Best
Colleges in Las Vegas in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Las Vegas, NV, combines core business theory with practical skills in accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, and organizational behavior. Programs often include statistics, entrepreneurship, operations, and strategic planning. Graduates may pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, operations supervisor, or account manager. Popular local options include the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada, which offers business administration coursework and degrees.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Las Vegas, NV, offers paths from associate to graduate study at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Courses commonly cover abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, research methods, statistics, cognition, and social behavior. Graduates may pursue roles such as behavioral health technician, case manager, human resources assistant, or research assistant; clinical counseling careers generally require advanced degrees and licensure. Internships can connect learning with community needs.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers access to programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the College of Southern Nevada. Students typically study programming, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, databases, computer networks, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Projects build problem-solving and teamwork skills. Graduates often pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, web developers, database administrators, IT support specialists, or cybersecurity analysts. Internships with businesses and gaming companies can provide experience.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Las Vegas typically combines psychology and supervised practice. Courses often cover counseling theories, human development, ethics, assessment, group counseling, multicultural practice, and crisis intervention. UNLV offers graduate counselor education training; Touro University Nevada in nearby Henderson is another regional option. Depending on degree and licensure, graduates may become school counselors, mental health counselors, substance use counselors, case managers, or college advisors. Programs usually require supervised clinical hours, and independent practice requires licensure.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Las Vegas offers pathways to entry-level and advanced careers. Programs typically cover anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical care, pediatrics, mental health, and clinical practice. Local options include the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse technicians, or community health nurses, depending on their degree, licensure, and experience. Clinical placements build hands-on skills.

Best Colleges in Las Vegas, NV Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $19,740, compared with $24,818 at schools in the top 10% - a $5,078 difference.
• An average of 100% 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, while schools in the top 10% average 10,192.2 applicants.
• The median number of male applicants is 12, compared with 29 female applicants.
• Average SAT and ACT scores are not available.
• The average number of enrolled students is 12,837.6. Average enrollment is 631.67 men and 854.67 women.
• The average graduation rate is 43%, compared with 72.7% at schools in the top 10%. The median graduation rate is 31.5% for men and 39.5% for women.
• Three institutions offer associate's degrees, six offer bachelor's degrees, two offer master's degrees, and one offers a doctor's degree.
• Five schools are coeducational; there are no schools for men and no schools for women.
• When choosing a college, potential students should weigh cost and financial aid alongside acceptance rates, enrollment, and graduation outcomes. Comparing overall graduation rates with the top-10% figure - and considering the separate graduation rates for men and women - can help students assess outcomes, while the unavailable SAT and ACT averages mean those figures cannot be compared using this data.

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

The average total cost of studying in Las Vegas, NV, is about $19,410.80. Treat this as a planning benchmark rather than a guaranteed price for an entire degree: your actual bill depends on the college, program, enrollment, and whether you live on campus. For a local student, UNLV and the College of Southern Nevada are familiar options to compare, and checking each program's current tuition and aid can make the next step feel manageable.

The reported average figures are useful for setting a starting budget, but they are separate measures and should not be added together as a single quote. Other reported averages:

• Tuition and fees: $15,097.67
• Room and board average: $14,665.33
• Books and supplies average: $974.00

Compare program fees, ask about grants and scholarships, and budget for transportation and living expenses. This can help you feel confident choosing a Las Vegas campus and degree path that fits your goals.

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

In Las Vegas, NV, a bachelor's degree typically takes about four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes about two. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), your timeline depends on your major, course availability, and study load; College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers associate pathways and transfer options toward a bachelor's degree.

You may finish sooner by bringing in eligible AP, dual-enrollment, or transfer credits, taking summer courses, or carrying a heavier course load. Ask an adviser at UNLV or CSN to map prerequisites and confirm which credits count; careful planning can save time while keeping your path manageable and motivating.

Graduation rates show completion can be challenging: the reported average is 43.0%, versus 72.7% among the top 10% of schools. Reported averages are 28.25% for men and 47.25% for women. These figures are context, not a prediction of your own outcome in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Salary

After graduating from college in Las Vegas, NV, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $46,052. Graduates of schools in the top 10% have a median salary of about $82,212 - a promising benchmark if you're aiming for a strong earning path.

Your earnings will depend on your field, experience, and the role you pursue. Whether you study at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), or the College of Southern Nevada, comparing programs and career outcomes can help you find a degree that fits your goals.

People also ask

How many colleges are in Las Vegas

There isn't one definitive count: totals vary depending on whether you include private career schools, specialized institutes, and campuses in nearby cities. Two major public institutions serving Las Vegas are the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and the College of Southern Nevada (CSN). For a complete count, check which schools fit your program and location.

What is the main college in Las Vegas?

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is generally considered Las Vegas's main university. It's a large public research university near the Strip, with a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Students can find campus housing, recreation, events, and student organizations, making it a lively place to build a community while earning a degree.

Where do college students go in Las Vegas?

Students spend time on their campuses for classes, studying, dining, clubs, and events. Off campus, popular options vary, but students often explore the Arts District and Downtown for restaurants, cafés, and entertainment, or visit parks and local shopping areas. UNLV's location also puts students near many parts of the city, though age restrictions apply at some venues.

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

Based in Las Vegas, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a large public research university offering students a broad range of academic fields and an urban campus experience. It enrolls 33,708 students, with a 51% graduation rate and a 96% acceptance rate. Reported total study cost is $26,572, while median alumni salary is $48,181. For students seeking varied degree choices, UNLV combines the scale of a university with access to the opportunities and services of Nevada's largest city.

Chamberlain University-Nevada is a private, nursing-focused institution in Las Vegas, suited to students whose career plans center on nursing and healthcare. Its reported enrollment is 652, graduation rate 20%, and acceptance rate 76%. Total study cost is $19,740, and median alumni salary is $89,977. These figures offer useful points of comparison for prospective students weighing a specialized education against broader campus options in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ask the school directly about program formats, clinical placements, and current costs before applying.

College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a public community college serving Las Vegas and the wider Southern Nevada region, with options geared toward accessible, career-oriented learning and transfer pathways. It enrolls 28,313 students and reports a 19% graduation rate; acceptance-rate data are unavailable. Total study cost is $12,379, and median alumni salary is $43,922. For students staying in Las Vegas, CSN may be worth exploring for a more affordable local route, while comparing specific programs, transfer arrangements, and completion support.

Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas is a nursing-focused college for students preparing for healthcare careers in the Las Vegas area. The school reports 1,222 enrolled students, an 82% graduation rate, and a 100% acceptance rate. Its total study cost is $22,187, and median alumni salary is $41,868. Those figures can help applicants compare a specialized nursing pathway with larger institutions. Before choosing, confirm the curriculum, clinical experience arrangements, financial aid, and costs of attendance directly with the college.

Galen College of Nursing-Las Vegas is a nursing-focused college serving people interested in entering or advancing in healthcare careers. Reported enrollment is 293 students, while graduation-rate, acceptance-rate, and total-cost figures are unavailable in the data. Its median alumni salary is $74,447, a reference point rather than a guarantee of earnings. Las Vegas applicants should contact the college to verify program availability, tuition, clinical placements, admission requirements, and financial aid, then compare those details with their schedule and budget.