Best Universities in Nevada

By | October 13, 2024

1. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

Overview of University of Nevada, Reno

Location: Reno, Nevada
Founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is the state’s flagship public research university. Known for its strong programs in engineering, journalism, and environmental science, UNR has a national reputation for its research in earthquake engineering and environmental sustainability. The university also plays a central role in the cultural and economic development of Northern Nevada.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #263 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 21,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 145 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Average SAT Score: 1050-1260

Extracurricular Activities

  • Nevada Wolf Pack Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Associated Students of the University of Nevada (student government)
  • KUNR (student-run radio station)
  • The Sagebrush (student newspaper)
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Hank Greenspun – Founder of Las Vegas Sun
  2. Jimmy Kimmel – Comedian and talk show host
  3. Greg Street – Game designer for League of Legends
  4. Nikki Fargas – Former WNBA player and coach
  5. Brian Sandoval – Former Governor of Nevada

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Tesla
  2. IGT (International Game Technology)
  3. Renown Health
  4. Microsoft
  5. Nevada State Government

2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Overview of University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Founded in 1957, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university with a national reputation for its programs in hospitality management, law, and gaming studies. UNLV is home to the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, one of the top programs in the world for hotel and tourism management. The Boyd School of Law is also highly regarded in the western United States.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #285 National Universities
  • Number of Students: Approximately 31,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 300 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Average SAT Score: 1030-1250

Extracurricular Activities

  • UNLV Rebels Athletics (NCAA Division I)
  • Rebel Yell (student newspaper)
  • UNLV Involvement Fair
  • RebelTHON (Dance Marathon for charity)
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Guy Fieri – Celebrity chef and TV host
  2. Jimmy Kimmel – Talk show host and comedian
  3. Francisco Aguilar – Chairman, Nevada Gaming Control Board
  4. Lorraine Hunt-Bono – Former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada
  5. Fred D. Gibson – Author and Nevada historian

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. MGM Resorts International
  2. Caesars Entertainment
  3. Las Vegas Sands Corporation
  4. Clark County School District
  5. Station Casinos

3. Nevada State College

Overview of Nevada State College

Location: Henderson, Nevada
Founded in 2002, Nevada State College (NSC) is one of the newest public institutions in the state. It has quickly gained a reputation for its strong programs in nursing, education, and business. NSC focuses on providing affordable, high-quality education to a diverse student body and is recognized for its commitment to first-generation college students and minority groups.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 5,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Average SAT Score: 960-1150

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government
  • Peer Mentorship Program
  • Black Student Organization
  • Outdoor Adventure Club
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Cesar A. Ramos – City council member in Henderson, NV
  2. Andrea Martinez – Teacher of the Year, Clark County School District
  3. Mark Rosales – Entrepreneur and tech startup founder
  4. Erica Mosley – Nurse educator and health advocate
  5. Kari Lee – Community engagement officer

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Clark County School District
  2. Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center
  3. Dignity Health
  4. Nevada State College
  5. City of Henderson

4. Sierra Nevada University

Overview of Sierra Nevada University

Location: Incline Village, Nevada
Founded in 1969, Sierra Nevada University (SNU) is a private liberal arts college known for its unique location near Lake Tahoe and its focus on environmental science, business, and entrepreneurship. The university emphasizes outdoor leadership, sustainability, and experiential learning, taking full advantage of its proximity to the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: #22 Regional Colleges West
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Average SAT Score: 1000-1200

Extracurricular Activities

  • Outdoor Adventure Club
  • Environmental Sustainability Club
  • Ski and Snowboard Team
  • Business and Entrepreneurship Competitions
  • Greek Life

Famous Alumni

  1. Jeremy Jones – Professional snowboarder and filmmaker
  2. Travis Ganong – U.S. Olympic skier
  3. Candice Quigley – Environmental advocate
  4. Daron Rahlves – Former U.S. Olympic skier
  5. Maria Radnoti – Award-winning environmental scientist

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Tesla
  2. Vail Resorts
  3. Sierra Nevada Corporation
  4. U.S. Forest Service
  5. Incline Village General Improvement District

5. Touro University Nevada

Overview of Touro University Nevada

Location: Henderson, Nevada
Touro University Nevada is a private medical school established in 2004. It is part of the Touro College and University System and focuses primarily on health sciences education. Touro Nevada is well-known for its programs in osteopathic medicine, nursing, and physical therapy, offering students a hands-on, patient-centered approach to healthcare.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 10 graduate programs in health sciences
  • Acceptance Rate: Varies by program
  • Average SAT Score: Not applicable (graduate school)

Extracurricular Activities

  • Medical Outreach Programs
  • Student Government
  • Health and Wellness Club
  • Research Symposiums
  • Volunteering and Community Health Initiatives

Famous Alumni

  1. Dr. John Mattson – Renowned osteopathic physician
  2. Dr. Jennifer Love – Public health advocate
  3. Dr. Thomas Perry – Neurologist and professor
  4. Dr. Erica Hunt – Pediatrics specialist
  5. Dr. Rachel Swartz – Physical therapist and author

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Dignity Health
  2. Valley Health System
  3. Touro University Nevada
  4. Sunrise Health
  5. University Medical Center of Southern Nevada

