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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Nevada-Las Vegas, U of Nevada-Reno,
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,465 to $8,354/year
College of Southern Nevada offers the most affordable option at $3,465/yr
Data Science degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 master's, 2 doctoral in Nevada
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Nevada community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Switch, IGT, Zappos, Caesars Entertainment
Tech hubs in Las Vegas and Reno
Hakia Research 2026
Data Science degree programs near 7+ cities across Nevada
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Nevada Data Science programs
We rank 7 accredited data science programs in Nevada using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Data Science Degree Programs in Nevada Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Nevada
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Nevada by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Nevada
Program Landscape
Nevada offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include College of Southern Nevada, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Nevada offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,465/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $54,318 in Nevada.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Nevada's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Switch, IGT, Zappos hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among data science schools in Nevada, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Nevada.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Nevada
Program Landscape
Nevada ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science education, with 2 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Nevada-Las Vegas, U of Nevada-Reno, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nevada data science programs earn a median salary of $83,946, 14% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Switch, IGT, Zappos.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $7,876 to $8,354 annually, with an average of $8,115/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 90%, with the highest reaching 90%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Nevada's leading technology employers. For students seeking data science degrees in Nevada, these top-ranked data science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Nevada
Program Landscape
Nevada offers 2 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Nevada-Reno, U of Nevada-Las Vegas, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Nevada earn a median salary of $98,760, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Switch, IGT, Zappos actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $8,115/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Nevada's data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Nevada
Program Landscape
Nevada is home to 2 doctoral programs in data science, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Nevada-Reno, U of Nevada-Las Vegas are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Nevada PhD holders earning a median of $123,450, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Switch, IGT, Zappos.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Nevada programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing data science degrees in Nevada, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Data Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Nevada
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $6,565/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $16,413/year |
| Community college tuition | $1,641/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $39,392 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $9,848 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Data Science Students in Nevada
State Aid Programs
The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship is Nevada's signature state aid program, providing up to $10,000 in tuition to Nevada's high-achieving students who attend college in-state. The scholarship pays $80 per credit at eligible universities, $60 per credit at NSHE state colleges and upper-level community college courses, and $40 per credit at NSHE community colleges (NSHE Millennium Scholarship). There's no application form, students complete the Acknowledgment of Award process online at NVGGMS.gov. Eligibility requires enrollment in at least 9 credits (community college) or 12 credits (university/state college) and maintaining a 2.75 GPA each semester.
Key Programs & Amounts
Additional Nevada state aid programs:
- Nevada Promise Scholarship: Covers up to three years of tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges for Nevada high school graduates. As a last-dollar scholarship, it fills the gap after other gift aid is applied (CSN Millennium).
- Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG): Need-based grants for college-ready, low-income students at community colleges or state colleges within NSHE. Created by the 2015 Legislature to increase access for underserved populations.
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 maximum for 2024-25 (apply via FAFSA at studentaid.gov)
- TASFA alternative: Students ineligible for FAFSA (including DACA recipients) can apply for state aid through alternative processes Complete your FAFSA early, students who file by posted academic year deadlines are considered for both federal and state grants (NSHE Financial Aid).
Institutional Scholarships
Institutional and departmental scholarships provide additional funding opportunities. UNLV's Graduate College offers competitive fellowships for high-achieving graduate students. UNR's Department of Mathematics & Statistics provides teaching assistantships with tuition waivers for qualified M.S. and Ph.D. students in Statistics and Data Science, essentially making the degree free while providing valuable teaching experience. Technology companies including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft offer computing-specific scholarships. Professional organizations like ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) and ASA (American Statistical Association) provide scholarships for statistics and data science students. Apply early, priority scholarship deadlines fall in November-December, well before regular admission deadlines. The combination of Millennium Scholarship, federal Pell Grant, and institutional aid can cover most or all costs for qualifying students.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Nevada
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science degree in Nevada. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Data Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Nevada metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Las Vegas | $109K |
| Reno | $104K |
| Henderson | $99K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Data Science Graduates in Nevada
Las Vegas leads Nevada's data science hiring with opportunities spanning gaming analytics, hospitality technology, and emerging tech sectors. MGM Resorts International (careers) employs data scientists for gaming analytics, customer behavior modeling, and revenue optimization across its portfolio of casino properties. Caesars Entertainment (jobs) uses predictive analytics for loyalty programs, dynamic pricing, and operational efficiency. DraftKings leads sports betting analytics with real-time odds calculation and risk modeling. Switch (careers) operates massive data center campuses, employing data engineers and infrastructure analysts. Google's $600 million Henderson data center creates cloud computing and analytics opportunities. Amazon's expanding distribution network requires logistics and supply chain data scientists (NuCamp Tech Jobs).
