Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Nevada 2025
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
169 computer science graduates annually, 90% graduation rate
University of Nevada-Reno
232 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
College of Southern Nevada
1 computer science graduates annually, 73% graduation rate
- 1.Nevada offers 5+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Nevada-Las Vegas leads with 90% graduation rate
- 3.Nevada software developers earn median $98,760 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson
- 5.Cost of living index: 104% of US average (above average)
Computer Science Education in Nevada: Overview
Nevada offers 5 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 417 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, with major employers including Switch, IGT, Zappos.
With a median software developer salary of $98,760 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 104% compared to the US average, Nevada offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno, College of Southern Nevada, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Nevada Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $8,354 | 90% | 70.1 |
| 2 | University of Nevada-Reno | Reno, NV | Public | $7,876 | — | 67.3 |
| 3 | College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | Public | $3,465 | 73% | 44 |
| 4 | Western Nevada College | Carson City, NV | Public | $3,465 | — | 43.7 |
| 5 | Great Basin College | Elko, NV | Public | $3,690 | — | 40.6 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Nevada: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Nevada-Las Vegas | U of Nevada-Reno | College of Southern Nevada | Western Nevada College | Great Basin College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,354 | $7,876 | $3,465 | $3,465 | $3,690 |
| Graduation Rate | 90% | N/A% | 73% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 169 | 232 | 1 | 11 | 4 |
| Acceptance Rate | 96% | 85% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | Public | Public | Public | Public |
| Score | 70.1/100 | 67.3/100 | 44.0/100 | 43.7/100 | 40.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Nevada
Nevada offers 2 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Nevada-Las Vegas, University of Nevada-Reno. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $69,132 in the Nevada market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Nevada
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | 90% | 169 | 70.1 |
| #2 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | N/A% | 232 | 67.3 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Nevada
For graduate study, Nevada offers 2 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Nevada-Reno, University of Nevada-Las Vegas. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Nevada reaching $128,388 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond Nevada.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Nevada
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nevada-Reno | $7,876 | N/A% | 37 | 50.3 |
| #2 U of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8,354 | 90% | 8 | 46.8 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Nevada
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Nevada are at College of Southern Nevada ($3,465/year), Western Nevada College ($3,465/year), Great Basin College ($3,690/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Nevada's competitive tech salaries.
At College of Southern Nevada, a 4-year degree costs approximately $13,860 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $69,132, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Nevada (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 College of Southern Nevada | $3,465 | $13,860 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 Western Nevada College | $3,465 | $13,860 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #3 Great Basin College | $3,690 | $14,760 | 0.4 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Nevada
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Nevada, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,354 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 90% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 169 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 96%
- • Ranking Score: 70.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 169 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 70.1 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (90%), program size (169 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (96% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UNLV's Computer Science program offers a mathematically rigorous, scientifically oriented curriculum that follows the ACM model and is ABET-accredited. The department is nationally and internationally recognized for research in diverse areas including real-time algorithms, cybersecurity, and software engineering.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.75 overall or 3.0 on the last two years
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $7,876 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 232 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 85%
- • Ranking Score: 67.3 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 232 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.3 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (232 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (85% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program combines hands-on learning from day one with Engineering 100's hovercraft design project through to a senior capstone project presented to potential employers at Innovation Day. Students gain strong foundations in computing, mathematics, science and engineering with multiple specialization options including big data, cybersecurity, and digital interactive games.
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 181 (Calculus I)
- •PHYS 180 (Physics for Scientists and Engineers I)
- •PHYS 181 (Physics for Scientists and Engineers II)
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 122 credits
- Capstone Project Required
Available Specializations / Concentrations
College of Southern Nevada
Las Vegas, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,465 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 44.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 1 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Western Nevada College
Carson City, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,465 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 11 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 43.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 11 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 43.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Great Basin College
Elko, NV • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $3,690 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 4 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 40.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 4 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 40.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (4 graduates), state salary outcomes ($98,760), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Nevada with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($98,760 median)
- You want to work at companies like Switch or IGT
- You prefer Nevada's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Nevada's 5)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Computer Science in Nevada FAQ
Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Nevada-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Nevada salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.