Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV's nursing program offers something rare: strong national earnings coupled with remarkably low debt. Graduates earn $83,327 in their first year—landing in the 80th percentile nationally—while carrying just $19,733 in median debt, roughly 27% less than the typical nursing graduate nationwide. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 means most students can expect to pay off their loans in under three months of work, an exceptionally favorable position for launching a nursing career.

The state comparison reveals an interesting dynamic. While UNLV sits in the middle of Nevada's nursing programs (40th percentile), the difference is modest—just $1,841 less than the state median. Meanwhile, private alternatives like Touro or Roseman deliver similar or higher earnings but typically at significantly higher cost. For Nevada families, UNLV represents the accessible choice: a 96% admission rate serving a substantial Pell-eligible population (40%) while still producing graduates who out-earn 80% of nursing programs nationally.

The modest 4% earnings growth to year four ($86,618) is typical for nursing, where new graduates often command competitive salaries from day one. Given the low debt burden and immediate strong earnings, this program offers one of the better financial outcomes you'll find in nursing education—particularly for students seeking an affordable path into a profession with excellent job security.