🎓 Nevada FAFSA Grants & Scholarships — A Real Parent’s Guide
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If your son or daughter is planning to attend college in Nevada, the state has a few key grants and scholarships that can make a real dent in the cost — but most families miss them — not because they’re not smart enough, but because no one ever breaks it down in plain English. This guide does exactly that.
📊 Main Nevada State Aid Programs
| Program | Who It’s For | Award Amount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada Silver State Opportunity Grant | Low-income students at NSHE community colleges | Up to full tuition and fees | File FAFSA; enroll in 15+ credits per term |
| Nevada Promise Scholarship | High school seniors attending a NV community college | Covers remaining tuition after other aid | Apply by Oct 31; FAFSA by Mar 1; 20 hours of service, meet with a mentor — and yes, it’s worth a few reminders. This one really adds up. |
| Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship | High-achieving Nevada grads (3.25+ GPA) | Up to $10,000 total across college | Automatic if eligible; must attend NSHE school |
🎯 Key Things Nevada Parents Should Know
- FAFSA is required for all three major programs. Fill it out in October to stay eligible for both need-based and merit-based money.
- The Nevada Promise Scholarship has extra steps: your child needs to apply separately by Oct 31, complete 20 hours of community service, and meet with a mentor — and yes, it’s worth a few reminders. This one really adds up.
- The Millennium Scholarship is automatic for high school grads with a 3.25+ GPA — but only works at approved in-state colleges.
- The Silver State Grant is only for students attending community colleges — and they must take 15+ credits per semester.
- Tip: Nevada’s biggest state aid programs are tied to community colleges. If you’re on a budget, starting there could unlock more help.
Going Out-of-State?
Families in Nevada may qualify for reduced tuition through the
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE).
This program lets students attend public colleges in other Western states at a discounted rate.
📎 What To Do Next
- ✅ File the FAFSA as early as possible (October 2024 for 2025–2026 aid)
- ✅ If applying for Promise, complete the extra requirements: Oct 31 deadline, service hours, and mentor meeting
- ✅ Check your child’s GPA for Millennium eligibility — no separate application is needed
- ✅ Ask each school how they award state grants and if there are additional forms or steps
🎁 Get the Free College Starter Kit
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. That’s why we built the College Starter Kit — a simple, printable set of tools to help you track deadlines, compare offers, and keep your kid on track through senior year.
It’s 100% free and made for real parents. Download it here →
❓ FAQ for Nevada Families
Does my kid need to apply separately for the Millennium Scholarship?
Nope. If your son or daughter graduates with a 3.25+ GPA and meets the coursework requirements, they’re automatically awarded. Just be sure they attend an eligible Nevada college.
What does “last-dollar” mean for the Promise Scholarship?
It means the state pays what’s left over after Pell Grants or other aid. If your kid already gets full Pell, Promise may not add more — but it’s still worth applying for.
Can my child lose the Millennium Scholarship?
Yes. Students must stay enrolled in at least 6 credits per term, keep a 2.75 college GPA, and use the funds within 6 years of high school graduation.
What does “need-based” actually mean?
It means your kid’s financial aid depends on your family income and assets. The FAFSA calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and a lower EFC usually qualifies your child for more state and federal need-based aid.
🏫 Nevada Public Universities
- University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
- Nevada State University
- College of Southern Nevada
- Truckee Meadows Community College
- Western Nevada College
- Great Basin College
You’re not behind — you’re just getting started. Keep asking questions. Keep showing up. That alone makes you the difference between debt and opportunity.