University of Nevada-Las Vegas combines open access admission with strong economic mobility outcomes. As a Mobility Engine institution, the university serves 40.3% Pell-eligible and 42.3% first-generation students while maintaining manageable costs and delivering earnings that support long-term financial stability for graduates from diverse backgrounds.
With modestly below average results, indicating that while the university serves students effectively, individual earnings premiums remain limited
With well above average performance, reflecting controlled net prices 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.
Mobility Engine with open access admission
University of Nevada-Las Vegas ranks #99 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 96.7th percentile. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this large public university maintains open access admission standards with a 96.3% acceptance rate while delivering strong economic mobility outcomes.
UNLV enrolls 40.3% Pell-eligible students and 42.3% first-generation students, placing it well above typical institutions on access measures. The university's Mobility Engine quadrant classification reflects its combination of broad educational access and strong outcomes that exceed expectations for similar student populations.
Graduates earn $55,037 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 57th percentile nationally. However, earnings fall $12,906 below expectations relative to similar students, placing the institution in the 9th percentile for value-added performance.
This apparent contradiction highlights the complexity of mobility metrics—UNLV's high mobility ranking stems from its exceptional access combined with reasonable earnings outcomes, demonstrating that serving diverse populations can coexist with positive economic results.
UNLV delivers accessible higher education with manageable financial outcomes for graduates. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years after enrollment, ranking at the 57th percentile nationally.
Earnings span from $31,740 at the 25th percentile to $80,999 at the 75th percentile, reflecting varied career trajectories across programs. The institution generates earnings $12,906 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing it at the 9th percentile for value-added performance.
Students seeking strong economic mobility outcomes at an accessible public university, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Well-suited for first-generation students (42.3%) and Pell-eligible students (40.3%) looking for open access admission with demonstrated upward earnings potential.
The institution's Mobility Engine designation reflects its ability to serve diverse student populations while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
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-Las Vegas hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/analysis.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas admits 96.3% of applicants, reflecting an open access approach that welcomes the vast majority of students who apply. This acceptance rate means roughly 24 out of every 25 applicants receive admission, making UNLV accessible to students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights UNLV's distinctly inclusive approach compared to similar institutions. This level of accessibility aligns with the university's mission as a Mobility Engine institution, prioritizing educational opportunity over selective admission.
Students should understand that open access does not diminish academic rigor or post-graduation outcomes—UNLV delivers strong mobility results precisely because it serves students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. The high admission rate creates opportunity for students seeking second chances, non-traditional pathways, or those whose high school performance may not reflect their college potential.
For most applicants, admission to University of Nevada-Las Vegas represents a realistic and attainable goal, allowing students to focus on program selection and financial planning rather than admission uncertainty. This accessibility supports the university's role in serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise significant portions of the student body.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas maintains a published cost of attendance of $19,440 annually, including $9,142 in in-state tuition, $12,072 for room and board, and $1,240 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $26,098 in tuition.
However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $10,011 representing $9,429 in financial aid savings. This net price compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, creating a $5,579 annual cost advantage.
The difference between sticker price and net price demonstrates substantial financial aid effectiveness, particularly for lower-income students who may pay even less than the average. University of Nevada-Las Vegas combines affordable published prices with meaningful financial aid, making higher education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.
The controlled cost structure supports the university's mission as a Mobility Engine institution, ensuring that students can pursue degrees without excessive financial burden. This cost advantage becomes particularly significant over four years, where the peer comparison suggests savings exceeding $22,000 compared to similar institutions.
For Nevada residents, the in-state tuition rate creates additional value, while out-of-state students still benefit from competitive pricing and aid availability.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression from early to mid-career. Median earnings rise from $42,865 six years after enrollment to $49,396 at eight years and $55,037 at ten years, representing 28.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 5,710 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 25th percentile at $31,740 and 75th percentile at $80,999, a 2.6:1 ratio reflecting differences in program selection and career paths.
Low-income graduates earn $48,100, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic advancement for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Approximately 22.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
The university's earnings fall $12,906 below expectations compared to similar student populations, yet this value-added shortfall occurs alongside strong absolute mobility outcomes, highlighting the institution's role in providing educational opportunity rather than maximizing individual earnings premiums.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of California-Merced Similar quality tier (#100 ranked) | CA | 39% | $64,368 | #100 | Compare |
University Of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Similar quality tier (#103 ranked) | PR | 52% | $48,992 | #103 | Compare |
University Of California-Santa Cruz Similar quality tier (#98 ranked) | CA | 63% | $68,396 | #98 | Compare |
University At Albany Similar quality tier (#105 ranked) | NY | 70% | $67,979 | #105 | Compare |
Northern Illinois University Similar quality tier (#97 ranked) | IL | 70% | $57,808 | #97 | Compare |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
155 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
39 graduates
Computer Science.
144 graduates
Civil Engineering, General.
30 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
98 graduates
University of Nevada-Las Vegas offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Brewery Operations Management stands out as the institution's flagship program, ranking #19 nationally and #1 in Nevada, graduating 522 students with median earnings of $43,694 and an exceptional value score of 77.8.
Adult Health Nursing ranks #52 nationally and #1 in Nevada, producing 155 graduates earning $86,618. Computer Science graduates 144 students annually with median earnings of $80,278, ranking #122 nationally.
Biology ranks #71 nationally and #1 in Nevada, graduating 210 students with earnings of $52,145 and a strong value score of 81.0. Applied Economics achieves #76 national ranking with graduates earning $75,591.
Adult and Continuing Education ranks #30 nationally with a remarkable value score of 86.7. Psychology represents one of the largest programs with 368 graduates, while Exercise Science enrolls 265 students annually, reflecting strong student demand across diverse fields.
