Public Four-Year Universities in Nevada

University of Nevada, Reno

Overview

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), founded in 1874, is the flagship institution of the Nevada System of Higher Education. Known for its strong academic programs, extensive research initiatives, and vibrant campus life, UNR is one of the leading public universities in the western United States.

Location

Reno, Nevada

Enrollment

Approximately 21,000 students

Academic Programs

UNR offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 11 colleges and schools:

• College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources
• College of Business
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Science
• Division of Health Sciences
• Honors College
• School of Community Health Sciences
• School of Journalism
• School of Medicine

The university is particularly known for its programs in engineering, business, journalism, and health sciences. The College of Engineering and the Reynolds School of Journalism are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

UNR is a leader in research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Nevada Seismological Laboratory, the Center for Advanced Transportation Education and Research, and the Nevada Terawatt Facility. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and engineering to social sciences and the humanities.

Campus Life

UNR provides a dynamic campus life with over 300 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The Nevada Wolf Pack, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Harry Reid, professional golfer Patty Sheehan, and NFL player Colin Kaepernick. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as politics, sports, business, and entertainment.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Overview

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), founded in 1957, is a public research university known for its strong emphasis on innovation, research, and community engagement. UNLV offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Las Vegas, Nevada

Enrollment

Approximately 31,000 students

Academic Programs

UNLV offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs through its 16 colleges and schools:

• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• College of Fine Arts
• College of Hospitality
• College of Liberal Arts
• College of Sciences
• College of Urban Affairs
• Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
• Honors College
• Lee Business School
• School of Allied Health Sciences
• School of Community Health Sciences
• School of Dental Medicine
• School of Integrated Health Sciences
• School of Medicine
• William S. Boyd School of Law

The university is particularly known for its programs in hospitality, business, law, and engineering. The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and the William S. Boyd School of Law are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

UNLV is at the forefront of research and innovation, with numerous research centers and institutes, including the Desert Research Institute, the Nevada Institute for Personalized Medicine, and the International Gaming Institute. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and engineering to social sciences and the arts.

Campus Life

UNLV provides a vibrant campus life with over 350 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as concerts, lectures, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

The UNLV Rebels, the university’s athletic teams, compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference. The university offers a variety of sports, including football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The athletics program is an integral part of campus life, fostering school spirit and community engagement.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include professional poker player and philanthropist Daniel Negreanu, former U.S. Congressman Joe Heck, and singer and actress Tatyana Ali. The university’s alumni network is extensive and influential, with graduates excelling in various fields such as entertainment, politics, business, and sports.

Nevada State College

Overview

Nevada State College (NSC), founded in 2002, is a public college known for its strong emphasis on teaching, nursing, and education. NSC offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Henderson, Nevada

Enrollment

Approximately 7,200 students

Academic Programs

NSC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its three schools:

• School of Education
• School of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• School of Nursing

The university is particularly known for its programs in nursing, education, and the liberal arts. The School of Nursing and the School of Education are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

NSC is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Teaching Excellence and the Nevada State College Nursing Research Institute. The university’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and education to the arts and humanities.

Campus Life

NSC provides a vibrant campus life with over 50 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The university hosts numerous events, such as lectures, workshops, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

NSC is in the process of developing its athletics program, which currently includes various club and intramural sports, such as soccer, basketball, and volleyball. These activities are an integral part of campus life, fostering community engagement and overall well-being.

Notable Alumni

As a relatively young institution, NSC is rapidly building its alumni network. Notable graduates include professionals in education, healthcare, and public service who are making significant contributions to their fields.

Great Basin College

Overview

Great Basin College (GBC), founded in 1967, is a public college known for its strong emphasis on comprehensive education, community engagement, and workforce development. GBC offers a comprehensive educational experience in a supportive and vibrant campus environment.

Location

Elko, Nevada, with satellite campuses across northeastern Nevada

Enrollment

Approximately 3,400 students

Academic Programs

GBC offers a range of undergraduate and associate degree programs through its various academic divisions:

• Arts and Letters
• Business and Technology
• Health Sciences and Human Services
• Science and Mathematics
• Social Sciences and Education

The college is particularly known for its programs in nursing, business, and education. The Health Sciences and Human Services division and the Business and Technology division are among the most notable.

Research and Innovation

GBC is dedicated to research and innovation, with numerous research centers and initiatives, including the Center for Student Engagement and the Great Basin College Renewable Energy Research Center. The college’s research efforts cover a wide array of disciplines, from health sciences and business to renewable energy and technology.

Campus Life

GBC provides a vibrant campus life with various student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The college hosts numerous events, such as lectures, workshops, and cultural festivals, enhancing the student experience.

Athletics

GBC does not have a traditional athletics program but offers various recreational and intramural sports, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. These activities are an integral part of campus life, fostering community engagement and overall well-being.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni include professionals in various fields such as education, healthcare, and business who are making significant contributions to their communities. GBC’s alumni network is growing, with graduates excelling in various sectors.