UNLV vs. University of Nevada-Reno

Comparable Facts

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

University of Nevada Las Vegas is larger than University of Nevada-Reno based on total student enrollment (32,911 students vs. 23,024 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Nevada Las Vegas is located in Las Vegas, NV (Midsize City setting); University of Nevada Reno is in Reno, NV (Midsize City setting).
• University of Nevada Las Vegas 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 Nevada Las Vegas 19:1; University of Nevada Reno 17:1.

UNLV vs. University of Nevada-Reno Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNLV 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 Las Vegas than University of Nevada-Reno ($11,553 vs. $17,226).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Nevada Las Vegas are 12.9% lower than at University of Nevada Reno ($12,628 vs. $14,496).
• University of Nevada Las Vegas is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Nevada-Reno (about $170 more per year; $9,748.00 vs. $9,578.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.1% higher at University of Nevada-Reno than at University of Nevada Las Vegas (about $309 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $27,411.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Reno than at University of Nevada Las Vegas (93% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Nevada Las Vegas students is 4.6% larger than aid received by University of Nevada Reno students ($7,717 vs. $7,375).

UNLV vs. University of Nevada-Reno Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNLV 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 UNLV.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nevada Reno (1180) is 50 points higher than at UNLV (1130).
• Incoming University of Nevada-Reno students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at UNLV).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nevada Las Vegas 1010/1240; University of Nevada Reno 1060/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Nevada Las Vegas 18/25; University of Nevada Reno 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNLV - Test optional; University of Nevada-Reno - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNLV Jun 1, 2027; University of Nevada-Reno Apr 7, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNLV students have the same average high school GPA (3.4) as students at University of Nevada-Reno (3.4).
• UNLV has a higher acceptance rate (96.2%) than University of Nevada-Reno (73.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.2% at UNLV vs. 26.5% at University of Nevada-Reno.

UNLV vs. University of Nevada-Reno Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNLV 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 Nevada Reno's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than University of Nevada Las Vegas's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Nevada Reno earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than UNLV graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,400 vs. $47,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Nevada Reno graduates have a $217 lower median loan debt than UNLV graduates ($18,801 vs. $19,018).
• Among borrowers, University of Nevada-Reno graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNLV graduates ($194 vs. $196).
• More University of Nevada-Reno graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNLV students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 52%)

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.