Best Online Colleges in Nevada

Q: Which online colleges in Nevada will accept the FAFSA?

Virtually all accredited colleges and universities accept the FAFSA. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 87% of students who applied to undergraduate programs for the first time received financial aid during the 2020-2021 school year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) strives to offset education costs. To qualify for FAFSA, students should only consider accredited programs. Enrollment status impacts eligibility. Students must maintain part-time enrollment to qualify for assistance and only receive half of what they would qualify for as a full-time student.

Q: How many colleges are in Nevada?

There are 10 four-year colleges and universities in Nevada: seven public institutions and three private non-profit institutions. The largest school is the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a public university with an enrollment of over 32,000 students. This is followed by the University of Southern Nevada, offering primarily associate degrees to over 28,000 students.

Updated on March 23, 2026

Edited by

Discover the best online colleges in Nevada. Explore affordable schools, tuition costs, and trending majors.

Long-term projections show most of Nevada’s high-demand careers require at least a bachelor’s degree. The state also has some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, making college a strong investment.

Students can explore affordable online universities in Nevada to boost their earning potential. This page highlights the top affordable online schools for both residents of Nevada and out-of-state students.

Top Affordable Online Colleges in Nevada

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Great Basin College

Elko, NV
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

The nation's best online colleges include Great Basin College. The accredited institution offers 10 online bachelor's programs for distance learners. The school currently enrolls a total of 3,290 remote learners.

With a campus in Elko, Nevada, the public school teaches an average of 652 degree-seekers on campus. Distance learners nationwide remotely attend their classes. Some student services at the institution are tailored specifically for those enrolled online. Students receive academic advising, financial aid counseling, and career services at the online school.

The online college's programs are available in many popular majors to appeal to different degree-seekers. The school's accredited degrees meet the requirements for diverse career paths. The institution prioritizes a low-cost education.

98%

Online Enrollment

$ 3,690

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

57%

Retention Rate

$11,333

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Students Enrolled: 2,936

Institution Type: Public

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas operates as a public institution. The accredited school's academic offerings include both in-person and online programs. The college's virtually enrolled students total 13,776. Fully virtual bachelor's programs are also available to degree-seekers.

Learners at the school select from many of the top-choice fields for their college degree. An online program's virtual learning environment benefits degree-seekers who may not otherwise be able to fit a college program into their schedule. Workers trying to climb the corporate ladder find many programs at the school designed exactly for that. The institution's distance learners enjoy a large selection of online degree options, including two bachelor's programs and seven master's programs.

Earning a bachelor's takes most degree-seekers about four years. The college is transfer-student friendly, letting them transfer previous credits toward a four-year bachelor's and graduate faster. People interested in applying to the school should visit the website for more information on admission requirements and application timelines.

62%

Online Enrollment

$ 8,909

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$26,572

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 85%

Students Enrolled: 32,851

Institution Type: Public

Our Methodology

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Nevada had the third-lowest average in-state tuition and fees at public schools in the U.S. during the 2022-2023 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

5 Fast-Growing Jobs in Nevada

Healthcare and technology are the two fastest-growing industries in Nevada. The Department of Labor projects nurse practitioners to grow 51% from 2022-2032, followed by medical and health services managers at 39%.

The five careers below typically require at least a bachelor’s degree and have median annual salaries above $105,000 as of May 2024.

Fast-Growing Jobs Requiring a Degree in Nevada
Job	Projected Growth, Nevada (2022-2032)	Median Annual Wage, Nevada, May 2024
Nurse Practitioners	51%	N/A
Medical and Health Services Managers	39%	$106,240
Software Developers	37%	$129,030
Information Security Analysts	37%	$106,530
Physician Assistants	32%	$133,450

Source: BLS, Projections Central*Indicates national annual wage (state data unavailable)

Majors to Consider to Prepare for Nevada’s Job Market

Nevada students interested in healthcare can pursue majors such as nursing or healthcare management, while those interested in technology may consider fields like computer science.

Nursing

Nursing is a common entry point into advanced clinical roles, such as nurse practitioner, and can eventually lead to healthcare leadership roles, such as medical and health services managers. You can also pursue a healthcare management degree if you’re more interested in the administrative side of the industry.

Technology and Computer Science

If you have a knack for technology and computer systems, pursuing fields like software development or engineering can set you up for an in-demand career in computer science. Other roles, such as information security analysis, also draw on core computing and cybersecurity skills, and are typically tied to computer science or related tech degrees.

Easiest college majors and degrees

What Is the Cost of College in Nevada?

College costs in Nevada were much lower than the national average during the 2022–2023 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. In-state students at public four-year schools pay the third-lowest tuition in the country, while private and out-of-state students pay about $4,000 less per year than the national average.

Average Cost of College in Nevada
Institution Type	Average Tuition & Required Fees in Nevada (adjusted to 2025 dollars)	Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. (adjusted to 2025 dollars)
Public Four-Year (In-State)	$7,201	$10,443
Public Four-Year (Out-of-State)	$26,180	$30,307
Private Four-Year	$21,466	$37,752

Source: NCES

Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Nevada

Scholarships can help make college more affordable, helping pay for costs not covered by need-based aid and reducing the need for student loans. The list below includes possible scholarships for Nevada students.

Nevada Promise Scholarship

The Nevada Promise Scholarship helps students attend community colleges in Nevada at nearly tuition-free rates. Application requirements include being a Nevada resident without a prior degree, graduating from an eligible high school, and enrolling full-time in an eligible program after graduation.

Scholarship Amount: Varies

Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship

Applicants must hold a minimum 3.25 GPA with at least two years of residence in Nevada. Students must earn at least a 1070 on the SAT or a 21 on the ACT. To maintain the scholarship, students must take nine credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher.

Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000

Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Scholarship

Each year, four students entering the last year of their program at eligible institutions may earn this scholarship. Students should hold recognition as a Millenium Scholar. This scholarship requires a minimum 3.5 GPA and students should furnish proof of community service. Applicants must also commit to teaching in Nevada.

Scholarship Amount: $5,000

Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Nevada

Tuition reciprocity allows out-of-state students to pay tuition at reduced costs. Nevada offers this through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), along with over 15 other states. Students receiving tuition reciprocity may pay 150% or less of Nevada’s in-state tuition at participating public institutions.

The following states and territories are eligible for tuition reciprocity in Nevada:

States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Territories: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Nevada

Will any online colleges in Nevada accept a GED?

Nearly all online colleges in Nevada accept the GED as a valid credential. American Council on Education data shows that more than 21 million people have earned a GED as of 2026. However, students should review their school’s admissions policy for details.