Compare costs, outcomes, and program formats for every accredited Nevada nursing school side by side.
How do you choose a nursing school when Nevada's hospitals are scrambling for staff yet the state has barely a dozen accredited prelicensure programs? With RN jobs projected to grow 19% through 2032, picking a program means weighing stark differences in cost and format: net prices range from $6,615 at College of Southern Nevada to over $50,000 at private colleges. Some programs operate fully on campus; others are hybrid or online-only. Admission selectivity varies, and the cheapest pathway doesn't always produce the strongest NCLEX pass rates. Nevada's nursing students must choose wisely, with limited seats and high employer expectations.
Nevada's top-ranked nursing programs combine strong NCLEX-RN pass rates, hands-on clinical partnerships, and affordable pathways. From accelerated BSNs to community college ADNs, these schools cater to a range of student needs and career goals, all meeting the state's licensure standards.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
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| #1 | Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $31,000/yr (net price) | BSN seekers wanting integrated NCLEX prep | |
Arizona College of Nursing in Las Vegas offers a three-year BSN program with CCNE accreditation, year-round starts, and NCLEX-RN prep built into the curriculum. Clinical rotations are arranged with Southern Nevada healthcare employers, and evening classes provide scheduling flexibility. Financial aid and scholarships are available for those who qualify.
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| #2 | University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | $16,000/yr (net price) | Rural health-focused BSN students | |
The University of Nevada-Reno's BSN program offers traditional 16-month and RN-BSN tracks, emphasizing rural health and underserved Nevada populations. As a state public university, it provides in-state tuition advantages and partners with major Northern Nevada hospitals for clinical rotations. Competitive admissions favor Nevada residents who complete prerequisites at UNR.
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| #3 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $10,000/yr | Direct entry MSN for non-nursing grads | |
UNLV's BSN is an intensive 16-month program that emphasizes patient-centered care, leadership, and clinical judgment, with clinical placements across a large Las Vegas-area network including UMC and Sunrise Hospital. The university also offers a Direct Entry MSN for non-nursing bachelor's holders, creating a faster path to RN licensure. As a public institution, it offers affordable in-state tuition and has expanded its nursing seats to address the state's shortage.
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| #4 | Western Nevada College | Carson City, NV | $13,000/yr (net price) | ||
Western Nevada College's ADN program in Carson City is a top-performing associate degree pathway with high NCLEX pass rates and strong partnerships with Northern Nevada and rural healthcare providers. The ACEN-accredited program is Nevada Board-approved, and graduates have smooth transitions to in-state RN-to-BSN programs. Emphasis on hands-on clinical training and affordable tuition make it a cost-effective entry into nursing.
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| #5 | Nevada State University | Henderson, NV | $14,000/yr | ||
Nevada State University in Henderson offers a CCNE-accredited BSN with full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks, all designed to address the state's nursing shortage. As a public institution, it provides in-state tuition and a mission-driven focus on diverse Southern Nevada communities. The post-licensure online RN-to-BSN program is tailored for Nevada ADN graduates, allowing them to advance while staying in their communities.
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| #6 | Carrington College-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | $44,000/yr (net price) | ||
Carrington College's Las Vegas campus offers an online RN-to-BSN program for working Nevada RNs, completable in 15 months. The CCNE-accredited degree focuses on enhancing clinical leadership, evidence-based practice, and professional communication. Career services connect students with local employer opportunities in the Las Vegas area.
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| #7 | Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | $3,000 – $12,000/yr | ||
Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno provides a high-value ADN program with low in-state tuition, strong NCLEX performance, and close ties to Reno/Sparks hospitals. The ACEN-accredited curriculum includes clinical experiences and transfer agreements for BSN completion at Nevada universities, making it a key pipeline for Northern Nevada's RN workforce.
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| #8 | Roseman University of Health Sciences | Henderson, NV | |||
Roseman University's Accelerated BSN in Henderson is a hybrid program that prepares students for the NCLEX-RN in under 18 months. With multiple annual start dates, block scheduling, and a mastery learning model, it boasts high first-time pass rates and near-100% employment within six months. Clinical rotations occur across Nevada and Utah, with dedicated support for international students.
