1. University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

Overview

The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is Nevada’s flagship public research university, known for its strong engineering programs offered through the College of Engineering. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, UNR provides students with access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and facilities such as the Large-Scale Structures Laboratory and the Nevada Center for Applied Research. UNR emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to work on real-world engineering challenges and conduct research in areas like seismic safety, renewable energy, and transportation systems. The university’s proximity to Lake Tahoe and the growing technology sector in Reno makes it an ideal location for students interested in engineering careers.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #145 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 20,000+ (approximately 3,000 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Biomedical, Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Materials Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in various engineering disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 87%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1090-1290 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 305+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Harry Reid – Former U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader.
• Dina Titus – U.S. Congresswoman representing Nevada’s 1st district.
• David Wise – Olympic gold medalist in freestyle skiing.
• Nevin Strock – Vice President of Engineering at Tesla.
• Paul Laxalt – Former U.S. Senator and Governor of Nevada.

---

2. University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Overview

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public research university located in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. UNLV’s Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering offers a wide range of programs that emphasize innovation, research, and collaboration. The college is known for its cutting-edge research in areas like renewable energy, robotics, and cybersecurity. UNLV provides students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning through internships, co-ops, and research projects, often in collaboration with industry leaders like Switch, MGM Resorts, and Tesla. UNLV’s location in Las Vegas also provides students with access to a vibrant technology and entertainment industry.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): #160 (2023)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 30,000+ (approximately 2,500 in engineering)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer, and Entertainment Engineering.
• Graduate Degrees: Master’s and Ph.D. programs in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Computer Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 83%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1060-1250 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: 300+ (verbal and quantitative combined)

Famous Alumni

• Guy Fieri – Celebrity chef and television host (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives).
• Jimmy Kimmel – Late-night television host.
• Suzy Amis Cameron – Actress and environmental advocate, wife of filmmaker James Cameron.
• Elaine Wynn – Co-founder of Wynn Resorts and philanthropist.
• Greg Maddux – Hall of Fame MLB pitcher.

---

3. Sierra Nevada University (SNU)

Overview

Sierra Nevada University (SNU) is a private liberal arts university located on the shores of Lake Tahoe. While SNU is primarily known for its programs in business and environmental science, it also offers a unique approach to engineering education through its dual-degree programs in partnership with other universities. Students spend three years at SNU completing foundational coursework in mathematics and science before transferring to a partner institution to complete their engineering degree. This allows students to benefit from a personalized, liberal arts education while gaining technical expertise at a larger engineering school. SNU’s proximity to Lake Tahoe provides students with opportunities to explore environmental engineering and sustainability initiatives.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): N/A (partner program)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 500+ (small number in pre-engineering program)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Pre-Engineering (leading to completion at partner institutions).

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 70%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 1030-1250 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate pre-engineering program).

Famous Alumni

• Travis Ganong – U.S. Olympic alpine skier.
• Daron Rahlves – U.S. Olympic alpine skier and World Cup champion.
• Shawn Weatherly – Former Miss USA and Miss Universe, actress.
• Shaun Palmer – Professional snowboarder and X Games gold medalist.
• Glen Plake – Extreme skier and skiing Hall of Famer.

---

4. Nevada State College (NSC)

Overview

Nevada State College (NSC), located in Henderson, Nevada, is a growing public institution primarily focused on undergraduate education. While NSC does not offer a traditional engineering program, it provides foundational courses in mathematics, computer science, and other pre-engineering subjects. Students who begin their studies at NSC often transfer to larger institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), or the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) to complete their engineering degrees. NSC is known for its affordable tuition and supportive academic environment, making it an excellent option for students seeking to complete general education and lower-division engineering requirements.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): N/A (pre-engineering program)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 7,000+

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Pre-Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 85%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: 950-1150 (middle 50%)
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate institution).

Famous Alumni

• Raymond “Ray” Marquez – Community leader and entrepreneur.
• Kevin L. Wright – Educator and STEM advocate.
• Diana Escalante – Nonprofit leader and advocate for higher education access.
• Shane Weaver – Business consultant and digital marketing expert.
• Jennifer Gillette – Healthcare professional and nursing educator.

---

5. Great Basin College (GBC)

Overview

Great Basin College (GBC), located in Elko, Nevada, is a public college that serves rural communities in northern Nevada. GBC offers several technical and vocational programs, including foundational courses in engineering technology, mathematics, and physics. While GBC does not provide full engineering degrees, it partners with other Nevada institutions to allow students to transfer to complete their engineering education. GBC’s small class sizes and affordable tuition make it an appealing option for students looking to begin their engineering studies in a supportive environment before transferring to larger schools like UNR or UNLV. GBC is also known for its outreach to underserved and rural communities.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): N/A (pre-engineering program)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 3,800+

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Pre-Engineering, Engineering Technology, and Industrial Technology.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 100%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: Not required for admission.
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate institution).

Famous Alumni

• Kit Miller – Community development leader and nonprofit advocate.
• Chris Johnson – Entrepreneur and founder of regional tech initiatives.
• Marlene Willden – Educational leader in rural Nevada.
• Steven Verchota – Construction management consultant and engineering advocate.
• Tina Wetzel – Former president of Nevada rural educators association.

---

6. Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC)

Overview

Truckee Meadows Community College (TMCC), located in Reno, offers a range of technical and vocational programs, including courses that prepare students for engineering degrees. TMCC provides associate degree programs in engineering technology and construction management, allowing students to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a full engineering degree. The college emphasizes hands-on learning, and its location in Reno provides students with internship opportunities at nearby tech companies. TMCC’s strong ties to local industries, along with its affordability and small class sizes, make it an excellent choice for students starting their engineering education in a supportive community college environment.

U.S. News Ranking

• National Ranking (Engineering): N/A (pre-engineering program)

Student Statistics

• Total Students (Undergraduate & Graduate): 11,000+ (approximately 500 in pre-engineering programs)

Degrees Offered

• Undergraduate Degrees: Associate Degrees in Engineering Technology and Construction Management.

Acceptance Rate

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 100%

Average SAT and GRE Scores

• Average SAT Score: Not required for admission.
• Average GRE Score for Engineering Master’s Students: Not applicable (undergraduate institution).

Famous Alumni

• Steve Haugen – Engineering project manager and renewable energy advocate.
• Mary Liverett – Founder of regional community development programs.
• Tony McBride – Construction management expert and Nevada engineering leader.
• Janice Noblett – Health and safety consultant for Nevada industries.
• Brian Esser – Environmental engineer and sustainability expert.