Online Colleges in Nevada
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In 2016, Forbes named Nevada the best state for future job growth. Nevada provides many opportunities for professionals with a postsecondary education. Students at Nevada colleges benefit from low tuition costs compared to other states. The flexibility of an online degree appeals to working professionals and childcare providers, allowing students to schedule classes around other obligations.
Earning a college degree expands job and salary opportunities. This article introduces the job outlook for Nevada professionals with college degrees, the cost of online colleges in Nevada, and the best majors for Nevada students. It also provides information about financial aid and a list of scholarship opportunities for online students in Nevada.
Job Outlook for Students With College Degrees in Nevada
A college degree expands career opportunities. According to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce, by 2020, 62% of Nevada jobs are projected to require a postsecondary education. Some fields, including business, education, and healthcare may require a bachelor's degree or higher to pursue entry-level job opportunities.
Professionals with a college degree face a better job outlook than those without a degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a 4.8% national unemployment rate for all employees in January 2017, while professionals with a bachelor's degree saw a 2.5% unemployment rate.
Nevada employees earn an annual mean wage of $45,000 a year, which is slightly below the national average of around $50,000. However, USA Today reports that Nevada residents benefit from a cost of living below the national average.
Unemployment Rate, August 2018
| Nevada | 4.5% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
Annual Mean Wage, May 2017
| Nevada | $45,040 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
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Cost of Online Colleges in Nevada
Students researching the cost of online colleges in Nevada often start with tuition fees. Nevada students benefit from below-average tuition costs at the state's public community colleges and universities. On average, Nevada two-year public schools cost $3,400 in tuition per year, while public four-year institutions cost $7,660. Both figures remain below the national average.
Prospective students should also consider fees, books, and other expenses when calculating the cost of an online degree. For example, online students may need to pay a technology fee as part of their program. However, online students often save on expenses that on-campus students incur. For example, online students save on commuting costs and parking fees. They may also save on childcare expenses and room and board.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2018-19
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $3,400 | $7,660 |
| U.S. Average | $3,660 | $10,230 |
Source: The College Board
In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Nevada
Public colleges and universities charge a lower rate for in-state students than out-of-state students because they receive financial support from the Nevada legislature. While Nevada residents at public four-year institutions pay $7,660 in tuition each year, out-of-state students pay $21,890.
Average Tuition and Fees, 2018-19
| Public Two-Year | Public Four-Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $7,660 | $21,890 |
| U.S. Average | $10,230 | $26,290 |
Source: The College Board
Financial Aid in Nevada
Students attending online colleges in Nevada enjoy several financial aid opportunities. Federal financial aid programs offer grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities for online students attending accredited institutions.
Students can learn how much federal financial aid they qualify for by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA calculates a student's eligibility for federal financial aid based on their financial information and the cost of their program. Federal financial aid opportunities include subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans and the Perkins Loan. Federal loans typically offer lower interest rates than private loans.
In addition to federal financial aid, Nevada students may qualify for the state's Millenium Scholarship. Nevada high school graduates with a minimum 3.25 GPA or qualifying standardized test scores are eligible for the program. The Nevada Board of Regents set minimum SAT and ACT scores at 1070 and 21, respectively. Qualified students receive up to $10,000 toward their degree at accredited online colleges in Nevada.
State Grant Aid per Full-Time Equivalent Undergraduate Student, 2016-17
| Nevada | $550 |
| U.S. Average | $820 |
Source: The College Board
Scholarships and Grants for Nevada College Students
Students attending online colleges in Nevada qualify for several private and government scholarship and grant opportunities. Many scholarships grant awards based on the student's major.
Who Can Apply: The state offers the Governor Guinn Memorial Millennium Scholarship for Nevada high school graduates who attend an eligible institution. The fund pays $40 per credit hour for public community colleges, $60 per credit hour for state colleges, and $80 per credit hour at other institutions.
