College of Southern Nevada is Nevada's largest and most ethnically diverse higher education institution. Established in 1971, CSN serves over 30,000 students across three main campuses.
The college offers unique programs in hospitality and gaming management leveraging its Las Vegas location. CSN's 'Workforce and Economic Development' division provides customized training for local businesses.
College of Southern Nevada Acceptance Rate
College of Southern Nevada Admission Requirements
CSN GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at CSN utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 0, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
| Candidate GPA Range | Admission Category | Strategic Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 0.00 – 4.00 | Strategic Reach | Maintain Rigor & High Testing |
| -0.20 – -0.01 | Competitive Match | Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation |
| -0.40 – -0.21 | Secondary Reach | Personal Statement & Impact |
| Below -0.41 | Institutional Reach | Requires Significant Contextual Factors |
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At CSN, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Calculated via College Portal’s Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards.
Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
College of Southern Nevada (CSN) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. For the 2026 academic cycle, the landscape of standardized testing has shifted back toward Test-Required policies at the majority of highly selective and Ivy+ institutions. Following a multi-year "Test-Optional" pilot, data-driven results have led universities like Harvard, Yale, Brown, and the University of Texas at Austin to reinstate the SAT and ACT as mandatory components of the application.
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2025 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
CSN Profile
Name: College of Southern Nevada (CSN)
Accredited by: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
How much does a degree from CSN Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at College of Southern Nevada is USD: 12961. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at College of Southern Nevada is USD: 6950
How can I get a scholarship?
28.54% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 9.69 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSN and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At College of Southern Nevada, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSN as your choice in the form.
How much a CSN Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 38087. An average CSN graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Fire Protection
Associate Degree Programs
- Accounting and Related Services
- Agriculture/Veterinary Preparatory Programs
- Air Transportation
- Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services
Frequently Asked Questions About College of Southern Nevada Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $38087 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
Question: What is the tuition fee?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $12961 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship ?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are lower, 50% or less. It's important to apply early and showcase a strong academic profile.
Question: Is it possible to transfer from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting Admissions?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by College of Southern Nevada.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2025, US Department of Education's latest 2025 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.

