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Best Nursing Schools in Nevada: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

February 7, 2026

Explore Nevada's 13 nursing programs, from affordable community colleges to research universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing school.

Nursing Education in Nevada: Your Complete Guide

Nevada offers 13 accredited nursing programs across public universities, community colleges, and private institutions. Whether you're seeking an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's or Doctoral degree, Nevada's schools provide pathways to becoming a registered nurse with competitive tuition costs and strong job market demand.

The state's nursing programs range from highly affordable community college options starting at $3,144 per year to specialized doctoral programs at research universities. Understanding the differences between these pathways—and their costs and outcomes—is essential for making an informed decision about your nursing education.

Top University Nursing Programs in Nevada

University of Nevada-Reno: Highest Graduate Earnings

University of Nevada-Reno (Reno) stands out as Nevada's strongest nursing program by several metrics:

In-state tuition: $8,994/year
Acceptance rate: 85.3%
Graduation rate: 62.1% (highest among Nevada universities)
Nursing graduate earnings: $149,415/year (Doctoral Degree)
Total enrollment: 15,723 students

UNR's nursing program leads Nevada in graduate earnings, reflecting the school's emphasis on advanced practice nursing and research. The 62.1% graduation rate indicates strong student support and program quality. With an 85.3% acceptance rate, UNR is accessible while maintaining academic rigor.

University of Nevada-Las Vegas: Largest Public Program

University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Las Vegas) serves the state's largest population center:

In-state tuition: $9,142/year
Acceptance rate: 96.3%
Graduation rate: 48.7%
Nursing graduate earnings: $115,681/year (Doctoral Degree)
Total enrollment: 24,131 students

UNLV offers the most accessible admission (96.3% acceptance rate) among Nevada's universities, making it an option for students with varied academic backgrounds. Graduates earn strong salaries reflecting doctoral-level preparation. The school's large enrollment means robust resources and diverse learning opportunities.

Nevada State University: Budget-Friendly Bachelor's Option

Nevada State University (Henderson) provides an affordable four-year nursing degree:

In-state tuition: $6,368/year (lowest among public universities)
Acceptance rate: 86.2%
Graduation rate: 31.6%
Nursing graduate earnings: $73,359/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Total enrollment: 3,791 students

NSU's lower tuition makes it attractive for budget-conscious students, though its 31.6% graduation rate suggests students may face challenges completing the program. The school offers a more intimate environment with smaller enrollment than UNLV or UNR.

Great Basin College: Rural Access with Strong Outcomes

Great Basin College (Elko) serves Nevada's rural northeast region:

In-state tuition: $3,855/year
Graduation rate: 49.9%
Nursing graduate earnings: $72,436/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Total enrollment: 1,855 students

GBC demonstrates that rural nursing education can produce strong outcomes. Its 49.9% graduation rate is competitive, and the school's small size creates personalized learning environments ideal for students who thrive with close faculty interaction.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Community colleges offer the most cost-effective entry into nursing, typically leading to an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) in two years. ADN graduates take the same NCLEX-RN licensing exam as bachelor's-prepared nurses and earn competitive starting salaries.

College of Southern Nevada: Largest Community Program

College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas) is Nevada's largest nursing pipeline:

In-state tuition: $4,110/year
Graduation rate: 17.4%
Nursing graduate earnings: $74,234/year (Associate's Degree)
Total enrollment: 27,790 students

CSN's massive enrollment reflects Las Vegas's population, but the 17.4% graduation rate is significantly lower than other Nevada programs. This may reflect open-admission policies serving diverse student populations, including many balancing work and family. Prospective students should understand that admission doesn't guarantee completion; nursing coursework is rigorous.

Truckee Meadows Community College: Reno's Affordable Option

Truckee Meadows Community College (Reno) serves northern Nevada:

In-state tuition: $3,144/year (lowest in Nevada)
Graduation rate: 27.2%
Nursing graduate earnings: $71,089/year (Associate's Degree)
Total enrollment: 6,752 students

TMCC's $3,144 annual tuition is Nevada's most affordable nursing program. Graduates earn comparable salaries to other ADN programs, making this an excellent value option for cost-conscious students in the Reno area.

