The Best Online Colleges in Nevada for 2019
Options for online colleges in Nevada are growing every year. This makes sense since Nevada has one of the nation’s fastest population growth rates, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of Nevada’s three million residents live in Las Vegas, which is home to more than 632,000 people. Other populous areas include Henderson and Reno.
Online colleges in Nevada work well for people who reside in rural areas or working professionals living anywhere in the state. In fact, the top online schools in Nevada are not found in Las Vegas. Great Basin College in Elko, Touro University Nevada in Henderson, and Nevada State College — also in Henderson — made our list for the Best Online Colleges in 2018. At these standout colleges, students can earn their associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees entirely online. Touro University Nevada and Nevada State College also offer accelerated and fully online nursing programs.
Nevada residents pay less for in-state tuition. The state’s average college tuition is $5,282 lower than the national average. Overall, the state boasts a relatively low in-state tuition compared to other Western states and the national average. For the 2017–2018 school year, Nevada’s average in-state tuition was $4,688 compared to the national average of $9,970.
Four reasons to find an online college in your state:
- Guaranteed in-state tuition saves you money
- Be a part of a university or college you know and love
- Get a degree from a school employers know and trust
- Be close enough to easily visit when desired
Ranking guidelines for the best online colleges in Nevada:
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Note: In ranking the best online colleges in Nevada, giving attention to the variety of degree programs available at the institutions is of utmost importance. For this reason, a more prestigious school in Nevada may offer one, or a few online degrees, but that may not be enough for that school to rank highly among the best online colleges in the state. In this ranking, we are dedicated to showing who’s leading the way in delivering quality online degree programs in Nevada.
The Best Online Colleges in Nevada
1. University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
The University of Nevada Las Vegas, a public research university, has over 25,000 students in attendance and offers more than 220 programs of study. The university provides a variety of graduate and undergraduate degrees.
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers several online baccalaureate, master, doctoral and certificate programs. Online bachelor’s degrees include public administration and social sciences. Online master’s degrees include hospitality and educational psychology. Online doctoral degree offerings include multiple topics in nursing, while available certifications include family nurse practitioner and nuclear criticality safety engineering.
Resources for online students include an online job board, technical support, online writing assistance via Skype, an online writing lab and an extensive online library.
The University of Nevada Las Vegas is regionally accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
See some of The University of Nevada Las Vegas's top rankings on TBS
2. College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada, established in 1971, is primarily a two-year college and one of the largest public colleges in the state. The college provides approximately 200 degree programs spanning seven academic schools. The college has over 35,000 students in attendance.
The College of Southern Nevada offers a number of online associate, baccalaureate and certificate programs. Associate’s degrees include sociology and special education. Bachelor’s degree offerings include dental hygiene, while available certifications include medical transcription and criminal justice.
Resources available to online students include 24/7 online tutoring, live chat with an academic advisor, live online technical support and an online library.
The College of Southern Nevada is regionally accredited by The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
See some of The College of Southern Nevada's top rankings on TBS
3. Great Basin College
Elko, Nevada
Founded in 1967, Great Basin College is one of the leading online colleges in Nevada. With a focus on undergraduate education, GBC offers associate and bachelor’s degrees to more than 3,800 online students across the country. In addition to online degrees, the school offers one-year certificate of achievement programs.
Online associate degrees provide students with the tools needed to advance to four-year degrees. Bachelor’s programs in English, social science, nursing (RN to BSN), land surveying and geomatics, digital information technologies, graphic communications, and management and supervision prepare students for careers in public and private professional, technical, and management fields. RN to BSN degree seekers must receive separate admission to the program.
Great Basin College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and its nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
See some of Great Basin College's top rankings on TBS
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4. Touro University Nevada
Henderson, Nevada
Located on the outskirts of Las Vegas in Henderson, Touro University Nevada is an institution steeped in Jewish heritage and values. As one of the premier online schools in Nevada, TUN offers nursing and education degrees that are completely online (excluding internship and practicum requirements).
TUN boasts an undergraduate RN to BSN program as well as two master’s degrees in nursing. These degrees, as well as the doctorate in nursing program, are designed for licensed, practicing nurses who wish to continue their education. The two-year online master’s degree in education with an emphasis on curriculum and school counseling is ideal for teachers who want to become school counselors. The school’s doctor of education program is online with two, on-campus week-long residences.
Touro University Nevada is considered a branch of Touro University California, which is accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges (WSCUC). Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
5. Nevada State College
Henderson, Nevada
In the heart of the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada State College boasts a 511-acre campus in Henderson at the foot of Mount Scorpion. With an RN to BSN program, NSC is one of the online colleges in Nevada offering practicing nurses opportunities to advance their educations and careers.
NSC’s online RN to BSN degree focuses on authenticity, healing, and building skills necessary to support patients, families, and communities though sensitivity, professionalism, and expert clinical reasoning. The 36-hour program offers seven start dates annually. Applicants need a valid registered nurse license and an associate degree or diploma from an accredited nursing program with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Nevada State College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The nursing program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
The following list contains top-ranked, cheap online colleges in Nevada. While it is important for students to choose a cost-effective education, the cheapest college might not be their best option.
