The eight public institutions are under the control of the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) (formerly the University and Community College System of Nevada "UCCSN") and are divided into comprehensive colleges and community colleges.[1] An unusual characteristic of the community colleges is that they award bachelor's degrees in recognition of the limited resources of the state.[2]
The private colleges of Nevada are divided into non-profit and for-profit institutions, with several branches of national for-profit institutions such as the University of Phoenix.
Formerly known as Nevada College of Pharmacy, later changed to University of Southern Nevada. Most recent name change occurred in 2011 to reflect the university's large presence in Utah.