Reno anchors Northern Nevada's manufacturing analytics ecosystem around the Tesla Gigafactory. With 7,059 employees and $6 billion invested, Tesla creates specialized opportunities in manufacturing analytics, supply chain optimization, and battery technology data science. Average hourly wages at the Gigafactory are $25.78, with Tesla adding 3,000 more jobs through a $3.6 billion expansion (Manufacturing.net). Panasonic (Tesla's battery partner) announced a $100 million expansion in September 2024, adding 400 jobs in clean energy technology. Sierra Nevada Corporation and Renown Health are top employers of UNR graduates. ITS Logistics leverages data analytics for freight optimization. The tech sector in Reno offers an average salary of $104,000 with cost of living 13% below national average (NuCamp Reno).
Emerging tech companies and startup ecosystem: Companies like Consensus Cloud Solutions and Zoox (Amazon's autonomous vehicle subsidiary) are pushing boundaries in AI and robotics, creating opportunities for machine learning engineers and data scientists. PwC maintains a growing Las Vegas presence. Nevada's $500 million Innovation District and $5.5 billion cybersecurity economy create additional data-driven opportunities. The state's zero corporate income tax and business-friendly environment continue attracting companies from California, over 2,000 tech companies have relocated to Nevada in recent years. For cybersecurity-focused careers, explore cybersecurity programs or information security rankings.
Transfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Nevada
State Transfer System
Nevada has a streamlined transfer system through NSHE Common Course Numbering.
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) uses Common Course Numbering, meaning any course taught at one institution which is also taught at another will have the same prefix, number, title, and credits, making transfer significantly easier for students (Transfer NV). All previously completed college-level courses are evaluated to determine how they'll articulate upon transfer. Transfer credits can be articulated as the same or similar course, as major or general electives, or as non-transferable depending on curriculum requirements. This statewide coordination means Nevada transfer students experience far less credit loss than the national average.
How Transfers Work
Associate degree completion guarantees seamless transfer.
Students who complete an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Business (AB), or Associate of Science (AS) from an NSHE two-year institution are guaranteed admission to UNLV and receive credit for meeting general education core lower-division curriculum requirements (UNLV NSHE Transfer). The completion of the associate's degree automatically fulfills lower-division general education requirements at any NSHE institution. Students enter as juniors in their bachelor's program. This pathway is particularly valuable for students attending College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, or Western Nevada College who plan to pursue data science at Nevada State or graduate programs at UNLV/UNR.
Transfer Planning Tips
Strategic transfer planning for data science students:
- 1Complete foundational math: Finish Calculus I & II, Linear Algebra, and Statistics at community college
- 2Take programming prerequisites: Complete Python or R programming courses that transfer to your target institution
- 3Verify equivalencies early: Use Transfer NV and meet with advisors at both institutions
- 4Maintain strong GPA: Target 3.0+ for university admission. 3.5+ for competitive programs
- 5Use transfer offices: UNLV/CSN Transfer Offices are located on each of the three CSN main campuses (West Charleston, North Las Vegas, Henderson) Students who complete their first two years at community college save 40% or more on total degree costs while maintaining clear pathways to Nevada State's data science program or graduate study at UNLV and UNR. The reverse transfer option also allows students who transferred before completing their associate degree to retroactively earn the credential.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Nevada?
Industry & Workforce
Nevada is emerging as a tech powerhouse with exceptional opportunities for data science graduates.
