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

Among Nevada's nine nursing programs, UNR produces graduates who earn $85,733 in their first year—competitive with the state median but trailing Touro University Nevada's $100,956. The $20,813 debt load is notably lighter than both the state median ($27,448) and national median ($27,000), putting graduates in a strong financial position despite UNR not being the state's highest-earning option. That 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio means new nurses owe less than three months of salary, a manageable burden that allows them to enter the workforce without overwhelming financial pressure.

The concerning element here is the earnings trajectory: salaries drop to $80,458 by year four, a 6% decline that's unusual in nursing. This might reflect career path choices—some UNR graduates may move into lower-paying roles, work part-time, or relocate to lower-cost areas. It could also indicate that Nevada's nursing market rewards experience differently than other states. However, even with this decline, fourth-year earnings remain competitive with the state's overall nursing outcomes.

For families prioritizing manageable debt and strong initial placement, UNR delivers. The relatively low admission rate of 85% makes this accessible for most qualified applicants, and the light debt burden provides breathing room early in a nursing career. Just recognize that while you're getting solid value compared to the national picture (85th percentile), Nevada has options that may offer higher earning potential if maximizing first-year salary is the priority.