University of Nevada-Reno
- Graduation Rate
- 62% C+
- About half of students who start complete their degree
- Earnings (10yr)
- $60,614 A-
- Well above the typical college graduate
- Net Price
- $15,927 C
- Close to the national average
- Acceptance Rate
- 74% C+
- Accessible to most qualified applicants
Bottom line: A B- overall grade — average outcomes for a U.S. college. 24.8× return on investment — every $1 spent returns $24.8 over 20 years.
Every $1 spent returns $24.8 over 20 years — debt pays back in ~under a year. Net gain: $1,515,130.
What The Data Says
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A B- overall — outcomes above the typical U.S. college.
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Earnings 49% above the national college median.
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Every $1 invested returns $24.8 over 20 years — an exceptional return.
Why University of Nevada-Reno Matters
University of Nevada-Reno is a public research university in Reno, 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
- 15,599
- Setting
- Urban
- Designations
- HSI
- Primary Strengths
- Business & Marketing, Health Professions, Biology & Biomedical, Engineering
Why students choose University of Nevada-Reno
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
Competitive — admits about 74% of applicants, with a middle-50% SAT of 1060–1290. Run your numbers in the admissions predictor below.
Check your odds →Net price + aid
Students pay about $15,927 a year after grants and scholarships — 7% below the typical U.S. college. See net price by family income below.
See cost & aid →Earnings + debt
Graduates earn a median of $60,614 ten years after enrolling — 49% above the typical college, against $18,922 in median debt.
See outcomes →Mobility + social capital
Strong cross-class social capital — an economic-connectedness score of 1.61 (Opportunity Insights).
See mobility →Overview
With nearly 16,000 students, the University of Nevada-Reno is a solid choice for those looking to dive into fields like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, or Engineering. Its acceptance rate of 74% means we can expect a diverse student body, welcoming those who may not have the most competitive applications but bring unique perspectives and experiences. The focus here is on practical, career-oriented studies that align well with job market demands.
After graduation, students can expect to earn an average of $60,614 within ten years. That’s a decent starting point, especially when considering the affordability of the education. The median debt for graduates stands at $18,922, which is manageable compared to many other institutions. A substantial 23% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that the school is accessible for those who need financial support, helping to level the playing field for many.
When we look at the financials, the net price after aid is about $15,927, making it a reasonable option for students. Those who thrive here are often proactive and engaged, taking advantage of the resources and opportunities available. Whether you’re aiming for a career in psychology, biology, or engineering, this school seems to cater well to students who are ready to roll up their sleeves and invest in their futures.
Can I Get In?
How selective University of Nevada-Reno is — and how your numbers stack up.
Tool
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-Reno? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Reno, Nevada, University of Nevada-Reno admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 74%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,132. The graduation rate is roughly 62%.
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Retention Rate
- 80%
- SAT Average
- 1132
- ACT Midpoint
- 23
- SAT Range
- 1060–1290
- ACT Range
- 19–26
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98%
- Faculty Salary (mo)
- $13,293
- Student–Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Diversity Index
- 0.67
- First-Gen Students
- 38%
- Applicants
- 9,398
- Admitted
- 8,047
Inside the Admissions Office
School-reported Common Data Set · 2025-26
The acceptance rate tells you how hard University of Nevada-Reno is to get into. Its Common Data Set tells you what happens once you are admitted: how many students say yes, how many arrived without test scores, and whether applying early tilts the odds. 24% of admitted students go on to enroll here, making it a school most admitted students ultimately pass on.
- Yield Rate
- 24%
- of admits enroll
- Submitted SAT
- 16%
- of enrolled freshmen
- Submitted ACT
- 61%
- of enrolled freshmen
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-Reno? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Nevada-Reno is $27,720, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,927. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $12,674 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $18,922 in federal student loans.
- In-State Tuition
- $9,578
- Out-of-State
- $27,720
- Avg Net Price
- $15,927
- Median Debt
- $18,922
- Pell Grant Rate
- 23%
- Federal Loan Rate
- 24%
What Families Actually Pay
- Family Income $0–$30K
- $12,674
- Family Income $30K–$48K
- $13,125
- Family Income $48K–$75K
- $14,537
- Family Income $110K+
- $21,646
What Happens After?
Earnings, debt, and where graduates actually land.
Students Like You
Tell us a little about yourself to see what students like you have typically experienced at University of Nevada-Reno — the net price for your income, your admission odds, and the outcomes that follow. These are patterns from federal data, not predictions.
Graduate Outcomes
Is University of Nevada-Reno Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Nevada-Reno earn a median of $60,614, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
- 6 Years After Entry
- $49,182
- 8 Years
- $54,896
- 10 Years
- $60,614
- Debt-to-Earnings
- 0.31x
- Earning > $25K
- 70%
Earnings Trajectory
Graduation by Timeframe
- 100% (1,299)
- 39%
- 100% (1,299)
- 39%
- 100% (1,299)
- 39%
- 100% (1,299)
- 39%
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-Reno Worth It?