Las Vegas has seen a 35% increase in tech jobs since 2020, with commercial real estate data showing tech-related office leasing increased 42% year-over-year in Q2 2024 (Nevada Workforce Projections). The state offers three distinct data science pathways: Nevada State University's groundbreaking BA/BS in Interdisciplinary Data Science (the first of its kind in Nevada), UNLV's interdisciplinary M.S. in Data Analytics drawing from six colleges, and UNR's rigorous M.S. in Statistics and Data Science with Ph.D. options (UNLV Data Analytics, UNR Statistics).
Salary Outlook
The salary outlook for Nevada data scientists is compelling.
The national median salary for data scientists is $108,660 according to BLS OEWS, with entry-level positions earning $80,000-$105,000 and senior roles commanding $140,000-$180,000+ (BLS OEWS May 2024). Las Vegas data scientists earn an average of $131,200 according to Indeed, while Glassdoor reports $96,241 for the metro. Nevada's zero state income tax means your take-home pay significantly exceeds what you'd earn in states like California or New York at the same salary level. Combined with lower cost of living in Las Vegas (4% below national average), Nevada offers exceptional real purchasing power for tech professionals.
Regional Tech Hubs
Two distinct tech hubs offer specialized opportunities: Las Vegas leads in gaming analytics, hospitality data science, and entertainment technology, with MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, and DraftKings driving demand for predictive analytics and customer behavior modeling. Reno anchors Northern Nevada's tech corridor around the Tesla Gigafactory (7,059 employees, $6 billion invested), creating demand for manufacturing analytics, supply chain data science, and battery technology research (Nevada Business Magazine). Google's $600 million Henderson data center and Amazon's expanding distribution network add cloud computing and e-commerce analytics opportunities. Compare programs in California, Arizona, or explore our national data science rankings.
Nevada Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: Nevada Department of Revenue
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Nevada
Employment Outlook
Nevada's tech job market is experiencing explosive growth.
The state's tech sector grew by 17% in 2024, with 22% more tech jobs year-over-year (NuCamp). The job market is projected to grow by 35.9% by 2028, with over 6,000 tech positions available across Nevada. Data Scientists in Las Vegas are earning around $160,617 annually, with industry experts predicting 11.5 million new data science jobs nationwide by 2026. Currently, there are 43+ data scientist jobs actively hiring in Las Vegas alone, with salary ranges from $75,000 to $148,000 depending on experience and specialization (Glassdoor).
Salaries by Metro
Salaries vary by metro area and reflect local industry concentrations:
- Las Vegas: Average (mean) hourly wage of $28.43 in May 2024. Data scientists earn $96,241-$160,617 depending on experience. The hospitality industry drives unique opportunities in gaming analytics, customer behavior modeling, and revenue optimization at casinos and resorts.
- Reno: Average (mean) hourly wage of $30.25 in May 2024, higher than Las Vegas due to tech manufacturing demand. The Tesla Gigafactory and emerging EV ecosystem create specialized opportunities in manufacturing analytics, supply chain optimization, and battery technology research. Entry-level tech salaries start around $65,000, with senior roles exceeding $150,000. (BLS OEWS Las Vegas Metro, BLS OEWS Reno Metro)
High-Growth Sectors
High-growth sectors shaping Nevada's data science future include: AI and machine learning (companies like Consensus Cloud Solutions and Zoox are pushing boundaries), cloud computing infrastructure (Google's $600 million Henderson data center), cybersecurity analytics (Nevada's $876,000 cyber defense center investment and $5.5 billion cybersecurity economy), autonomous vehicle data (Zoox robotics operations), and hospitality analytics (casino gaming and customer experience optimization). Nevada has secured $21 million in federal funding to become a tech hub focused on lithium batteries and EV materials, creating specialized data science opportunities in clean energy. For related career paths, explore our AI degree programs, machine learning rankings, or cybersecurity programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Nevada
Online Programs
0 available in Nevada
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $11,100
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $6,000
- Total Programs
- 20
- Median Tuition
- $6,500
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 77
- Median Tuition
- $8,700
- Total Programs
- 120
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
Data Science Degree Programs in Nevada: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Nevada?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Nevada?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Nevada?
Are there online data science degree programs in Nevada?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Nevada?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Nevada?
How long do data science degree programs take in Nevada?
What financial aid is available for data science degree students in Nevada?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Nevada salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.