University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Bottom line: A B- overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 36.9× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $36.9 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $36.9 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,486,353.
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What The Data Says
A B- overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
Earnings 35% above the national college median.
Every $1 invested returns $36.9 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why University of Nevada-Las Vegas Matters
University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public research university in Las Vegas, NV and its outcomes are not an accident. They are driven by a top-tier research enterprise and a well-connected, high-opportunity alumni network. The result: graduate earnings well above the typical college.
Interpretation generated from this school's federal outcomes, research, and mobility data.
Institutional Profile
- Institution Type
- Public Research University
- Carnegie Class
- R1 · Very High Research
- Enrollment
- 24,622
- Setting
- Urban
- Designations
- HSI
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Psychology, Education, Health Professions
Why students choose University of Nevada-Las Vegas
CollegeRanker Report Card
Graded on outcomes, against every U.S. college.
Each grade is this school's national percentile on a real outcome — earnings, value, mobility, and more.
How we grade →Admissions
Accessible — admits about 96% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1010–1240. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $10,359 a year after grants and scholarships — 40% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $55,037 ten years after enrolling — 35% above the typical college, against $19,450 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Strong cross-class social capital — an economic-connectedness score of 1.47 (Opportunity Insights).
See mobility →Overview
With an acceptance rate of 96%, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a welcoming option for many students looking to pursue a degree in fields like Business, Psychology, Education, Health Professions, or Visual and Performing Arts. This school is particularly suited for those who appreciate the vibrancy of Las Vegas and want to immerse themselves in a diverse learning environment. The large enrollment of over 24,000 students means you'll find a variety of perspectives and experiences to enrich your education.
After graduation, students can expect to earn around $55,037 within ten years. This figure gives a glimpse into what life can look like post-college, especially for those stepping into industries like business or health. Affordability plays a role here too—the net price after aid is about $10,359, which makes it a reasonable choice for many. With 40% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university is accessible to those who may need financial support.
In terms of financial responsibility, the median debt for graduates stands at $19,450. This is manageable for many, especially given the earning potential. Students who thrive here often appreciate an environment that prioritizes accessibility and diversity, allowing them to form connections and grow professionally. If you're looking for a place to launch your career while enjoying the unique culture of Las Vegas, UNLV could be a fitting choice.
Can I Get In?
How selective University of Nevada-Las Vegas is — and how your numbers stack up.
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Will I Be Accepted?
Enter your credentials to see your chances at this school.
Academics & Admissions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Nevada-Las Vegas? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, University of Nevada-Las Vegas keeps admissions accessible, extending offers to roughly 96% of those who apply. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,094. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 50%.
Can I Afford It?
What you'll actually pay after grants and aid — not the sticker price.
Cost & Financial Aid
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Nevada-Las Vegas? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
When weighing the true cost of attending University of Nevada-Las Vegas, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $27,411 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $10,359 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $8,526 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $19,450.
What Families Actually Pay
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of Nevada-Las Vegas Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Nevada-Las Vegas earn a median of $55,037, roughly in line with national averages for graduates.
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
How University Compares
Dot right of center = above national average.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.
College ROI Calculator
Is University of Nevada-Las Vegas Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of Nevada-Las Vegas delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $10,359/year ($41,436 total). Graduates earn $55,037 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,527,789 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,486,353 (36.9× your investment). The median debt is $19,450, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 50% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
Does It Change Lives?
Mobility, social capital, and innovation — does it move people up?
Institutional Finances
Data: NCES IPEDS
Top Programs
The fields University of Nevada-Las Vegas awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Each links to its degree guide — with salary, growth, and the schools with the strongest outcomes.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for University of Nevada-Las Vegas's most popular programs, with median pay and projected growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Nevada-Las Vegas? Acceptance Rate & Requirements +
Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, University of Nevada-Las Vegas keeps admissions accessible, extending offers to roughly 96% of those who apply. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,094. The school reports a graduation rate of roughly 50%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Nevada-Las Vegas? Tuition, Net Price & Aid +
When weighing the true cost of attending University of Nevada-Las Vegas, prospective students should look past the published sticker price of $27,411 in tuition. The figure that matters more is the average net price — the actual out-of-pocket cost after federal grants, institutional scholarships, and student loans — which works out to about $10,359 for families who qualify for aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $8,526 after need-based grants. Graduates leave with a median federal student-loan debt of about $19,450.
Is University of Nevada-Las Vegas Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI +
Ten years out, alumni of University of Nevada-Las Vegas earn a median of $55,037, roughly in line with national averages for graduates.
How Connected Is University of Nevada-Las Vegas? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks +
Social capital — the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility — runs high at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, with an economic connectedness score of 1.47 (about 1.0 is the national norm). Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds genuinely mix rather than self-segregate. Around 5% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is University of Nevada-Las Vegas? Social Capital & Cross-Class Networks
Social capital — the web of cross-class friendships that researchers link to long-run upward mobility — runs high at University of Nevada-Las Vegas, with an economic connectedness score of 1.47 (about 1.0 is the national norm). Its friending bias is low (-0.00), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds genuinely mix rather than self-segregate. Around 5% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note