While researching programs, students need to compare the cost savings with the school's quality of instruction and reputation. Depending on the desired major, learners should locate a school that offers the necessary coursework and resources to meet their academic and professional needs.
The Most Affordable Online Associate Degree Programs in Nevada
1. Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, Nevada
TMCC is a two-year community college located in Reno, Nevada. The college offers several associate of arts and associate of science degrees for distance learners. Established in 1971, TMCC now serves approximately 12,000 students.
Remote students can choose from 22 associate degrees online in the following areas:
- Anthropology
- Criminal Justice
- Mathematics
- Business
- Office Management
- Psychology
In most cases, associate degree-seekers require 60 units for graduation. The school expects remote learners to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to remain in good standing with their department. Incoming students may transfer up to 45 units. At least 15 units for the associate degree must come from classes at TMCC. Students typically complete the program in two years or less.
TMCC delivers courses asynchronously using the Canvas learning system. Distance students complete classes on their own time from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Remote students can take advantage of various student services, including online tutorials, assistance with canvas, and technology support.
Learners at this online community college in Nevada can also take advantage of the career center, which delivers an online job board.
TMCC follows an open admissions policy and encourages all prospective learners with a high school diploma or GED to apply. Incoming students without ACT or SAT scores must take the ACCUPLACER placement test.
Accreditation
Truckee Meadows Community College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Nevada
1. University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada
UNLV is a public research institution with approximately 31,000 students. The university offers a variety of degrees and certificate programs, including online classes and a bachelor's program for distance learners.
Remote students interested in an undergraduate degree can take advantage of UNLV's bachelor of arts in social science studies program. This degree requires 120 credits for graduation and takes most students four years to complete. Incoming students can transfer up to 60 credits from an outside accredited institution. At least 42 credits of upper-division classes must come from UNLV coursework. Additionally, learners must complete their final 30 credits in residence within the college of liberal arts.
Remote scholars in the bachelor of arts in social science studies program work closely with advisors to tailor their electives to meet their academic and professional goals. Learners also complete a capstone project during their last semester. For graduation, students must demonstrate mastery of the curriculum with a project, research paper, and presentation.
UNLV also features dozens of convenient online courses for most bachelor's degrees it offers using the Canvas learning system. This affordable online college in Nevada offers exciting remote and hybrid classes for undergraduates in fields such as:
- Anthropology
- The Fine Arts
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Business
First-time freshman can apply using the Common Application online. Applicants should possess a 3.0 GPA with a positive track record of classes in English, math, social science, and natural science. Competitive applicants typically possess advanced standardized test scores, such as 1120 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT.
Accreditation
The University of Nevada Las Vegas is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
2. Great Basin College
Elko, Nevada
Established in 1967, GBC now boasts approximately 3,900 students and features seven online bachelor's degrees for remote students. These programs help students develop literary analysis, composition, creative writing, and cultural analysis skills. Learners in all programs develop public speaking abilities, hone their oral and written communication techniques, and cultivate high-level critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Bachelor's programs available at GBG include:
- English
- Social Science
- Nursing
- Land Surveying
- Digital Information Technology
- Management and Supervision
Degrees at GBG require at least 120 credits for graduation. In most cases, full-time students take around 15 credits a semester and finish in approximately four years.
Bachelor's degree-seekers can take advantage of the school's resources offered through the Academic Success Center. The center offers tutoring sessions through email and video chat. Additionally, for students who live close to campus, the center houses several computer labs open during regular business hours.
GBC follows an open admissions policy. Although some majors may ask for prerequisite courses, all students who possess a high school diploma or GED can pursue an undergraduate education online. The school encourages prospective students to contact an academic advisor at the school before choosing a program. Additionally, all incoming students must take a placement exam or submit their ACT or SAT scores.
Accreditation
Great Basin College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
3. Nevada State College
Henderson, Nevada
Established in 2002, NSC is a state college located in Henderson, Nevada. The college serves as Nevada's first four-year public college, with approximately 4,300 students. NSC offers an online RN to BSN program.
The RN to BSN degree best serves intellectually curious and globally aware online students interested in advancing their nursing knowledge and developing new career opportunities. The program prides itself on a diverse curriculum and learning environment that fosters cultural sensitivity, professionalism, critical thinking, and expert clinical reasoning among its distance learners. Students develop leadership and collaboration skills that allow them to build confidence for careers in today's fast-paced healthcare industry.
This affordable online college in Nevada features entirely online coursework and affordable tuition. Remote students take advantage of flexible start dates throughout the academic year. Additionally, the BSN program requires no face-to-face clinical internships.
Incoming students can transfer up to 38 general education credits toward the BSN. New learners with scores from the National Council Licensure Exam may receive up to 37 prior learning credits to count toward the degree. Depending on the number of transfer credits, students can complete the required 36 credits in as little as 12 months.
Prospective students must possess a current RN license and an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 2.0 GPA or higher. Interested learners with nursing diplomas should contact the department for more information before they apply.
Students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to help offset the cost of tuition. Learners can also enjoy academic advising from a dedicated program coordinator, online tutoring through the Canvas learning system, and access to the Information and Technology Services Support Center.
Accreditation
Nevada State College is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Additional Online Colleges in Nevada Featured on TBS
Sierra Nevada College
Truckee Meadows Community College
University of Nevada - Reno
