These days, more students in Nevada are looking for ways to earn a degree without having to put their lives on hold. Many are working, raising families, or managing other commitments, and that’s where online colleges come in. They let you study from anywhere while still getting a quality education.
Online programs in Nevada cover a wide range of fields, from nursing and business to technology and hospitality. Whether you want to earn a bachelor’s, a master’s, or a professional certificate, there are schools offering programs that fit different schedules and learning needs. This flexibility makes it possible to gain the skills you need without giving up your current job or relocating.
Choosing the right online college matters because it can shape your skills, career prospects, and future opportunities. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which school will give you the best combination of quality, flexibility, and value.
This article features the top online colleges in Nevada. You’ll see what programs they offer, how courses are delivered, and a quick note on accreditation. The goal is to give you the information you need to make a decision you can feel confident about.
Best Online Colleges in Nevada
Explore the top 5 online colleges in Nevada.
1. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
UNR’s “Nevada Online” is built for flexibility: you can take a wide range of fully online programs using the same curriculum and faculty as its on-campus courses. For undergraduates, there’s a Bachelor of Science in General Business, and other online bachelor’s options like Communication Studies or Criminal Justice.
On the graduate side, UNR offers master’s programs in areas such as Business Analytics, Instructional Technology & Learning Design, Educational Leadership, Equity & Diversity in Education, and Special Education, plus a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
There are also online certificates (for example, in Donor Management & Transplantation Science) to help you upskill without committing to a full degree. Through Nevada Online, UNR supports adult learners with advisors and a cost estimator so you can plan based on your work, family life, or other commitments.
2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
UNLV Online is designed for students who need flexibility. They offer fully online bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs, and more than 800 online courses every semester. Their online degrees span many fields: business (MBA), computer science/cybersecurity, public health, education, hospitality, and more.
For example, you can study Cybersecurity (MSc), Data Analytics, or Nursing (MSN / DNP), all online. They also have certificate options through their Continuing Education department, like AI Prompting, Salesforce Administration, and Data Science & AI, fully online.
UNLV provides strong student support for online learners, advisors, tech help, and career services.
3. Nevada State University (NSU)
Nevada State University’s 100% online RN-to-BSN program is built for working registered nurses. It takes about 36 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 12 months. The curriculum focuses on leadership, clinical thinking, public health, cultural awareness, and decision-making in health contexts.
This format lets RNs keep working while earning their bachelor’s, since learning is entirely online. NSU’s nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), which ensures its quality.
4. Great Basin College (GBC)
GBC is very strong in distance learning: they offer a wide variety of fully online programs, from certificates to bachelor’s degrees. Specifically, GBC’s online degrees include Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS).
For bachelor’s students, they have a BA in English and Social Science, a BS in Nursing (RN-to-BSN), and BAS degrees in Human Services, Land Surveying/Geomatics, and Management & Supervision.
On the certificate side, they offer job-focused options like Medical Coding & Billing, Office Technology, and Human Resources. The online courses are structured to give flexibility without sacrificing quality, making it easy to study around work or other commitments.
5. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)
TMCC’s online learning is quite flexible, with several full degree options and non-credit courses. Through their WebCollege platform, you can earn associate degrees (AA, AS, AAS) fully online: for example, AA in General Studies, AAS in Business or Early Childhood Education, and more.
Their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) programs are also available online, and areas include Emergency Management, Logistics Operations, and Radiologic Technology. TMCC also offers a BS in Nursing online, helping RNs or other students pursue a bachelor-level nursing degree.
For continuing education, they run EPIC online classes: self-paced or live, covering career training, business, creative arts, and technical fields via partners like ed2go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Online Colleges in Nevada
1. Which online college in Nevada is the best for undergraduate programs?
The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and UNLV are considered top choices for online bachelor’s programs. UNR offers degrees like Business, Criminal Justice, and Communication Studies, while UNLV provides online options in areas such as Urban Studies, Marketing, and Hospitality Management. Both schools have strong faculty support and flexible online schedules.
2. Can I earn a nursing degree completely online in Nevada?
Yes. Great Basin College, Nevada State University, UNR, and TMCC all offer online nursing programs. For example, NSU has an RN-to-BSN program that lets registered nurses complete their bachelor’s entirely online, while UNR and TMCC offer online graduate nursing programs like the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
3. Are online degrees from Nevada colleges respected by employers?
Yes. All the top online colleges in Nevada are fully accredited. For instance, UNR, UNLV, and NSU are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and their programs meet professional standards. Employers generally recognize these online degrees as the same as traditional in-person degrees.
4. Can I study online while working full-time?
Absolutely. Online programs in Nevada are designed with flexibility in mind. Most courses allow students to complete lectures, assignments, and discussions at their own pace. Many programs also offer part-time options or hybrid formats if you prefer some on-campus experiences.
5. How much do online programs cost in Nevada?
Costs vary depending on the school and program. Community colleges like TMCC and Great Basin College are generally more affordable than universities like UNR or UNLV. Some schools also provide online students with tuition estimates and financial aid options, so you can plan.
6. Are there online certificates or short-term programs?
Yes. Most Nevada colleges offer online certificates in career-focused areas. For example, UNLV provides online certificates in Data Science, AI, and Salesforce Administration. Great Basin College offers certificates in Medical Coding & Billing, Office Technology, and Human Resources.
7. Do online students get support like on-campus students?
Yes. Online students at these colleges have access to academic advising, technical support, library resources, and career services. This ensures you can complete your degree successfully even if you’re not physically on campus.