6. College of Southern Nevada (CSN)

Overview of College of Southern Nevada

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Established in 1971, the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is the largest higher education institution in Nevada, offering a wide range of associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training programs. It is particularly known for its programs in nursing, hospitality management, and business. CSN provides affordable education and plays a crucial role in the workforce development of Southern Nevada.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 33,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 180 associate and certificate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • Student Government
  • CSN Sports (NJCAA)
  • Hospitality Club
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs

Famous Alumni

  1. Joe Lombardo – Clark County Sheriff
  2. Carlos Santana – Grammy Award-winning musician (attended)
  3. Steven Horsford – U.S. Congressman
  4. Patrick Mahoney – CEO of private equity firm
  5. Dan O’Brien – U.S. Olympian, decathlete

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. MGM Resorts International
  2. Clark County School District
  3. Caesars Entertainment
  4. Dignity Health
  5. Station Casinos

7. Great Basin College

Overview of Great Basin College

Location: Elko, Nevada
Founded in 1967, Great Basin College is a public community college with campuses across Northern Nevada. It offers a variety of associate, bachelor’s, and certificate programs, with a particular focus on nursing, education, and trades like mining technology and industrial electricity. Its rural location allows it to serve a wide geographic area, including remote communities.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 3,800
  • Degrees Offered: Over 50 associate and bachelor’s programs
  • Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government Association
  • Outdoor Adventure Club
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs
  • Native American Student Association

Famous Alumni

  1. Blake Smith – Nevada mining executive
  2. Kari Kolpit – Community health advocate
  3. Susan Robbins – Teacher of the Year, Nevada
  4. Ken Garrison – Entrepreneur
  5. Jennifer Thompson – College administrator and community leader

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Barrick Gold Corporation
  2. Newmont Mining Corporation
  3. Elko County School District
  4. Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital
  5. Great Basin College

8. Western Nevada College (WNC)

Overview of Western Nevada College

Location: Carson City, Nevada
Founded in 1971, Western Nevada College (WNC) is a public community college known for its programs in nursing, manufacturing technology, and applied sciences. WNC offers a variety of associate degrees and a few bachelor’s programs aimed at workforce development. It plays a significant role in serving the educational needs of Nevada’s rural and suburban populations.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 3,500
  • Degrees Offered: Over 40 associate and bachelor’s programs
  • Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government Association
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • SkillsUSA Competitions
  • Nursing and Allied Health Clubs
  • Performing Arts Programs

Famous Alumni

  1. James Settles – Nevada State legislator
  2. Martha Harjo – Nursing educator and advocate
  3. Nathan Tanner – Entrepreneur and community leader
  4. Lisa Nelson – Public health advocate
  5. George Thomas – Manufacturing executive

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Tesla
  2. Panasonic
  3. Carson Tahoe Health
  4. Nevada Department of Transportation
  5. Western Nevada College

9. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)

Overview of Truckee Meadows Community College

Location: Reno, Nevada
Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), founded in 1971, is a public community college in Reno, Nevada. It offers a wide range of associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce development courses, with strong programs in nursing, automotive technology, and business. TMCC is known for its affordability and flexibility, serving both traditional students and working professionals.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 11,000
  • Degrees Offered: Over 60 associate and certificate programs
  • Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
  • Average SAT Score: Not required

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government Association
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • TMCC Sports Club
  • Nursing and Health Sciences Clubs
  • Performing Arts Programs

Famous Alumni

  1. Amanda Sanchez – Reno-based journalist
  2. Joseph Avila – Business executive
  3. Timothy Wolfe – Public safety officer
  4. Lisa Rodriguez – Educator and school administrator
  5. Nina Gomez – Artist and community leader

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Renown Health
  2. Tesla
  3. City of Reno
  4. Panasonic
  5. Truckee Meadows Community College

10. Roseman University of Health Sciences

Overview of Roseman University of Health Sciences

Location: Henderson, Nevada
Founded in 1999, Roseman University of Health Sciences is a private, non-profit university specializing in health education. It is best known for its College of Pharmacy and College of Dental Medicine, both of which offer advanced healthcare education. Roseman is also recognized for its innovative block curriculum, allowing students to focus on one course at a time.

Notable Aspects

  • U.S. News Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: Approximately 1,400
  • Degrees Offered: Programs in pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, and business
  • Acceptance Rate: Varies by program
  • Average SAT Score: Not applicable (graduate school)

Extracurricular Activities

  • Student Government
  • Health and Wellness Outreach
  • Volunteer and Community Service Programs
  • Interprofessional Education Groups
  • Pharmacy Student Organizations

Famous Alumni

  1. Dr. Nathan Fong – Pharmacist and healthcare entrepreneur
  2. Dr. Amy Lin – Dental surgeon and public health advocate
  3. Dr. Kyle Lamberts – Clinical pharmacist and author
  4. Dr. Emily Sanchez – Pediatrics specialist
  5. Dr. Robert Mitchell – Health policy advisor

Top Employers of Graduates

  1. Walgreens
  2. CVS Health
  3. Dignity Health
  4. Roseman University
  5. Southern Nevada Health District