Analysis
A bachelor's in business from UNLV carries an estimated debt load of around $24,000—notably lower than both the state median of $32,000 and the national median of $26,000 for similar programs. That's meaningful for a university with an open-door admissions policy serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students. The estimated first-year earnings of $47,500 track exactly with the national median for business degrees, suggesting typical performance for the credential despite the lack of school-specific data.
The comparison to Nevada's other programs reveals an interesting split. DeVry graduates report earning $57,000 in their first year, while UNR's business grads start closer to $46,000—suggesting Las Vegas's economy may offer different pathways than Reno's. Since UNLV's figures are national estimates rather than actual tracked outcomes, it's impossible to know where this program truly lands in that range, but the lower projected debt compared to both Nevada peers provides some cushion against underperformance.
For families, the calculation hinges on whether your child can leverage UNLV's Las Vegas location—with its concentration of hospitality, gaming, and entertainment companies—into one of those higher-earning positions. The estimated 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable repayment *if* those earnings materialize, but without verified outcomes from this specific program, you're betting on your student's ability to navigate the local job market successfully.
Where University of Nevada-Las Vegas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,142 | $47,506* | — | $23,624* | — | |
| $17,488 | $57,020* | $56,664 | $47,236* | 0.83 | |
| $8,994 | $45,630* | $52,731 | $17,500* | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $47,506* | — | $26,000* | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Nevada-Las Vegas, approximately 40% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 242 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.