Head-to-head · 2026
University of Nevada-Reno vs Western Nevada College
Compare average net price ($15,927 at University of Nevada-Reno; $12,732 at Western Nevada College), ROI score (9.51 vs 8.24), ten-year median earnings ($60,614 vs $41,987), and admissions context (73.7% at University of Nevada-Reno; Open / not reported at Western Nevada College) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Nevada-Reno has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Nevada-Reno 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 | University of Nevada-Reno | Western Nevada College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.51 ✓ | 8.24 |
| Avg net price | $15,927 | $12,732 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $60,614 ✓ | $41,987 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.7% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 61.2% ✓ | 41% |
| Median debt | $18,922 | $10,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 15,599 | 1,910 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1132 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nevada-Reno costs $3,195 more per year than Western Nevada College ($15,927 vs $12,732). University of Nevada-Reno graduates report $18,627 higher median earnings after ten years ($60,614 vs $41,987). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Nevada-Reno ahead on projected ROI (9.51 vs 8.24, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Nevada-Reno) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Nevada-Reno reports 73.7% acceptance; Western Nevada College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
University of Nevada-Reno vs Western Nevada College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Nevada-Reno or Western Nevada College the better value?
University of Nevada-Reno has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.51 vs 8.24), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Nevada College is cheaper — average net price $12,732 per year vs $15,927 at University of Nevada-Reno. The annual difference of $3,195 adds up to about $12,780 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nevada-Reno reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $60,614 vs $41,987 at Western Nevada College. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,627.
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. University of Nevada-Reno reports a B value grade; Western Nevada College reports B.