Head-to-head · 2026
College of Southern Nevada vs University of Nevada-Reno
Compare average net price ($6,615 at College of Southern Nevada; $15,927 at University of Nevada-Reno), ROI score (14.39 vs 9.51), ten-year median earnings ($38,087 vs $60,614), and admissions context (Open / not reported at College of Southern Nevada; 73.7% at University of Nevada-Reno) using federal College Scorecard data. College of Southern Nevada has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. College of Southern Nevada leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of Southern Nevada | University of Nevada-Reno |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 14.39 ✓ | 9.51 |
| Avg net price | $6,615 ✓ | $15,927 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $38,087 | $60,614 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 73.7% |
| Graduation rate | 19.1% | 61.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $8,000 ✓ | $18,922 |
| Enrollment | 27,252 | 15,599 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1132 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nevada-Reno costs $9,312 more per year than College of Southern Nevada ($15,927 vs $6,615). University of Nevada-Reno graduates report $22,527 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,614 vs $38,087). On EduGradify's model that puts College of Southern Nevada ahead on projected ROI (14.39 vs 9.51, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of Southern Nevada) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Nevada-Reno reports 73.7% acceptance; College of Southern Nevada does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
College of Southern Nevada vs University of Nevada-Reno, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Southern Nevada or University of Nevada-Reno the better value?
College of Southern Nevada has the higher EduGradify ROI score (14.39 vs 9.51), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of Southern Nevada is cheaper — average net price $6,615 per year vs $15,927 at University of Nevada-Reno. The annual difference of $9,312 adds up to about $37,248 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nevada-Reno reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,614 vs $38,087 at College of Southern Nevada. The annual gap in the federal data is $22,527.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Southern Nevada reports a A value grade; University of Nevada-Reno reports B.