entertainment, and technology industries. Many entrepreneurs have also been flocking to the city hoping to strike start-up gold. Students in Reno hoping to claim one of those jobs one day have a few educational options to help start them on the right path.

About 27.9 percent of Reno residents have some kind of college degree, and 10.5 percent have a graduate degree, according to Forbes. Reno’s higher education options vary. There’s one community college and one public university in the city.

Colleges and Universities in Reno

COLLEGESIZETUITIONTYPE
University of Nevada-Reno21,029$5,678Public
Truckee Meadows Community College18,405$2,078Public