About University of Nevada – Reno
The University of Nevada, Reno was founded in 1874 as the State University of Nevada in Elko, Nevada, about 300 miles northeast of its present-day campus in Reno. The site for the university preparatory school in eastern Nevada (where no state institutions had previously been located) proved to be impractical, as nearly half of the state’s residents lived in the Reno-Carson City area. In 1885, the legislature approved the move of the University from Elko to Reno. UNR operates with a goal “to educate and graduate the best-prepared, confident leaders for the state, national, and global community; to be a nexus for research and creativity that focuses on vital issues of our time; and to serve as a catalyst for the betterment of our society.”
Today UNR offers a comprehensive selection of degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level.
The University of Nevada, Reno offers more than 200 online courses each year. This means that students can earn credits towards their degree regardless of location or situation. Several graduate-level degrees and certificates are available completely online.
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Nevada – Reno is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Type:
4-year, PublicHighest Level Offered:
Doctor's degreeReligious Affiliation:
Not applicableEnrollment:
Undergraduate: 22,315 ; Graduate: 4,575Percent of Fully Online Students:
Undergraduate: 2% ; Graduate: 31%Graduation Rate:
61%Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:
$60,614Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):
$18,922Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:
62%Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:
$8,181Credit for Military Training:
YesOnline Programs offered by University of Nevada - Reno
All Programs
Business
Criminal Justice, Safety & Law
Healthcare
At UNR, students do best when they plan classes early and stay on track each term. Good planning helps protect your pace and keeps your finish time in sight. Since class sections and teaching styles can vary, steady term-by-term planning matters.
UNR also gets graduate students moving quickly at the start. Many describe a smooth, responsive launch into master’s study. Cost is another plus. UNR is often seen as a strong education at a good price.
That value is strongest when your classes fit your goals from day one. Engineering, in particular, has a solid reputation. For students in demanding programs, that can make the time and cost feel well spent.
Support at UNR is strongest when students connect early. Professors are often understanding when students speak up. That helps create steady, two-way communication in daily classes.
UNR also does a good job with onboarding, including quick help at the start of graduate study. In many sections, class support feels personal and direct. Supportive instructors and friendly classmates can make school much easier. Communication and follow-through are reliable strengths, though class experience can vary by professor.
UNR gives online students a positive experience. The online setting feels friendly, and people are easy to work with.
Classes tend to go best when instructors are clear and engaged. Since teaching styles differ by professor, your class mix can shape your pace each term.
When communication starts early, it is easier to get help and stay on track.
Classes at the University of Nevada, Reno often feel engaging and personal. Many courses are small enough for real discussion and close contact with instructors. In many programs, classes are challenging and move at a steady pace.
Teaching can vary by course and professor, so the day-to-day experience is not always the same. Program culture can vary too. In some graduate workshop settings, students describe mixed experiences with workload and group dynamics.
UNR is a solid choice with a friendly tone. People feel approachable across the school. Support is responsive when students engage early. Professors are often understanding with clear communication.
Academics are mixed, not flat. Some classes are challenging and well run. But quality can vary by professor and program. That affects pace and consistency each term.
Online students report excellent experiences overall. UNR also reads as quality for the price.
UNR is a solid choice with a friendly tone. People feel approachable across the school. Support is responsive when students engage early. Professors are often understanding with clear communication.
Academics are mixed, not flat. Some classes are challenging and well run. But quality can vary by professor and program. That affects pace and consistency each term.
Online students report excellent experiences overall. UNR also reads as quality for the price.
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Nevada - Reno
Is University of Nevada - Reno accredited?
Yes. University of Nevada - Reno is institutionally accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How many online programs does University of Nevada - Reno offer?
University of Nevada - Reno offers 13 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.
What degree levels does University of Nevada - Reno offer?
University of Nevada - Reno offers programs from bachelor's through master's and doctoral levels.
How should students contact admissions at University of Nevada - Reno?
Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.
Is University of Nevada - Reno expensive, and what are the tuition costs?
Roughly speaking, University of Nevada - Reno falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.
How quickly can I enroll at University of Nevada - Reno?
Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.
What should transfer students ask University of Nevada - Reno first?
The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.
What GPA do most University of Nevada - Reno programs require?
GPA requirements typically range from 2.8 to 3.5, and 3.0 appears most often.
Is University of Nevada - Reno military friendly?
University of Nevada - Reno does not show Yellow Ribbon support. If military benefits matter for your plan, check current military options before you apply.
How can students request information from University of Nevada - Reno through GetEducated?
Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.
What documents are most commonly required for University of Nevada - Reno applications?
Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Resume/CV, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Essay/Writing Sample. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.
Does University of Nevada - Reno accept life experience credit?
University of Nevada - Reno accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.
Are University of Nevada - Reno programs fully online or mixed?
University of Nevada - Reno includes 100% Online and Mostly Online options, so students should check the format of their specific program before applying.
What kinds of online programs does University of Nevada - Reno offer?
University of Nevada - Reno has online program options in areas such as Healthcare, Business, Nursing, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.
Do any University of Nevada - Reno programs have specialized accreditation?
Program-specific accreditors include Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH); AACSB International (AACSB); Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Are any admission tests required for University of Nevada - Reno programs?
Some listed programs include GRE or GMAT requirements, so students should check test expectations before choosing a program.
Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at University of Nevada - Reno?
Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.
Do any University of Nevada - Reno programs have state authorization limitations?
State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.
How often can students start at University of Nevada - Reno?
Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For University of Nevada - Reno, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.
How should working adults compare University of Nevada - Reno programs?
Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.
Featured Ranking Reports
University of Nevada - Reno is featured in 10 of our ranking reports!
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Geographic and Educational Overview
University of Nevada - Reno is located in Nevada
Nevada at a Glance:

Top Majors in Nevada:
Top Incentives in Nevada:
- Nevada Promise Scholarship: Covers remaining tuition and fees
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- Senior Level: Resort Director ($150,000+)
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