Most
Affordable Colleges in Las Vegas in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Las Vegas, Nevada, combines foundational business knowledge with practical skills for a diverse economy. Typical coursework includes accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and organizational behavior. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as office manager, sales representative, human resources coordinator, business analyst, or operations supervisor. In Las Vegas, students can study locally at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, including its Lee Business School, and the College of Southern Nevada.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers coursework in human development, abnormal psychology, cognition, research methods, statistics, and social behavior. Students develop assessment, communication, and data-analysis skills through classes and projects. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case management aide, human resources assistant, or research coordinator; clinical and counseling careers generally require graduate education and licensure. Several Las Vegas colleges offer psychology degree programs, including UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Las Vegas, NV, offers pathways from associate to bachelor's degrees at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build problem-solving skills through labs and projects. Graduates commonly pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, database administrators, cybersecurity analysts, or web developers, working in technology, gaming, healthcare, finance, and government sectors.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Las Vegas, Nevada, combines theory, supervised practice, and community experience. Typical courses include counseling theories, ethics, lifespan development, multicultural counseling, group work, assessment, and crisis intervention. UNLV offers graduate study in counselor education, while nearby Touro University Nevada provides marriage and family therapy training. Graduates may become licensed professional counselors, school counselors, marriage and family therapists, substance use counselors, or behavioral health case managers in clinics and schools throughout Southern Nevada.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Las Vegas, Nevada, combines learning with clinical practice in local hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, and medical-surgical, pediatric, and mental-health nursing. Graduates may work as registered nurses, practical nurses, nurse educators, or care coordinators, depending on degree and licensure. Popular options include the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada, both offering nursing pathways that prepare students for patient-centered careers.

Best Colleges in Las Vegas, NV Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $19,740.0, compared with $24,818.0 for schools in the top 10%, so the overall median is lower.
• On average, 100.0% of students receive financial aid, compared with 90.67% at schools in the top 10%.
• The average acceptance rate is 90.67%. Schools receive an average of 4,262.67 applicants overall, while schools in the top 10% average 10,192.2 applicants.
• The median number of male applicants is 12.0, compared with 29.0 female applicants.
• The average number of enrolled students is 12,837.6; the average numbers of enrolled men and women are 631.67 and 854.67, respectively.
• The average graduation rate is 43.0%, compared with 72.7% at schools in the top 10%. Median graduation rates are 31.5% for men and 39.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, one offers a master's degree, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• There are five coeducational schools, no schools for men, and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside graduation outcomes, acceptance rates, applicant competition, enrollment, and available degree levels. In particular, consider how each school's costs and graduation rates compare with the overall figures and those for top 10% schools.

How much does studying at a college in Las Vegas, NV cost?

For a student in Las Vegas, the average reported total cost of studying is $19,410.80, a useful budget benchmark for pursuing a degree rather than the cost of an entire multi-year program. The reported average for tuition and fees is $15,097.67, while books and supplies average $974. These figures give you a practical starting point, but your actual bill will depend on the college, degree, course load, and financial aid.

Room and board averages $14,665.33, so housing and meal choices can make a major difference; living at home, sharing housing, or choosing campus options may change your budget. Las Vegas students often compare UNLV, Nevada State University, and the College of Southern Nevada. Because the reported category averages do not add up to the reported total, use $19,410.80 as a benchmark and confirm each school's cost of attendance and aid before enrolling. With a clear budget and financial-aid review, you can confidently start your degree.

How long does it take to finish college in Las Vegas, NV?

Most bachelor's degrees in Las Vegas take about four years of full-time study, while associate degrees take two years. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) or Nevada State University, your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and whether you study full time; working students may need longer. The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers associate pathways and transfer options that can help you move toward a bachelor's degree.

You may finish sooner by:

• Transferring credits or completing general education at CSN before moving to UNLV.
• Taking summer courses or manageable heavier course loads.
• Asking about accelerated, online, or competency-based options in your program.

Graduation rates offer context for Las Vegas students: the reported average is 43.0%, compared with 72.7% for the top 10% of schools. Rates average 28.25% for men and 47.25% for women, showing why support and steady course planning matter for students in Las Vegas.

Salary

After graduating from a college or university in Las Vegas, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $46,052. Graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary have a median of about $82,212, showing the higher earning potential some graduates reach.

Your own earnings will depend on factors such as your degree, experience, and career path. In Las Vegas, students can explore programs at institutions such as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and the College of Southern Nevada; compare programs and career opportunities to find a path that fits your goals.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Las Vegas?

For Nevada residents, annual tuition and required fees at public colleges can range from roughly $3,500-$4,000 at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN) to around $9,000 at UNLV. These are approximate figures, not a full living-cost budget; housing, books, transportation, and program fees can add substantially. Check each school's current cost estimate before enrolling.

What college in Las Vegas has the lowest tuition?

CSN is generally one of the lowest-tuition options for local Nevada residents, especially for students completing general-education courses or an associate degree. Its community-college setting can make starting close to home more affordable. Your actual price depends on residency, credits, program, and fees, so compare current tuition schedules and ask about financial aid.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Las Vegas, NV Ranking in 2026-2027

The University of Nevada-Las Vegas is a public research university offering students in Las Vegas, NV, a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Its enrollment of 33,708 makes it the largest school in this group. UNLV reports a 51% graduation rate and 96% acceptance rate. Estimated total study cost is $26,572, while median alumni salary is $48,181. For local applicants, the high acceptance rate may be encouraging, and students can pursue campus-based study without leaving the Las Vegas area.

College of Southern Nevada is a public community college serving Las Vegas, NV, with programs that can support workforce preparation, associate degrees, and transfer to four-year study. It enrolls 28,313 students, and its graduation rate is 19%; acceptance-rate information is unavailable. The listed total study cost is $12,379, the lowest among these five schools, and median alumni salary is $43,922. Local students may value its community-college setting and comparatively lower cost when planning a degree while staying local.

Chamberlain University-Nevada is a private, nursing-focused institution for students in Las Vegas, NV, considering a healthcare career. Its 652 enrolled students make it smaller than the area's large public campuses, and its reported acceptance rate is 76%. Graduation rate is 20%. The listed total study cost is $19,740, and median alumni salary is $89,977, the highest figure among these five schools. Prospective students interested in nursing should carefully compare program details, clinical opportunities, and costs before making their final choice.

Galen College of Nursing-Las Vegas is a nursing-focused college serving students who want to prepare for healthcare roles in Las Vegas, NV. Its enrollment is 293, indicating a small population compared with the larger schools listed. Graduation-rate, acceptance-rate, and total-cost figures are unavailable, so applicants should request details from the college. Median alumni salary is reported as $74,447. For nursing students, checking program format, clinical placements, financial aid, and licensing preparation can help clarify whether the college matches their needs.

Las Vegas College is a local career-oriented school for students seeking practical training while staying in Las Vegas, NV. Enrollment, graduation-rate, and acceptance-rate figures are not available in the supplied data, so applicants should confirm current class sizes and admissions requirements. The reported total study cost is $16,176, and median alumni salary is $38,378. These figures offer a starting point, but students should ask which programs are offered, what costs include, and how coursework supports their intended career before enrolling.