Online Schools and Colleges in Nevada
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
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.
Less Than a High School Diploma | High School Diploma | Associate Degree | Bachelor’s Degree | Master’s Degree | Doctoral 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.
College of Southern Nevada
- Las Vegas, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,083
- Out-of-state$10,273
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled33,942
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Las Vegas, NV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,454
- Out-of-state$22,505
- 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.
In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
---|---|---|
$5,920 | $21,176 | $9,037 (In-State) $25,657 (Out-of-State) |
Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | National Average |
---|---|---|
$23,261 | N/A | $30,731 |
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.
Books and Course Materials
Most schools charge online students a one-time fee to access all digital materials required for a course.
Technology Fee
Online students typically pay a per-credit or per-semester technology fee, which does not apply to on-campus learners.
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.
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.
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.
Featured Online Programs
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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
Bruce 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
Governor 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
Network 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
Nevada 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
Otto 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
Leveraging 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
Nevada 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
Silver 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
Silver 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
USAA 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.
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
COLLEGE | SIZE | TUITION | TYPE |
---|---|---|---|
College of Southern Nevada | 61,662 | $2,078 | Public |
University of Nevada-Las Vegas | 36,235 | $5,812 | Public |
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
COLLEGE | SIZE | TUITION | TYPE |
---|---|---|---|
University of Nevada-Reno | 21,029 | $5,678 | Public |
Truckee Meadows Community College | 18,405 | $2,078 | Public |