Economics at University of Nevada-Reno

At just under $48,000 in first-year earnings, University of Nevada-Reno's economics program sits about $4,000 below the national median—but here's what matters more for Nevada families: it substantially outperforms the in-state alternative. Ranking in the 60th percentile among Nevada economics programs (and handily beating UNLV's $30,000 median), UNR represents the stronger choice for students planning to work in the state after graduation. The debt load of roughly $23,000 stays manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5.

The program won't catapult graduates into the highest-earning tier nationally—placing in the 34th percentile means many economics programs elsewhere produce better initial outcomes. But context matters: Nevada's economy differs from coastal finance hubs, and starting near $48,000 in Reno provides reasonable footing for career growth. The relatively low debt means graduates aren't trapped by payments if they need to take a lower-paying first job or pursue further education.

For families weighing their options within Nevada's university system, UNR delivers meaningfully better economics outcomes than the state's only other major alternative. Students aiming for Wall Street or high-powered consulting should look elsewhere, but those planning to build careers in Nevada's growing economy will find this program offers solid preparation without crushing debt.