Online colleges in Nevada offer an accessible, flexible route to a degree. An estimated 62% of Nevada jobs will require postsecondary education by 2020, and a college degree opens doors to job opportunities that offer higher salaries. Nevada students attending in-state schools also benefit from low in-state tuition rates, local networking opportunities, and name recognition. This article introduces the best online colleges in Nevada, along with information on popular majors, career outlooks, and scholarship opportunities.
Featured Online Schools
Higher Learning Initiatives in Nevada
Virtual High School
In Fall 2010, the Clark County School District began offering courses through its Virtual High School. This system allows students to earn their diplomas online. Candidates may enroll in courses unavailable at their home school, make up courses when they fall behind, or accelerate the graduation process.
Popular Degree Programs in Nevada
According to Business Insider, business administration degrees are the most popular among Nevada students. Individuals with business degrees take on management careers and jobs in fields like marketing, accounting, and human resources. The state’s strong gaming and tourism industry also attracts students interested in hospitality management degrees, and most online colleges in Nevada offer majors in these high-demand fields.
- Business: This versatile professional degree builds analytical, leadership, and managerial skills. Most programs offer concentrations like accounting, finance, operations management, and human resources, which prepare students for specialized career paths after graduation. Nevada schools award more degrees in business than in any other field.
- Hospitality Management: Students who earn a hospitality management degree gain the skills needed to work in Nevada’s tourism sector. Many graduates work as hotel managers or in other high-level positions. Prospective students may also consider a gaming management degree, as Nevada gaming managers command salaries well above average.
Paying for College in Nevada
Tuition costs often play a significant role in prospective students’ decisions, and many schools charge distance learning fees in addition to tuition. Nevada State College, for instance, charges a $25 distance education fee per online class. Compared with most states, however, Nevada schools offer low tuition rates, making it easier for students to pay for college. Online students in Nevada pay for their degrees in a variety of ways, including savings funds, financial aid, and scholarships.
Tuition Prices
As a whole, Nevada state college online degrees are highly affordable. Nevada’s public community colleges and four-year institutions offer tuition rates far lower than the national average. While developing an educational budget, prospective students should also consider technology fees, books, transportation, and other expenses.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2017-18
| Public Two Year | Public Four Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $3,400 | $7,660 |
| U.S. Average | $4,234 | $9,978 |
Source: College Board
Employment Outlook in Nevada
Nevada’s economy employs more than 1 million workers, and professionals with a college degree benefit from increased job opportunities and higher salaries. Nevada’s $45,000 annual mean wage falls slightly below the national figure, and the state’s 4.4% unemployment rate sits higher than the U.S. average. However, Nevada professionals can improve their employment outlook by earning a college degree. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.8% national unemployment rate in January 2017, workers with a bachelor’s degree enjoyed a much lower rate of 2.5%.
| Nevada | 4.4% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
| Nevada | $45,040 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
Accreditation for Colleges in Nevada
Accredited online colleges in Nevada meet the highest educational standards. Accrediting agencies are independent, nonprofit organizations that review institutions’ graduation requirements, student learning outcomes, and faculty standards. Accredited schools must undergo periodic review to maintain their status. Accreditation benefits students in multiple ways. Accredited degrees typically meet professional licensure and certification requirements, and some graduate programs only admit candidates with degrees from accredited institutions. Credits earned at accredited schools are more likely to transfer to other institutions, benefiting students who wish to transfer from a two-year program to a four-year school. Accredited institutions also qualify to receive federal funding, making it easier for students to receive financial aid.
Several different accrediting agencies review colleges and programs. Liberal arts and research institutions pursue regional accreditation, the most reputable standard. In Nevada, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities grants regional accreditation. Vocational schools often hold national accreditation. Individual departments and programs such as business, education, and social work can earn programmatic accreditation from specialized, field-specific agencies. However, many liberal arts departments do not receive programmatic accreditation. When researching Nevada online colleges and universities, prospective students should always check each institution’s accreditation status.
Scholarships for Nevada Online College Students
Many students attending online colleges in Nevada fund their degrees by applying for scholarships. State governments, nonprofit groups, cultural organizations and private donors award scholarships to candidates who demonstrate financial need or academic excellence, or who pursue certain majors or careers. You may be interested in one or more of the following opportunities.
Who Can Apply: This scholarship funds high school graduates attending eligible schools. Recipients receive a per-credit-hour award toward a two-year or four-year degree.
Amount: up to $10,000
Who Can Apply: Qualifying Nevada public community college students must be earning their first college degree.
Amount: up to three years of tuition
Who Can Apply: Eligible Millennium scholars must be majoring in elementary or secondary education. Recipients should plan to teach in the state after graduation.
Amount: $4,500
Who Can Apply: This three-year scholarship funds Nevada residents with Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry who are earning a healthcare-related degree.
Amount: $5,000 per year
Who Can Apply: Nevada high school seniors who demonstrate financial need and participate in community service activities.
Amount: up to $10,000
Who Can Apply: The scholarship funds women who live in or attend school in northern Nevada and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students may be pursuing a two- or four-year degree.
Amount: up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: The Nevada Department of Education awards this scholarship to students pursuing high-need majors, including early childhood education, K-12 education, and special education.
Amount: up to $3,000 per semester
Who Can Apply: Applicants must be Nevada community college students earning an associate degree in early childhood education.
Amount: tuition and 80% of books
Who Can Apply: This Region IV scholarship is open to Nevada high school seniors who submit transcripts and standardized test scores.
Amount: $3,500
Who Can Apply: This award funds women attending UNLV, Nevada State College online, or the College of Southern Nevada.
Resources for Students in Nevada
- Nevada System of Higher Education: Run by the state’s higher education system, this site provides information on earning credit through prior learning exams, institutional transfer policies, and student veteran resources. Visitors can access additional resources on online colleges in Nevada, student government programs, and enrollment and graduation data.
- Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education: WICHE is a regional higher education commission with 16 member states, including Nevada. Online students benefit from the commission’s internet course exchange program, which lets candidates take online courses from out-of-state member institutions.
- Western Undergraduate Exchange: Run by WICHE, the Western Undergraduate Exchange permits students to attend out-of-state public colleges while paying in-state tuition rates. Nevada residents may enroll in discounted courses offered at 15 member state schools, while students from other member states pay less to attend Nevada public colleges.
- WICHE Nevada: This page introduces WICHE benefits for Nevada students and displays institutional data. The site also lists institutions participating in the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies and the Interstate Passport initiative, a program that helps students earn transfer credits.
Online Schools in Nevada
Great Basin College
Elko, NV
Nevada State College
Henderson, NV
Touro University Nevada
Henderson, NV
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV