University of Nevada-Reno combines open-access admission with top-tier mobility outcomes at the 91.2nd percentile. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university maintains debt levels below peer medians while delivering solid long-term earnings growth, particularly benefiting low-income graduates who earn in the top 25% nationally.
With above-average results, supported by steady long-term earnings growth
With above-average performance, driven by controlled costs and manageable debt levels
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
With top-tier performance, reflecting the university's effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of Nevada-Reno delivers solid earnings outcomes with controlled debt levels that support long-term financial stability. Graduates earn a median of $60,614 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 73.0rd percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $38,752 at the 25th percentile to $87,156 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse career paths across academic disciplines. While graduates earn $3,000 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, the institution maintains manageable debt levels at $18,922, slightly below the peer median of $20,000.
Students seeking strong public university education with manageable debt levels and above-average economic mobility outcomes. Well-suited for first-generation students (38.5%) who prioritize accessible admission standards combined with solid post-graduation earnings potential in engineering, health sciences, and business fields.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the University Of Nevada-Reno hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-nevada-reno/analysis.
Top-tier mobility performance with accessible admission
University of Nevada-Reno ranks #212 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with composite performance at the 87.0th percentile. Located in Reno, Nevada, this large public university maintains open-access admission standards with an 85.3% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 24.1% Pell-eligible students and 38.5% first-generation students, positioning it above typical peers on access measures. Graduates demonstrate earnings slightly below expectations at negative $3,000 relative to similar students, ranking at the 42.8th percentile nationally.
However, median earnings reach $60,614 ten years after enrollment, placing University of Nevada-Reno in the 73.0th percentile for long-term earnings outcomes. This combination of accessible admission, moderate access levels, and solid economic outcomes places the university within the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions serve fewer low-income students while maintaining strong post-graduation results.
University of Nevada-Reno admits 85.3% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive offers of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, with admission standards significantly more accessible than typical four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that University of Nevada-Reno is more accessible than similar public universities by about 7 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that most students with solid academic preparation can expect admission, though the university still maintains academic standards for enrollment.
The open-access approach supports the institution's mission to serve Nevada residents and provides educational opportunity for students across diverse academic backgrounds. Students considering University of Nevada-Reno should focus on academic preparation rather than admission strategy, as the primary barriers involve meeting basic eligibility requirements rather than competitive selection.
The accessible admission standards complement the university's strong mobility outcomes, creating pathways for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions while still delivering solid post-graduation results.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Nevada-Reno's published cost of attendance is $24,702 per year, including $8,994 in-state tuition, $25,950 out-of-state tuition, $13,700 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $15,402 after financial aid, representing savings of $9,300 from the sticker price.
This net price places the university below the peer median of $15,590, making it $188 more affordable than similar institutions. The university's affordability index ranks at the 74.1st percentile nationally, indicating above-average value relative to outcomes delivered.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $12,126 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,739 for families earning over $110,000. This $8,613 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates meaningful financial aid targeting toward lower-income families.
For Nevada residents, the in-state tuition advantage creates additional affordability compared to out-of-state alternatives, while the moderate net prices support accessibility for families across income levels.
University of Nevada-Reno graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $49,182 six years after enrollment to $54,896 at eight years and $60,614 at ten years, representing 23.2% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from a ten-year cohort of 3,492 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. Earnings span from $38,752 at the 25th percentile to $87,156 at the 75th percentile, indicating meaningful variation across programs and career trajectories.
The gap between top and bottom quartile represents a 2.2:1 ratio, reflecting differences in field selection and post-graduation roles. Low-income graduates earn $55,400, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for this mobility indicator.
Approximately 24.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study based on program mix analysis, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. While earnings fall $3,000 below expectations for similar students, the consistent upward trajectory and manageable debt levels support long-term financial stability.
Computer Engineering, General.
103 graduates
Mining and Mineral Engineering.
11 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
44 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
144 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
146 graduates
University of Nevada-Reno offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Computer Engineering ranks #58 nationally and #1 in Nevada, producing 103 graduates with median earnings of $90,442 and a value score of 53.7.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #164 nationally but #2 in Nevada, graduating 144 students with median earnings of $80,458. Mechanical Engineering ranks #152 nationally and #1 in Nevada, with 146 graduates earning $77,239.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences ranks #26 nationally and #1 in Nevada, representing the university's largest program with 344 graduates and median earnings of $50,108. Several programs hold the #1 position in Nevada, including Digital Marketing (#90 nationally), Business/Commerce General (#50 nationally), and Criminology (#18 nationally).
Forensic Social Work ranks #2 nationally with a value score of 99.5, demonstrating exceptional program performance relative to debt levels and career outcomes.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
William Paterson University Of New Jersey Similar quality tier (#214 ranked) | NJ | 93% | $57,780 | #214 | Compare |
The University Of Texas At Tyler Similar quality tier in Southwest (#213 ranked) | TX | 92% | $57,053 | #213 | Compare |
Michigan Technological University Similar quality tier (#212 ranked) | MI | 88% | $78,198 | #212 | Compare |
James Madison University Similar quality tier (#217 ranked) | VA | 76% | $69,954 | #217 | Compare |
Florida Gulf Coast University Similar quality tier (#210 ranked) | FL | 77% | $54,560 | #210 | Compare |