Degree Programs for Nevada Accountants

Nevada’s economy is booming. In 2025, multiple corporations announced their relocation to Nevada, including major financial institutions. The state’s positive economic outlook will likely benefit finance professionals, and job projections indicate high demand for accounting careers.

Earning an accounting degree in Nevada can prepare you to pursue high-paying careers with strong demand. Our guide digs into the data on Nevada’s economy, higher education system, and job outlook for accounting majors. Thanks to affordable tuition rates and statewide scholarship programs, Nevada is a great place to attend college. Based on the state’s economic outlook, there’s never been a better time to earn an accounting degree.

While Nevada is home to just 21 colleges — a fraction of the number in neighboring California — the Silver State still offers a great place to earn an accounting degree. Nevada’s positive economic outlook and strong demand for accounting careers can make investing in an accounting degree a worthwhile pursuit.

The state also reports more affordable tuition rates than the national average, and strong state scholarship programs can further lower the financial burden of earning a degree.

Many of the state’s four-year colleges operate in Las Vegas and Reno. Nevadans can also earn associate degrees at affordable community colleges like the College of Southern Nevada before transferring to four-year institutions.

Attending an accounting program in Nevada can set students up for success if they plan to stay in the state. Colleges often partner with local businesses to provide internships and networking opportunities. Building a professional network while in school can prepare graduates for success in the job market.

Accounting students also benefit from a strong economic outlook in the Silver State. Many accounting careers receive projected job growth rates of over 10%, according to Projections Central.

The share of Nevadans with bachelor’s degrees or higher lags behind national numbers, allowing them to stand out in the state’s job market. As Nevada’s economy continues to expand, demand for college-educated professionals will likewise grow.

More than half of Nevada college students take online courses, making distance learning a widespread way to receive a college education.

Accounting majors should always attend accredited institutions, which meet the highest standard for academic quality. Schools undergo a rigorous review process to earn and maintain accreditation. This review evaluates their student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and commitment to continuous improvement.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) accredits Nevada colleges and universities, though a change in 2020 now allows any institutional accreditor to assess any school, regardless of region.

In addition to looking for NWCCU accreditation, accounting students can also check whether degrees or departments hold programmatic accreditation. This form of accreditation evaluates specific programs, such as an institution’s business school, to ensure that they adequately prepare graduates for careers in the field.

Nevada accounting students have several options when it comes to delivery formats, including traditional on-campus degrees, online accounting programs, and hybrid options that blend the two methods. The right fit depends on your schedule, location, and learning preferences.

Over half of Nevada’s students take at least some online courses, while 47.9% attend exclusively in person. Compared to national averages, Nevadans are slightly less likely to enroll in fully online programs but more likely to choose a hybrid option.

Traditional on-campus programs hold classes in person, with options to enroll full time or part time. In addition to taking classes on campus, these programs provide in-person student services, including writing centers, libraries, career services, and other support. Nevada’s on-campus programs often appeal to students who prefer the structure of in-person learning.

Online programs use distance learning technology to deliver course material virtually. Learners may take courses on their schedule, known as asynchronous learning, or attend live class sessions using videoconferencing tools, known as synchronous learning.

Hybrid programs combine on-campus and online learning, allowing students to take advantage of the benefits of both delivery formats. Depending on the school, students might take general education courses online while attending in-person accounting classes. Hybrid programs may also only require on-campus residencies during certain weeks or weekends.

Public and private schools in Nevada charge tuition and fees below national figures, on average. The state also offers several options to make earning an accounting degree even more affordable.

The Nevada System of Higher Education provides financial aid to eligible Nevadans. For example, the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship provides up to $10,000 in tuition for Nevadans who remain in the state for college.

Accounting scholarships can also make college more affordable. Finally, each prospective student should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for federal grants and loans.

College students attending public institutions receive a tuition discount if they’re state residents, as their taxes support higher education in the state. At the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada residents pay $10,196 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students pay $28,828.

Out-of-state students can still find tuition discounts, however. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) allows residents of eligible states to pay reduced tuition. At the University of Nevada, Reno, in-state tuition is $10,309, compared to $28,941 for out-of-state tuition. Students who qualify for WUE pay $14,637 — nearly half of the out-of-state rate.

Nevada’s cost of living aligns closely with the national average, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. In 2025, the state’s overall cost of living reached 100.2, just a fraction higher than the 100 standard for national cost of living and similar to the cost of living in nearby Idaho.

The cost of living index indicates that housing and transportation rank higher than the national average, with lower costs for utilities and health expenses.

What careers can you pursue in Nevada with an accounting degree? As the state’s economy expands, accountants will play an even more important role. Major companies continue to relocate to the Silver State because of its business-friendly environment. Many of these companies, including venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and Fidelity National Financial, will require experienced financial and accounting professionals, including certified public accountants (CPAs), compliance officers, and financial managers.

Most of Nevada’s accounting jobs operate in Las Vegas or Reno, where the majority of the state’s businesses operate. As the state’s capital, Carson City also has opportunities for accountants.

An accounting degree prepares Nevadans for diverse career paths. With an associate degree, graduates can become bookkeepers or accounting clerks. Earning a bachelor’s degree can open new career opportunities, including accountant, auditor, and compliance officer. Nevada CPAs typically complete graduate courses or a master’s degree to meet licensure requirements.

As the salary data reveals, Nevada accounting professionals can increase their earning potential when they advance their education. Many of the highest-paying accounting careers in the state require a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s can help accounting professionals advance their careers.

CPAs must meet state requirements to earn licensure. Nevada has recently joined several other states in lowering the credit requirement to 120 from 150 for earning CPA licensure. This policy should go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Candidates also need to pass the four-part Uniform CPA Examination. The Nevada State Board of Accountancy licenses CPAs in Nevada.

Each aspiring CPA must submit an application, complete a background investigation, and pay a $240 fee. Nevada also requires three character references to become a CPA.