University of Nevada-Las Vegas vs University of Nevada-Reno
University of Nevada-Reno is moderately selective with a 85.3% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than University of Nevada-Las Vegas (96.3%). Graduates of University of Nevada-Reno earn $5,577 more per year at the 10-year mark ($60,614 vs $55,037). For families earning $48k–$75k, University of Nevada-Las Vegas is more affordable at $10,606 net price vs $14,537.
Admissions & Outcomes
University of Nevada-Reno has a higher yield rate (39.5%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Las Vegas, NV
Reno, NV
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), University of Nevada-Las Vegas is more affordable at $8,526 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $15,905 vs $21,646.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. University of Nevada-Las Vegas enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (40%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- 1 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$75,313
- 2 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$70,296
- 3 Civil Engineering$61,681
- 4 Mechanical Engineering$61,110
- 5 Computer Science$59,942
University of Nevada-Reno
- 1 Mining and Mineral Engineering$69,338
- 2 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$69,161
- 3 Computer Engineering$67,473
- 4 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering$67,324
- 5 Mechanical Engineering$59,011
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Hospitality Administration/Management
- 3 Criminal Justice and Corrections
- 4 Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- 5 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
University of Nevada-Reno
- 1 Public Health
- 2 Business/Commerce, General
- 3 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Biology, General
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$23,580
- Est. total cost/year$35,262
- School typePublic
University of Nevada-Reno
- International students3%
- Tuition (international)$22,922
- Est. total cost/year$36,236
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into University of Nevada-Las Vegas or University of Nevada-Reno?
University of Nevada-Reno is more selective with a 85.3% acceptance rate, compared to 96.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: University of Nevada-Las Vegas or University of Nevada-Reno?
University of Nevada-Reno graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $60,614 compared to $55,037. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: University of Nevada-Las Vegas or University of Nevada-Reno?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), University of Nevada-Las Vegas has a lower net price at $10,606 per year vs $14,537. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at University of Nevada-Las Vegas vs University of Nevada-Reno?
University of Nevada-Reno has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 61.8%, compared to 50.3%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: University of Nevada-Las Vegas or University of Nevada-Reno?
University of Nevada-Reno has a larger international student population at 3% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at University of Nevada-Las Vegas and University of Nevada-Reno?
At University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates earn a median of $75,313 within two years. At University of Nevada-Reno, the top-earning major is Mining and Mineral Engineering at $69,338. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.