Western Nevada College: Small-Scale Community Program

Western Nevada College (Carson City) offers nursing education in Nevada's capital:

In-state tuition: $3,920/year
Graduation rate: 35.4%
Nursing graduate earnings: $82,312/year (Associate's Degree)
Total enrollment: 1,967 students

WNC's 35.4% graduation rate is the strongest among Nevada's community colleges, suggesting effective student support. The school's small size and Carson City location appeal to students seeking close-knit learning communities.

Private Nursing Schools in Nevada

Nevada also hosts several private institutions. These typically charge higher tuition but may offer flexible scheduling, accelerated programs, or specialized curricula.

Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas

Tuition: $22,426/year
Acceptance rate: 100.0%
Nursing graduate earnings: $85,169/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 1,185 students

Chamberlain University-Nevada

Tuition: $20,462/year
Acceptance rate: 75.0%
Nursing graduate earnings: $74,013/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 573 students

Las Vegas College

Tuition: $17,684/year
Graduation rate: 62.7%
Nursing graduate earnings: $85,674/year (Associate's Degree)
Enrollment: 545 students

Roseman University of Health Sciences

Nursing graduate earnings: $77,951/year (Bachelor's Degree)
Enrollment: 554 students

Touro University Nevada

Nursing graduate earnings: $113,087/year (First Professional Degree)
Enrollment: 19 students (highly specialized program)

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program for You

Consider Your Timeline

Two-year programs (ADN): Community colleges and some private schools offer Associate's degrees, allowing faster entry into nursing practice. Graduates can work as RNs immediately and pursue bachelor's degrees part-time later.

Four-year programs (BSN): Universities offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees, which some employers prefer and which position you for advanced practice roles and graduate education.

Doctoral programs: UNR and UNLV offer advanced practice nursing degrees (MSN, DNP) for experienced nurses seeking specialization or leadership roles.

Evaluate Costs vs. Earnings

Most affordable: Truckee Meadows Community College ($3,144/year) and Western Nevada College ($3,920/year)
Best ROI: University of Nevada-Reno graduates earn $149,415/year despite $8,994 annual tuition
Private school premium: For-profit schools charge $17,684–$22,426 annually; verify whether their earnings justify the higher cost

Factor in Graduation Rates

Graduation rate matters because it reflects:

Quality of student support services
Program rigor and curriculum design
Whether the school's culture matches your learning style

Compare your academic preparation to program graduation rates. If you're a first-generation college student or returning to education after time away, schools with strong support services (often smaller institutions) may serve you better.

Location and Lifestyle

Nevada's nursing schools span from Las Vegas (largest metro) to Elko (rural mountain community). Consider:

Commute time and transportation costs
Cost of living in your chosen city
Clinical rotation locations
Whether you prefer urban, suburban, or rural settings

Nevada's Nursing Job Market

Nevada's nursing shortage creates strong job demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurse positions in Nevada are growing faster than the national average. Las Vegas and Reno have the most job opportunities due to their size and healthcare infrastructure.

Starting salaries for ADN graduates average $71,089–$74,234 annually, while BSN graduates earn $73,359–$85,674, and advanced practice nurses earn $113,087–$149,415. These earnings reflect Nevada's cost of living and competitive healthcare market.

Financial Aid for Nevada Nursing Students

Federal Aid

All Nevada nursing programs accept federal student aid (FAFSA). Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov to access:

Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2024–25)
Federal Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized)
Federal Work-Study

State Aid

Nevada offers limited state-specific nursing scholarships. Check with:

Your chosen school's financial aid office
Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) for public university aid
Nevada Hospital Association for healthcare-specific scholarships

Employer Sponsorship

Many Nevada hospitals and healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement or loan repayment for nursing students who commit to employment. Ask about these programs during your application process.

Loan Repayment Programs

Nurses working in rural Nevada or underserved areas may qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

Ready to explore Nevada's nursing programs in detail? Visit GradeToGrad's nursing school search to:

Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduation rates side-by-side
Read student reviews and program details
Filter by location, program type, and cost
Save your favorite schools and create a comparison list
Access application requirements and deadlines

Making Your Decision

Choosing a nursing program is one of the most important educational decisions you'll make. Nevada offers excellent options across price points, locations, and program types. Whether you choose the most affordable community college path, the highest-earning university program, or a specialized private school, you're investing in a career with strong job security, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Start by identifying your priorities: cost, timeline, location, and career goals. Then use GradeToGrad to compare specific programs and connect with current students and alumni. Your ideal nursing school is waiting in Nevada.