Accredited colleges and universities have had their educational programs and faculty evaluated by an outside agency. Those agencies ensure that the school provides a high-quality education to its students, so to have your degree recognized by employers, it’s critical to attend an accredited institution. Below you’ll find information on higher education in the state and helpful resources on online colleges in Nevada.
- School Search
- Accreditation Agencies
- Education Links
- Notable Schools
School Search
Accredited Online Colleges Database
Accreditation Agencies
The following agencies accredit schools in Nevada. Keep in mind that these agencies only issue institution-wide accreditation, however, and not program-specific accreditation. For information on particular programs, see our subject pages.
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
- Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET)
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
- Council on Occupational Education (COE)
- Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)
- Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
Higher Education Links
For more information on higher education in Nevada, or to explore educational legislation and policy in the state, see the Department of Education. You can also use the agencies below to glean more general information about accredited colleges and universities in the state.
Notable Schools
Picking a school can be a daunting task, especially when considering the sheer number of accredited colleges there are in the state. Our database below can help with narrowing down your options for your specific area. In addition, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most notable accredited online and campus-based schools in the state to help you begin your school search.
Public
Nevada’s public university system includes numerous strong research universities and nontraditional learning options. Learn more about higher education in the state by reading about a few of its top schools.
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas
Nevada’s largest public university, enrolling 35,678 students during the fall of 2013, is also in its most well-known city: Las Vegas. When not lured in by the city’s attractions, students enjoy a host of on-campus student groups, as well as amenities such as nonremedial tutoring and placement service. Nursing is a particularly popular program at the school. Notable alumni include Major League Baseball players Bryce Harper and Mike Dunn.
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno
Among the University of Nevada in Reno’s offerings are more than 50 undergraduate programs of study, as well as 200 student organizations. The school is also home to one of the country’s largest earthquake-simulation laboratories, and faculty are noted for their extensive research on earthquakes. The annual Burning Man festival is held in Reno, near the school, another attraction for many students.
Western Nevada College
Carson City
Western Nevada College’s students can attend classes on any of the school’s four campuses and are able to tailor their degrees to their specific needs. For example, one of the college’s more unusual programs of study is a Bachelor of Technology degree in Construction Management. The school also has a large online catalog for students interested in blended or completely remote learning.
Private
Nevada has exactly three private institutions, all of which offer the student a strong academic program. Learn more about the state’s schools below.
Touro University Nevada
Henderson
Nevada’s largest private university enrolled 1,232 students for the 2013-2014 school year. Touro is geared specifically toward the health profession, offering students master’s degrees in nursing, occupational therapy, and physician assistance, among others. However, the school also provides an individualized education to a small group of undergraduate students who major in education, nursing, or parks, recreation, and leisure studies. In addition, Touro has a Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities that allows students to work with children and families in need.
Sierra Nevada College
Incline Village
Sierra Nevada College enrolled only 987 students for the fall of 2013, allowing each of those students to pursue a very personalized program of study. The campus is situated on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, affording students a peaceful study environment. The student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1 means that students have plenty of face time with their professors, too. In keeping with the theme of hospitality that the school’s Lake Tahoe location is known for, ski business and resort management is a popular and innovative major.
Roseman University of Health Sciences
Henderson
Roseman University is another good choice for students interested in health sciences, since the school is popular for its pharmacy studies program. With only 1,202 students, 243 of whom are undergraduates, the school allows students to get quickly acquainted with professors. Its curriculum is designed in blocks, so rather than taking several classes at once, students focus on just one topic, studying with peers and faculty for six hours each day. In addition, Roseman is noted for its Center for Diabetes and Obesity Research.