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| #9 | Great Basin College | Elko, NV | $8,000/yr | ||
Great Basin College's AAS Nursing program uses synchronized distance education to serve rural and frontier Nevada communities, with clinical placements at local facilities. The low-cost, ACEN-accredited program has near-perfect NCLEX pass rates and offers a Paramedic/LPN Bridge for experienced practitioners. Graduates are prepared for baccalaureate completion through in-state partnerships.
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| #10 | Las Vegas College | Las Vegas, NV | ~$30,000/yr (est.) | ||
Las Vegas College offers a campus-based ADN program that emphasizes practical nursing skills and a supportive learning environment, targeting Southern Nevada entry-level practice. The college also provides an online RN-to-BSN for Nevada RNs seeking career advancement. Both programs are designed for local residents and focus on job placement in the Las Vegas area.
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| #11 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | $4,000 – $13,000/yr | ||
The College of Southern Nevada's Associate of Applied Science in Nursing includes a traditional track and an LPN-to-RN Bridge, both with high completion and NCLEX pass rates. As a comprehensive community college, CSN offers affordable in-state tuition and multiple campus locations across Las Vegas, serving a diverse student body and feeding the local healthcare workforce.
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| #12 | Carrington College-Reno | Reno, NV | $52,000/yr (net price) | ||
Carrington College-Reno's online RN-to-BSN program helps working registered nurses in Northern Nevada advance their leadership and evidence-based practice skills in as few as 15 months. The CCNE-accredited program offers flexible scheduling and financial aid, with local advising support for those employed in Reno-area healthcare settings.
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Net price carries a 30% weight in our scoring model, putting affordability front and center without sacrificing program quality. The goal is to surface schools where students can manage costs and still see strong career outcomes.
Every school in the ranking pulls metrics from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the most consistent public source for cost, debt, and earnings data. The final score blends four numbers: - Net price (30%): The average annual cost after all grant and scholarship aid, for full-time students receiving aid. It is not a guaranteed quote: your own net price will depend on your financial aid package. - Graduation rate (20%): The institution-wide rate for full-time, first-time undergraduates. Because Scorecard does not report program-specific completion data, this reflects overall student success at the school. - Program-level earnings (30%): Median earnings of students who received federal aid and were working not enrolled two years after completing the nursing program. This is the strongest signal of return on investment. - Median debt (20%): The median federal student loan debt for program completers. Lower debt contributes to a higher score.
This ranking does not factor in NCLEX-RN pass rates, even though they are critical for licensure. That data comes from state nursing boards and is covered in a separate pass rates section on this page. Other desirable metrics, like clinical placement rates, faculty-to-student ratios, or employer reputation surveys, are excluded because no single public database reports them consistently for all schools.
Every program that appears in the rankings holds proper nursing accreditation (CCNE or ACEN) and is offered by a regionally accredited institution. Schools that lack this baseline were removed from consideration before scoring began, because graduation from an unaccredited program can block licensure and future degree options.
This table compares key metrics for accredited BSN programs in Nevada. Costs shown are in-state tuition and net price after aid, while outcomes reflect graduation rate, median student debt, and median earnings ten years after entry. Use the data to weigh affordability and return on investment as you choose the right program.
| School | Format | In-State Tuition | Net Price | Graduation Rate | Median Debt | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Campus | $9,748 | $10,359 | 50.5% | $19,450 | $55,037 |
| Nevada State University | Campus | $6,765 | $14,068 | 33.6% | $19,691 | $53,166 |
| University of Nevada-Reno | Campus | $9,578 | $15,927 | 61.2% | $18,922 | $60,614 |
| Arizona College of Nursing-Las Vegas | Campus | $23,531 | $30,921 | 81.8% | $9,500 | $34,657 |
| Carrington College-Las Vegas | Online (RN to BSN) | N/A | $43,570 | 59.2% | $9,500 | $36,718 |
| Carrington College-Reno | Online (RN to BSN) | N/A | $51,823 | 41.5% | $15,188 | $43,731 |
First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates remain the most transparent measure of a nursing program's ability to prepare graduates for practice. In Nevada, the Board of Nursing now publishes not only annual reports but also quarterly pass-rate data, making it easier than ever to track program performance. The most recent figures confirm that several Nevada schools consistently exceed national benchmarks, but rates can shift from year to year, so checking the latest data before applying is essential.