A data-driven look at the return on your educational investment — using real federal data.
Yes — for most students, University of Nevada-Reno delivers a positive return. Over four years, the typical net price is $15,927/year ($63,708 total). Graduates earn $60,614 at ten years, and over a 20-year career we project $1,578,838 in total earnings — a net gain of $1,515,130 (24.8× your investment). The median debt is $18,922, which takes less than a year to pay back at typical earnings. With a 62% graduation rate, the path to that return is well-tested. This is a exceptional ROI compared to national averages.
- Total Cost (4yr)
- $63,708
- Projected 20yr Earnings
- $1,578,838
- Net Return
- $1,515,130
- ROI Multiple
- 24.8×
- Cost Per Year
- $15,927
- Median Debt
- $18,922
- Debt Payback
- Less than 1 yr
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
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-Reno awards the most degrees in, by share of completions. Where federal field-of-study data exists, we show what graduates in that major earned early in their careers. Each links to its degree guide — or see what someone with your income, scores, and major would pay and earn here in the Students Like You simulator.
- Business & Marketing 16% $62,723 early-career
- Health Professions 14% $82,177 early-career
- Biology & Biomedical 10% $36,820 early-career
- Engineering 8% $82,387 early-career
- Computer Science & IT 8% $51,850 early-career
- Psychology 6% $35,640 early-career
- Social Sciences 6% $54,760 early-career
- Criminal Justice 4%
Early-career median earnings by major (typically 1–2 years after completion, bachelor's level where available), in today's dollars (CPI-adjusted). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard field of study. Distinct from the school-wide 10-year median; suppressed for small programs.
Top Careers
Where these majors tend to lead — common career paths for University of Nevada-Reno's most popular programs, ranked by median pay with our proprietary scorecard insights.
- CChief Executive Officer$189,520 · 3% growthAdaptable 64
- C+IT Manager$169,510 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- C+Cloud Architect$142,000 · 15% growthAdaptable 52
- B-Site Reliability Engineer$140,000 · 20% growthAdaptable 52
- CSolutions Architect$138,000 · 12% growthAdaptable 52
- CHR Manager$136,350 · 5% growthAdaptable 64
- CPharmacist$136,030 · 3% growthResilient 82
- CPetroleum Engineer$135,690 · 2% growthResilient 72
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Hard to Get Into University of Nevada-Reno? Acceptance Rate & Requirements
Based in Reno, Nevada, University of Nevada-Reno admits most of the students who apply; the acceptance rate is roughly 74%. Admitted students typically arrive with an average SAT score near 1,132. The graduation rate is roughly 62%.
How Much Does It Cost to Attend University of Nevada-Reno? Tuition, Net Price & Aid
Published tuition at University of Nevada-Reno is $27,720, but few families pay that. The number to watch is net price, what students actually pay each year after federal grants and institutional scholarships. Here it averages about $15,927. Students from families earning under $30,000 typically pay closer to $12,674 after need-based grants. The median graduate leaves with about $18,922 in federal student loans.
Is University of Nevada-Reno Worth It? Graduate Earnings & ROI
Ten years out, alumni of University of Nevada-Reno earn a median of $60,614, roughly in line with the national average for college graduates.
How Connected Is University of Nevada-Reno? 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-Reno. Its economic connectedness score is 1.61, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.03), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Does University of Nevada-Reno offer Early Decision?
No. University of Nevada-Reno does not report a binding Early Decision plan (2025-26 Common Data Set).
Is University of Nevada-Reno really test-optional?
University of Nevada-Reno reports test-optional admission, but most enrolled students still submit scores: about 77% of first-year students sent an SAT or ACT (2025-26 Common Data Set). Submitting strong scores is the norm here.
What percentage of admitted students enroll at University of Nevada-Reno?
About 24% of admitted students choose to enroll at University of Nevada-Reno — its yield rate (2025-26 Common Data Set). Yield reflects how often a school wins when applicants weigh competing offers.
Similar Schools
Schools with similar outcomes, selectivity, and student profiles to University of Nevada-Reno.
- University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI · Close peer63% grad $57,624 earn 87% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Rowan UniversityGlassboro, NJ · Close peer68% grad $59,988 earn 78% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- Towson UniversityTowson, MD · Close peer69% grad $64,390 earn 82% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
- University of LouisvilleLouisville, KY · Close peer61% grad $53,899 earn 79% acceptWhy: similar selectivity · similar grad rate · similar size
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair, NJ · Close peer64% grad $61,415 earn 88% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar grad rate · similar size
- Kansas State UniversityManhattan, KS · Close peer71% grad $57,262 earn 82% acceptWhy: similar earnings · similar selectivity · similar grad rate
Social Capital
Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
How Connected Is University of Nevada-Reno? 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-Reno. Its economic connectedness score is 1.61, where about 1.0 is the national norm. Its friending bias is low (-0.03), a sign that students from different economic backgrounds actually mix rather than self-segregate. Around 7% of students take part in civic and volunteering activity.
Research Note