U of A vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ with University of Nevada Reno in Reno, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Arizona is larger than University of Nevada-Reno based on total student enrollment (56,365 students vs. 23,024 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Arizona is located in Tucson, AZ (Large City setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• University of Arizona is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Reno is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Arizona 20:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

U of A vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, U of A 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 U of A ($17,226 vs. $19,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Nevada Reno are 13.4% lower than at University of Arizona ($14,496 vs. $16,746).
• University of Arizona is 45.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Nevada-Reno (about $4,348 more per year; $13,926.00 vs. $9,578.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.5% higher at U of A than at University of Nevada Reno (about $14,558 more per year; $42,278.00 vs. $27,720.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Arizona than at University of Nevada Reno (95% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Arizona students is 86.8% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($13,776 vs. $7,375).

U of A vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, U of A 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 U of A.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Arizona (1290) is 110 points higher than at University of Nevada-Reno (1180).
• Incoming U of A students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at University of Nevada-Reno).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arizona 1150/1420; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Arizona 21/29; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: U of A - Test optional; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman U of A students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at University of Nevada-Reno (3.4).
• U of A has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than University of Nevada-Reno (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.4% at U of A vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

U of A vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for U of A 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).

• University of Arizona's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than University of Nevada Reno's (51%).
• Graduates from University of Arizona earn a median of about $600 more per year than University of Nevada-Reno graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $53,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nevada Reno graduates have a $199 lower median loan debt than U of A graduates ($18,801 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Nevada-Reno graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than U of A graduates ($194 vs. $196).
• More U of A 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.