The University of Nevada, Reno's BSN program posted a 96.75% first-time pass rate in 20231, while Nevada State University's BSN cohort achieved 97.21% in the 2024 reporting cycle1. Both results place these programs among the highest-performing in the state.
Two associate-degree programs also report strong results. Great Basin College and Western Nevada College each recorded a 98.18% first-time pass rate on the most recent exam cycle available through the Board1.
These numbers reflect first-time test-takers and are drawn directly from the Nevada State Board of Nursing's education program reports. A program with a pass rate consistently above 90% signals robust curriculum alignment with the exam and sufficient clinical training.
The Board's latest annual report was published in 2025, covering multiple exam cycles. Starting in 2026, quarterly updates are also available on the Board's website, giving prospective students a near-real-time view of how each school's graduates perform. Because NCLEX-RN pass rates can fluctuate, reviewing several consecutive exam periods provides a more reliable picture than a single snapshot.
A school's first-time pass rate is a direct indicator of how well it equips students for the licensure exam. Programs that consistently score above the national average help you avoid the cost, delay, and stress of a retake. Employers also view your first-time success as an early sign of competence, even before you build clinical experience. When comparing schools, weigh pass rates alongside other factors like clinical placement variety, NCLEX preparation resources, and overall graduation rates.
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) offers the lowest net price among ranked nursing schools in Nevada at $6,615 per year. That figure is significantly lower than the school's published out-of-state tuition and even undercuts the in-state sticker price for many students, making it a standout for affordability.
The gap between listed tuition and what students truly owe can be substantial. At CSN, in-state tuition is $4,358 and out-of-state climbs to $13,024, yet the average net price after grants and scholarships lands at $6,615. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC) follows a similar pattern: in-state tuition is just $3,352 and out-of-state is $12,018, while the net price averages $8,312. Great Basin College reports in-state tuition of $3,923 and out-of-state tuition of $13,883, but the typical student pays $8,471 after aid. These net price figures represent institution-wide averages and include all federal, state, and institutional gift aid that reduce students' costs.
The share of students receiving Pell Grants serves as a reliable proxy for financial-aid reach. At the three most affordable programs, Pell Grant participation is notably high: 88.4% at CSN, 91.4% at TMCC, and 86.8% at Great Basin College. These numbers suggest that low net prices are heavily influenced by need-based aid packages, and a large portion of the student body qualifies for significant federal support. For applicants with similar financial profiles, the actual out-of-pocket cost may closely mirror these averages.
Because net price is an institution-wide average, individual aid awards can differ markedly based on family income, assets, and academic profile. Every school provides a net price calculator on its website, which uses your unique financial information to estimate what you would pay. Prospective nursing students should run these calculators at each school they consider and contact the financial aid office directly to discuss program-specific costs, such as clinical fees, equipment, and background checks, which may not be included in the standard net price calculation.
Nevada registered nurses earn well above the national median. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for RNs in the state reached $105,710 in 2022, compared to a national median of $81,220.
The biggest decision for many aspiring nurses in Nevada is whether to pursue the faster, less expensive associate degree path or invest in a bachelor's degree that hospitals increasingly prefer. Each credential opens the door to the NCLEX-RN exam and state licensure, but the long-term career payoff differs significantly.
Nevada schools in the rankings offer a full progression of nursing credentials:
Nevada does not require a BSN for initial RN licensure.1 The state board accepts graduation from any nationally accredited nursing program2 and passing the NCLEX-RN, with no mandate for a baccalaureate degree. This makes ADN programs a practical starting point. Community colleges such as the College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada College offer ACEN-accredited associate programs that take about two years and cost a fraction of a university BSN. Tuition at these public colleges ranges from roughly $3,400 to $4,400 per year for in-state students, and graduates qualify to take the same licensing exam as bachelor’s-level peers.
Even though an ADN is sufficient for licensure, many Nevada hospitals now list the BSN as the preferred or required credential for new hires. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has long pushed for a BSN-prepared workforce, citing research that links higher proportions of baccalaureate nurses to lower patient mortality and better outcomes. BSN programs at University of Nevada-Reno, UNLV, Nevada State University, and Arizona College of Nursing build competencies in evidence-based practice, community health, and management that can accelerate promotion into charge nurse or unit leader roles.
