Nevada State University logo

Nevada State University

Henderson, NV Public ยท Suburban nevadastate.edu
Accept Rate
86.15%
Grad Rate
31.6%
Enrollment
3,791
Tuition
$6,368
Median Salary
$53,166
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A+
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Nevada State College has a distinct, close-knit community feel, creating a supportive and personal atmosphere that contrasts with the sprawling Las Vegas metro area just minutes away. The campus itself is modern and intimate, fostering a strong sense of belonging among students who value accessible faculty and a collaborative peer environment.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

86.15%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Highlight any volunteer work, healthcare shadowing, or community service in your application, as the university values students committed to serving Nevada's growing population. Since the acceptance rate is high, use the essay to clearly articulate your specific interest in one of their top programs, like Nursing or Education, to stand out.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university excels in high-demand fields like Health Professions, Psychology, and Education, with a strong focus on practical, career-ready skills. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from teaching-focused faculty, while the Henderson location provides ample clinical and internship opportunities in the greater Las Vegas area.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
47%
Psychology
14%
Education
10.5%
Business & Marketing
5.9%
Criminal Justice
5.5%
Biology & Biomedical
3.3%
Ethnic & Cultural Studies
2.9%
History
2.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.1%
English & Literature
2%
Communications
1.9%
Natural Resources
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

31.6%
Graduation Rate
77%
Retention Rate
3,791
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$6,368
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$13,208
After financial aid
Total Cost
$23,035
Cost of attendance/year
22.1%
Receive Pell Grants
13.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Henderson

Life in Henderson offers a relaxed suburban pace with extensive hiking and biking trails at the nearby River Mountains Loop and Lake Mead. For more vibrant entertainment, students are just a 20-minute drive from the world-class dining, shows, and nightlife of the Las Vegas Strip.

Local Rent Check

$1,377 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Henderson
Explore Henderson

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$25,472
$0Est. 4 Years: $25,472

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($53,166):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The Henderson campus is located in a safe, master-planned suburban community with low crime rates. While the university maintains a safe environment, students should remain aware of their surroundings, as the campus is close to major transportation routes.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Very affordable in-state tuition and low average net price
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible to a wide range of students
  • โœ“ Small class sizes offer a personalized academic experience
  • โœ“ Strong programs in healthcare and education with local internship ties

Cons

  • โœ— The 31.6% graduation rate is significantly below the national average
  • โœ— Located in a quiet suburb, not a traditional 'college town' with dense student life
  • โœ— A smaller campus means fewer extracurriculars and D1 sports compared to larger universities

Notable Alumni

Dr. Kenda Butler
Notable Nursing Educator and leader in Nevada's healthcare education sector.
Steve Sisolak
Former Governor of Nevada (attended NSC before transferring).
Teresa Benitez-Thompson
Former Assemblywoman and public policy advocate for Nevada.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nevada State University is known for its strengths in high-growth career fields, particularly Health Professions, Psychology, Education, and Criminal Justice. The university prides itself on providing a personalized, accessible education focused on serving the needs of the Las Vegas valley and Southern Nevada.

No, Nevada State University is not hard to get into. With an acceptance rate of 86.15%, it is considered a moderately selective institution, providing accessible admission for a broad range of applicants who meet the academic requirements.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused due to the small enrollment of under 4,000 students. While it lacks the massive D1 sports scene of larger schools, students enjoy a supportive environment with active student clubs, a modern campus in a safe suburban setting, and easy access to the amenities of nearby Henderson and Las Vegas.

For Nevada residents, the university offers exceptional value. The low in-state tuition of $6,368 and a median 10-year earnings figure of $53,166 provide a strong return on investment. For out-of-state students, the value proposition is less compelling due to the higher tuition cost.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center University Medical Center of Southern Nevada Clark County School District City of Henderson Nevada State Government
Smart Start Score
50

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 7,805
  • In-State Tuition $6,368
  • Out-of-State $20,449
  • Zip Code 89002

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 21.6% โ™€ 78.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $13,208 and low in-state tuition of $6,368, the university offers a strong return on investment, especially for Nevada residents. The $53,166 ten-year median earnings for graduates significantly outweigh the debt burden for most students, making it a financially sound choice for a bachelor's degree.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with University of Arkansas-Fort

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $6,368
Housing (12 mo) $16,524
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $30,092
With avg financial aid:
$13,208/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.