CSN vs. UNLV

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, NV with University of Nevada Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Nevada Las Vegas is larger than CSN based on total student enrollment (32,911 students vs. 28,313 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Southern Nevada is located in Las Vegas, NV (Large City setting); University of Nevada Las Vegas is in Las Vegas, NV (Midsize City setting).
• College of Southern Nevada is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nevada Las Vegas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Southern Nevada 18:1; University of Nevada Las Vegas 19:1.

CSN vs. UNLV Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSN or UNLV? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at College of Southern Nevada than UNLV ($7,205 vs. $11,553).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Nevada Las Vegas are 4.3% lower than at College of Southern Nevada ($12,628 vs. $13,200).
• University of Nevada Las Vegas is 123.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSN (about $5,390 more per year; $9,748.00 vs. $4,358.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.5% higher at UNLV than at College of Southern Nevada (about $14,387 more per year; $27,411.00 vs. $13,024.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nevada Las Vegas than at College of Southern Nevada (90% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Nevada Las Vegas students is 34.6% larger than aid received by College of Southern Nevada students ($7,717 vs. $5,734).

CSN vs. UNLV Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSN or UNLV? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNLV and CSN.

• College of Southern Nevada reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Nevada Las Vegas 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSN - Open admission; UNLV - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UNLV Jun 1, 2027.

CSN vs. UNLV Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSN and UNLV? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from University of Nevada Las Vegas earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than CSN graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Southern Nevada graduates have a $8,518 lower median loan debt than UNLV graduates ($10,500 vs. $19,018).
• Among borrowers, CSN graduates have an estimated $88 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than UNLV graduates ($108 vs. $196).
• More UNLV graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSN students, three years after graduation. (52% vs. 30%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.