For RNs who start with an associate degree, RN-to-BSN completion programs offer a flexible way to upgrade without leaving the workforce. Carrington College’s Las Vegas and Reno locations deliver an entirely online RN-to-BSN path that can be completed in as few as 15 months. Roseman University’s accelerated BSN, designed for career-changers who already hold a bachelor’s in another field, condenses prelicensure education into under 18 months.
Federal College Scorecard data shows a clear earnings gap tied to credential level. ADN graduates from public Nevada colleges report median earnings in the $38,000 to $44,000 range ten years after entering the program. BSN graduates from the University of Nevada-Reno and UNLV see median earnings around $55,000 to $61,000 over the same period. While tuition is higher upfront, the long-term salary premium typically recoups the investment within a few years. The earlier school rankings let you compare costs, program length, and outcomes for every ADN and BSN option in the state.
Nevada’s registered nurse workforce is projected to expand by 19% from 2022 to 2032, according to Arizona College’s Job Outlook for Nurses in Las Vegas report, outpacing the national average and signaling sustained demand for skilled nurses. New graduates can expect strong job prospects as the state’s healthcare needs grow.
Traditional, full-time cohort programs and flexible hybrid formats represent two distinct paths into Nevada nursing. Choosing between them means weighing your schedule, budget, and long-term goals against the realities of admission selectivity, clinical training quality, and program outcomes. A focused review of accreditation, clinical partnerships, flexibility, and performance data will point you toward the right fit.
Accreditation is the non-negotiable foundation. In Nevada, nursing programs are accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Both meet state licensure requirements, but they carry different weight depending on your plans. CCNE accreditation is the standard for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs and is often preferred by hospitals seeking Magnet designation. ACEN accredits all levels of nursing education, including associate degree programs. If you aspire to graduate study, a CCNE-accredited BSN can streamline admission to master's or doctoral programs. Always verify a program's status directly through the accrediting body, not just the school's website.
Where you train is where you learn. Clinical rotations embed you in real patient care environments, and a school's hospital partnerships determine the quality and variety of those experiences. In Nevada, major healthcare systems like Renown Health in Reno, Sunrise Hospital and University Medical Center (UMC) in Las Vegas, and St. Rose Dominican Hospitals anchor clinical education for many programs. Proximity to these sites reduces commute time and can lead to stronger preceptor relationships. Schools with established affiliations in multiple specialties (medical-surgical, pediatrics, critical care) give you a broader clinical foundation. When evaluating programs, ask which units accept students and how placements are assigned. A school that offers rotations in a Level I trauma center, for example, provides exposure that a smaller rural facility cannot match.
Not everyone can pause their life for a daytime-only, 16-month intensive. If you need to work while earning your BSN, hybrid or evening/weekend options become critical. Among ranked programs, Chamberlain University's Las Vegas campus stands out for its hybrid format with evening and weekend scheduling designed for working adults. Roseman University of Health Sciences offers an accelerated BSN in a hybrid model, blending online coursework with on-campus labs and clinicals. Most public university programs (UNLV, UNR, Nevada State) deliver their core nursing courses in daytime, cohort-based sequences. If you require significant schedule flexibility, verify that the program's delivery mode is not merely a part-time option but truly accommodates nontraditional hours.
Nursing programs in Nevada are competitive, but admissions criteria vary widely. Institutional acceptance rates offer a rough gauge: UNLV admits 96% of applicants overall, UNR 74%, and Nevada State 87%. These figures reflect university-wide selectivity, not nursing-specific competitiveness. Program-level GPA thresholds are more revealing. UNLV requires a minimum 3.0 GPA; UNR's accelerated BSN requires a 2.8 and a 65% ATI TEAS score; Nevada State sets an overall 2.5 but mandates a 3.25 in prerequisite courses. High overall acceptance does not equal an easy nursing admission. Research the typical admitted student profile, not just the minimums, and be realistic about your own academic record.
Weigh these three numbers together. A cheaper program with a weak NCLEX record or a high attrition rate may cost more in lost time and repeat exam fees. Conversely, a pricey program with excellent outcomes might justify the investment if it fast-tracks your career.
Choosing the right nursing program in Nevada means comparing costs, program lengths, and admission requirements. These answers to common questions can help you narrow your options and plan your next steps.
