Best Online Colleges in Nevada 2025
A few top schools in Nevada offer online degrees. Some of the most popular programs include information technology, business administration, and psychology.
There are several online colleges in Nevada, and around 18% of students in the state take advantage of their convenience and affordability. Perhaps you'd like to explore online college programs in your state. In particular, you're interested in finding out more about accredited online degrees and the best online colleges offering them.
If this sounds like you, keep reading as we explore online degrees in Nevada. We'll discuss accredited online colleges in the state, providing information about top online degrees and what to expect in a distance education program.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada
The best colleges online offer a unique blend of flexibility and quality. Read on to learn more about three top Nevada online colleges and what they bring to the table.
1. University of Nevada Las Vegas
The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public school located in Paradise. It boasts an enrollment of more than 31,000 students, including many who study online. A diverse array of online undergraduate and graduate programs are available, including:
- interdisciplinary studies
- hospitality management
- criminal justice
- business administration
- public health
Many of the programs offer concentrations so students can personalize their studies. About 95% of students attending this school receive financial aid, making online education more affordable and accessible for many.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $9,142
Out-of-State: $26,098
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $6,119
Out-of-State: $23,075
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 78%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
2. University of Nevada Reno
The University of Nevada Reno (UNR) is a public institution with around 21,000 students. It offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, certificate programs, and minors. Areas of study include:
- behavior analysis
- communication studies
- RN-to-BSN (nursing)
- social work
- special education
Financial aid is available to 94% of students, and in-state tuition rates are highly affordable. Courses are taught by the same faculty that teach in-person classes, ensuring online students receive the same high level of education.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $8,994
Out-of-State: $25,950
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $5,792
Out-of-State: $22,748
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 80%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: NWCCU
3. Nevada State University
Nevada State University, formerly known as Nevada State College, is a public school in Henderson. Students pursuing postsecondary education at this school can earn several online bachelor's degrees, with topics covered including:
- history
- engineering technology
- criminal justice
- interdisciplinary studies
- RN-to-BSN
The school provides some of the lowest tuition rates in the state and awards financial aid to 92% of students. Flexible programs make it easy to complete coursework on a schedule that works for you.
Tuition Costs
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-State: $6,368
Out-of-State: $20,449
Average Graduate Tuition
In-State: $4,599
Out-of-State: $18,681
College Stats
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 77%
Institution Type: Public university
Accreditation: NWCCU
Other Featured Online Schools
Online degree programs make it possible to study from anywhere, even if your school is located far from home. Below, we'll look at some top out-of-state schools for online learners throughout the country, including those living in Nevada.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private school offering a wide range of online degrees programs. Majors are available at every program level and include:
- community health education
- computer information systems
- data analytics
- environmental science
- finance
The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Its flexible eight-week courses, generous transfer policy, and affordable tuition make it a popular choice for online learners.
National University
National University is a private school in California. Students studying online can complete one of more than 200 flexible academic programs, including:
- general education
- English
- integrated marketing communications
- pre-law studies
- public administration
The WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits this school. Students benefit from accelerated four-week courses, year-round enrollment, and generous financial aid options.
Western Governors University
Western Governors University is a private online school headquartered in Utah. It offers various two-year and four-year degrees at associate, bachelor's, and master's levels along with a range of certificates. Options include:
- nursing leadership
- computer science
- software engineering
- educational studies
- accounting
The school is accredited by the NWCCU. All programs are competency-based, allowing students to test out of some courses and progress through others at their own pace, providing maximum flexibility.
How We Rank Schools
The above schools were chosen using data from the NCES and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The selection criteria is as follows:
- Accreditation: Each school in the list is accredited by a nationally recognized organization, in most cases the NWCCU.
- Reputation: All of the schools are well known and respected for providing high-quality education programs, both online and on campus.
- Accessibility: Schools provide flexible online courses, affordable in-state tuition, generous transfer policies, multiple yearly start dates, and more to make education accessible for students.
Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Nevada
Online learning has many benefits, but there are also a few drawbacks to consider. Check out some common pros and cons below.
Pros of earning an online degree:
- Affordability: Completing higher education online is often more affordable than doing it in person due to lower tuition rates and fewer fees or related expenses.
- Flexibility: Online classes are often flexible enough to let students set their own study schedules.
- Study from anywhere: Online students can attend class sessions and complete assignments from anywhere they have an internet connection.
Cons of earning an online degree:
- Isolation: Students in distance learning programs sometimes feel isolated and unsupported due to limited interactions with peers and instructors.
- Lack of structure: Since coursework is flexible, it often lacks the structure of traditional classroom study, which can make it hard for some students to stay on track.
