NNU vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, ID with University of Nevada Reno in Reno, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Nevada Reno is larger than NNU based on total student enrollment (23,024 students vs. 1,635 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwest Nazarene University is located in Nampa, ID (Small City setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• Northwest Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Reno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwest Nazarene University 14:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

NNU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, NNU or University of Nevada-Reno? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Nevada Reno than NNU ($17,226 vs. $30,178).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwest Nazarene University are 16.7% lower than at University of Nevada Reno ($12,070 vs. $14,496).
• Northwest Nazarene University is 325.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Nevada-Reno (about $31,216 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $9,578.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.2% higher at NNU than at University of Nevada Reno (about $13,074 more per year; $40,794.00 vs. $27,720.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northwest Nazarene University than at University of Nevada Reno (99% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwest Nazarene University students is 241% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($25,146 vs. $7,375).

NNU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, NNU or University of Nevada-Reno? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Nevada-Reno and NNU.

• Northwest Nazarene University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nevada Reno (1180) is 60 points higher than at NNU (1120).
• Incoming NNU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at University of Nevada-Reno).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 1005/1240; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwest Nazarene University 22/27; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: NNU - Open admission; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NNU Aug 15, 2027; University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NNU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at University of Nevada-Reno (3.4).
• University of Nevada-Reno has a higher acceptance rate (73.7%) than NNU (64.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.9% at NNU vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

NNU vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for NNU and University of Nevada-Reno? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Northwest Nazarene University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than University of Nevada Reno's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Nevada Reno earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than NNU graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nevada Reno graduates have a $7,199 lower median loan debt than NNU graduates ($18,801 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Nevada-Reno graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NNU graduates ($194 vs. $268).
• More NNU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Nevada-Reno students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 64%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.