Amount: Up to $10,000
Who Can Apply: Eligible Millennium scholars may receive an additional scholarship if they major in elementary or secondary education and plan to teach in Nevada.
Amount: $4,500
Who Can Apply: Students attending a public community college in Nevada qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must be under 20 years old and earning their first college degree.
Amount: Up to three years of tuition
Who Can Apply: Women attending UNLV, Nevada State College, or the College of Southern Nevada qualify for this award.
Amount: Varies
Who Can Apply: Nevada high school seniors who demonstrate critical financial need qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must provide evidence of community service activity.
Amount: Up to $10,000
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Who Can Apply: Women from northern Nevada or attending a northern Nevada school in a two-year or four-year program qualify for this scholarship with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: Up to $5,000
Who Can Apply: Students pursuing an associate degree in early childhood education at a Nevada community college qualify for this scholarship.
Amount: Tuition and 80% of books
Who Can Apply: Offered by the Nevada Department of Education, these scholarships fund students majoring in early childhood education, K-12 education, or special education.
Amount: Up to $3,000 per semester
Who Can Apply: Nevada high school seniors can apply for this scholarship as part of Region IV, which covers the western states. Applicants provide transcripts and SAT or ACT scores.
Amount: $3,500
Who Can Apply: Nevada residents of Asian or Pacific Islander descent can apply for this scholarship to prepare for a career in healthcare. Recipients receive funds for three years.
Amount: $15,000
Best Majors for Online Students in Nevada
Prospective online students in Nevada benefit from a growing job market. Forbes ranked Nevada the best state for future job growth in 2016, pointing to the state's diversifying job market. The state's strong tourism industry helps fuel its growth, leading to in-demand job in tourism, hospitality management, and related fields. The state also boasts a strong business sector, with employers including Tesla, eBay, and Apple.
Casinos remain the largest employers in the state, representing 370,000 out of the state's 1.3 million jobs. Students who major in business, including management specializations, such as hospitality management and gaming management, benefit from the state's robust gaming industry. Many Nevada online colleges and universities offer specialized majors in these fields to staff the state's many casinos. Nevada also reports a shortage of registered nurses, who earn above-average salaries. These majors lead to high-growth careers and lucrative salaries.
Business
Business majors gain valuable skills in leadership, financial management, and business analysis. Students may specialize in areas such as accounting, marketing, management, and human resources. In Nevada, business majors often find employment in the gaming industry.Nursing
Nursing majors enjoy a growing job market with lucrative salaries. According to the BLS, registered nurses earn an average salary of just under $85,000 in Nevada, making it one of the most lucrative fields for professionals with a bachelor's degree.Hospitality or Gaming Management
Hospitality management prepares graduates for careers as hotel managers, while a gaming management major leads to careers as gaming or casino managers. Gaming managers in Nevada earn six-figure salaries on average.Resources for Online College Students in Nevada
Nevada System of Higher Education: The site provides information on public higher education institutions in Nevada, including prior learning credit exams, transfer policies, and policies for student veterans. The site also offers information on student government, institutional research, and news on Nevada public institutions.
Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education: WICHE provides resources and tuition discounts for students in Nevada and its other 15 member states. The site provides information on tuition costs, student exchange programs, and the internet course exchange program.
Western Undergraduate Exchange: Operated by WICHE, the exchange allows residents of member states to receive a tuition discount when they attend college at an out-of-state WICHE institution. For example, California residents can use WICHE to attend online colleges in Nevada for a discount. WICHE also offers a graduate exchange program and a professional exchange.
State of Nevada Higher Education: The state's higher education page provides information on colleges and universities in Nevada, the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, college savings plans, and prepaid tuition programs. It also includes links to the state's Board of Regents and other higher education sites.
WICHE Nevada: The WICHE Nevada page provides state highlights on higher education in Nevada, with an explanation of the benefits for Nevada students. The site also provides information about Nevada institutions that participate in the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies, mental health programs, and the Interstate Passport initiative, which makes it easier for students to transfer credits.
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