University of Nevada, Reno vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas

University of Nevada, Reno vs University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

UNR and UNLV are both Carnegie R1 research universities (very high research activity). UNR tends to have higher graduation levels and slightly better academic performance in most STEM, environmental science, and general education measures, whereas UNLV excels in applied areas, hospitality, entertainment/tourism-focused fields, and business given the urban location. Global rankings (QS, THE) specific subject placements between the two schools differ, but UNR largely performs better than UNLV in most broad measures of academic outcome and graduation.

General Information

UNR has approximately 17,965 undergraduates; UNLV approximately 25,365 undergraduates. UNR's Reno campus has a more mountain / foothill / outdoor setting, as well as providing a wide variety of academic programs. UNLV's Las Vegas campus is more diverse in student population and has excellent programs particularly in hospitality, entertainment, and business related to the urban economy. Both campuses provide extensive graduate programs.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UNR admits around 85% of applicants, so it is fairly accessible but does expect decent academic preparation. UNLV admits around 85% (overall), also fairly accessible. UNR's freshman?sophomore retention rate is around 80%, which shows most first-year students come back. UNLV's retention rate is around 77%. The admitted students at both have a spread of GPAs and test scores in their academic profile; a lot of students are admitted without the submission of standardized tests, depending on the year.

Research Impact & Facilities

Both UNR and UNLV, as R1 universities, have significant research output. UNR has research emphases in STEM fields, environmental sciences, and other topics such as earth/atmospheric sciences. Some of its infrastructural facilities include seismological laboratories (Nevada Seismological Laboratory), environmental research facilities, etc. UNLV focuses on research related to its location: hospitality, health sciences, urban studies, entertainment and tourism, business, etc. The citation and research funding rates prefer UNR in most broad-based measures, yet UNLV has close applied research connections to the economic bases of its city. 

Cost & Financial Aid

UNR's in-state fee (for undergrads) is about US$8,000-US$9,000, with out-of-state pricing much higher (approx. US$25,000+). UNLV's fee is also fairly middle-of-the-road for in-state vs out-of-state. Both schools have a very high percentage of students receiving aid. Average amounts of grants/aid are low but significant; net prices (after receiving aid) fluctuate based on residency, family income, and major.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

UNR graduates fare slightly better in six-year graduation rates (~ 62%) and median graduate earnings (particularly in STEM/business) than UNLV, whose six-year graduation rate is lower (~ 47%). UNR graduates are prevalent in regional businesses (tech, environment, mining, public service) particularly in Northern Nevada and the surrounding states. UNLV graduates perform well in tourism, business, entertainment, and hospitality industries, capitalizing on Las Vegas's economy. Both colleges provide career resources; UNLV's location in the city offers abundant internship / job opportunities locally, while UNR provides excellent connectivity particularly for students who are willing to interact with research or local industries.