College of Southern Nevada

Key Highlights

• Public, independently accredited degree-granting college
• Founded in 1971
• Three main campuses in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas and Henderson
• Authorized to award associate and bachelor’s degrees
• Day, evening, weekend and online study options are available

Student Life & Environment

CSN provides campus activities and student services across its three main campuses, but the experience differs from that of a residential university. Student unions at Charleston, Henderson and North Las Vegas serve as gathering, study and event spaces. Campus Life coordinates social programming, leadership opportunities, volunteer activities, wellness events and cultural programming. Students can also participate in clubs, student government and collegiate athletics. The Coyote Cupboard offers free food and toiletries to currently enrolled students. First Year Experience programming connects new students with peer leaders, orientation resources and college traditions. Academic support includes advising and tutoring through the Centers for Academic Success, with in-person and online help available for many general-education subjects and study skills. International students can connect through the International Center and the International Student Organization. The center supports admissions, orientation, immigration advising and adjustment to study in the United States. Because CSN is non-residential, much of student life requires deliberate participation. Students commonly balance classes with work, family responsibilities or travel between campuses. Joining a club, using a student union or attending campus events may be especially useful for commuters who want a stronger sense of community.

Location & Surroundings

CSN serves the Las Vegas Valley through three main campuses: Charleston in western Las Vegas, North Las Vegas on East Cheyenne Avenue and Henderson on College Drive. It also operates learning centers elsewhere in Southern Nevada. Applicants should treat the institution as a regional, multi-site college rather than assume every program and service is available at the database-listed Las Vegas location. The metropolitan setting provides access to a large service, hospitality, healthcare, construction, technology and public-sector economy. Career relevance will vary by program, and students should not assume that proximity to an industry guarantees an internship or job. Transportation and housing require advance planning. CSN does not provide on-campus housing. Students generally use apartments, shared accommodation, homestays or family housing. The college advises international students that its campuses are several miles apart and that travel around the spacious Las Vegas area can consume substantial time and money without a car. Before enrolling, students should check the location and meeting format of required courses, estimate commuting costs and choose housing in relation to their principal campus.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For 2026–2027, CSN’s official cost-of-attendance page estimates tuition and mandatory fees for a full-time student taking 15 credits per semester at $4,853 for Nevada residents, $14,403 for out-of-state students and $6,900 under the Western Undergraduate Exchange category. These figures differ from the older tuition values stored in the database and are the current official planning estimates. Actual charges depend on residency, credit load, course and program fees. The same 2026–2027 page estimates total annual attendance costs of $26,900 for a Nevada resident living off campus and $19,473 for one living with parents. These budgets include tuition and fees, books, housing, food, transportation, personal expenses and estimated loan fees; they are financial-aid budgets, not bills. Because CSN has no campus housing, living costs depend on a student’s private arrangements. Students can pursue federal and state aid, scholarships, work-study and payment resources subject to eligibility. CSN’s financial-aid page reported temporary 2026–2027 processing delays associated with system updates and federal changes, so applicants should monitor MyCSN and current financial-aid notices. International students should not assume access to US federal aid. Career Services supports students and alumni with career guidance, résumé review, interview preparation, job fairs and internship searches. Handshake provides job and internship listings. The Transfer Center assists associate-degree students preparing to continue at four-year institutions. These services support planning but do not guarantee employment, transfer admission or earnings.