- Employer skepticism: Most employers accept online degrees, but some still prefer to hire those who studied on campus.
How To Choose the Best Online College in Nevada
When choosing your future school, the first thing you'll want to do is make sure its online college programs are accredited. This can determine whether your degree is accepted when you enter the workforce.
You'll also want to consider cost and affordability, degree programs available, and what kinds of resources the school offers for online learners. Make sure you meet the admission requirements and find out if the school accepts transfer credits if you have previous college experience. Determine which of these factors are most important to you and choose the school that best aligns with your priorities.
How Much Does an Online Degree in Nevada Cost?
Online colleges in Nevada charge different tuition rates and fees, so the total cost of your degree will depend on where you enroll. Among the schools featured in this article, average tuition costs range from about $4,600 to more than $26,000 a year.
Additional costs may include mandatory fees, books, and technology expenses. These added expenses can raise the overall cost of your degree.
Tips on How To Make Online College in Nevada More Affordable
Even the cheapest online colleges in Nevada are too expensive for many students to afford on their own. Fortunately, there are many ways students can get help paying for college.
Federal aid options like Pell Grants and work-study programs are available through the federal government when you fill out the FAFSA. Private scholarships and utilizing transfer credits can also help you save money. Many online colleges also allow students to apply for free or use payment plans to make school more affordable. Find out more about each of these options below:
- online colleges that accept FAFSA
- online colleges with payment plans
- online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
- online colleges that accept transfer credits
- online colleges with scholarships
- online colleges with no application fee
Nevada Scholarships & Grants
Various scholarship programs are available in Nevada to help students pay for college. Let's look at a few of the options.
NHSE NASA Stem Scholarship
This unique scholarship is available for students in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) interested in conducting independent research. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time in a NASA- and STEM-related college degree program. Students can opt to receive the scholarship for a 10-week summer period or the 2025-26 school year.
Award Amount: $3,000
Deadline: March 25, 2025
Kenny C. Guinn Memorial Millennium Scholarship
This state-funded scholarship is available for incoming college seniors at participating Nevada colleges who are majoring in elementary or secondary education. Students must have at least a 3.5 GPA and commit to teaching in Nevada once they have graduated.
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: April 1, 2025
West Coast Equine Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is available for students in Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona. Students must be first-year incoming freshmen with GPAs of at least 3.0 to qualify for the award. They must also be planning to pursue a degree and career in an equine-related field.
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 4, 2025
Top Majors for Nevada Graduates
Students attending accredited colleges online can pursue various majors. Some of the most popular options according to U.S. News & World Report include:
- Information technology: This tech degree prepares students to develop, install, monitor, and troubleshoot information security systems and procedures to protect businesses. It is commonly offered as an online bachelor's degree.
- Business administration: Business administration degrees prepare students to work in various facets of business. They often feature program concentrations so students can tailor their studies to their specific business interests. Degrees are available at associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
- Social sciences: Social sciences is a broad degree covering topics like psychology, social work, human resources, history, and sociology. It can lead to careers or advanced studies in any of these fields. It is commonly offered as an associate or bachelor's degree.
- Psychology: Psychology focuses on the study of human behaviors and mental processes. Students with psychology degrees can work in many fields, depending on their level of education. These degrees are available at every program level.
- Anthropology: Anthropology is a broad program of study covering all facets of human life and experience. It can lead to careers in politics, healthcare, human services, and more. It is commonly available as a bachelor's or master's degree.
FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Nevada
If you still have questions about accredited online colleges, you're not alone. Keep reading as we answer common questions you may be asking.
Which Online Colleges in Nevada Offer the Fastest Degree Completion Programs?
The fastest online degree completion programs are available at schools like the University of Nevada (both Las Vegas and Reno locations) and Great Basin College. Students pursuing accelerated online degrees in Nevada can finish degree completion programs at these schools in as little as one year.
What Is the Easiest Online University in Nevada To Get Into?
Schools with the highest acceptance rates are generally the easiest to get into. In Nevada, some online schools with 100% acceptance rates include Great Basin College and College of Southern Nevada, both of which have a wealth of online associate degree programs but limited bachelor's degrees.
How Can I Find Online Program Options at Nevada Colleges?
When visiting Nevada school websites, look for online programs under the ''Academics'' tab or do a search for ''online degrees'' using the website's search bar. Both of these options should help you find the school's list of online degree programs.
What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Available in Nevada?
Both the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the University of Nevada Reno offer online MBA programs. Of these two options, UNR provides lower average tuition costs of around $5,800 a year. This means that UNR offers the cheapest online MBA in the state.
Discover Online Learning Options in Nevada
If you're ready to explore online colleges in Nevada, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to learn more about online education and to find a program that's right for you.