Get University of Nevada, Reno Scholarships

🎓 University of Nevada, Reno Scholarships

← Back to College Scholarships

The University of Nevada, Reno doesn’t always make the top of national college lists—but it should. Especially for families looking for a good value out West. With strong automatic scholarships, a generous WUE discount, and affordable in-state tuition, UNR can offer a surprisingly affordable path to a four-year degree.

Want to compare all options in Nevada? See our Nevada state scholarships page.

💰 Cost of Attendance at UNR (2025–2026)

Here’s the full estimated cost before any aid. Most out-of-state students qualify for either the WUE rate or an automatic merit scholarship—both of which dramatically lower the cost.

Nevada Resident Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $8,900 $25,200
Housing & Meals $13,200 $13,200
Books & Supplies $1,300 $1,300
Personal Expenses $2,400 $2,400
Estimated Total $25,800 $42,100

🎯 Net Price Tip: Don’t panic at the sticker price. UNR’s average cost *after* scholarships and grants looks more like this:

  • $10,956 for families earning $0–30K
  • $13,902 for families earning $30–48K
  • $14,587 for families earning $48–75K
  • $18,900+ for families earning over $110K

Run the Net Price Calculator to get a more accurate idea for your situation.

📌 Reciprocity / WUE Note: The University of Nevada, Reno participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Students from WUE states pay about 150% of Nevada resident tuition—a significant discount compared to the standard nonresident rate. UNR does not offer a blanket out-of-state waiver, but WUE and competitive merit scholarships are the main ways nonresidents can lower costs.

Learn more about how the WUE program works →

✅ Automatic Scholarships at UNR

UNR automatically considers students for merit scholarships based on GPA and residency—no extra forms or applications required. Most out-of-state students will also be evaluated for the WUE discount if they meet the criteria and choose an eligible major.

Scholarship Residency Eligibility (GPA) Award Amount
Nevada Advantage Out-of-State 3.5+ unweighted GPA ~$8,000/year
Silver State Scholarship Out-of-State 3.25–3.49 GPA ~$5,000/year
Pack Pride Scholarship Nevada Resident 3.5+ GPA $1,000–$3,000/year

💡 WUE Discount at UNR: Students from WUE states may qualify for a reduced tuition rate—about $13,350 instead of $25,200. But it’s not automatic: WUE is limited to select majors and requires a 3.25+ GPA and on-time application.

🧪 Test Score Policy: UNR is test-optional. You do not need to submit SAT or ACT scores to qualify for automatic scholarships. GPA is the primary factor. If you do submit scores, UNR will use your highest single composite—they do not superscore.

🤔 Automatic Scholarship + WUE FAQs

Do I need to apply separately for WUE at UNR?
No separate application is required, but you must indicate interest and choose a WUE-eligible major. Students should also meet priority deadlines and GPA minimums.
Can I stack a merit scholarship with the WUE discount?
No. At UNR, you cannot combine WUE with other institutional aid. You’ll receive the better of the two options (WUE rate vs. merit scholarship).
What GPA is used to calculate eligibility?
UNR uses your unweighted core academic GPA (typically on a 4.0 scale). Test scores are not required but may strengthen your application.
Does UNR superscore the ACT or SAT?
UNR does not currently superscore standardized tests for scholarship purposes. They will consider your highest composite score.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UNR

<

UNR doesn’t offer major competitive scholarships like some flagship universities. There’s no full ride, no invitation-only scholarship weekend, and no prestige program with a name you’d recognize. Most students get aid through GPA-based automatic merit or WUE discounts.

That said, you can still be considered for smaller awards—usually in the $500 to $5,000 range—by submitting the university’s general scholarship application by February 1. These are limited in number and vary by department, but they can help fill in the financial aid gap.

UNR does not list specific award names or GPA thresholds for these—awards vary each year.

Scholarship Eligibility Award How to Apply
Foundation & Departmental Scholarships GPA 3.0+, some by major or need $500–$5,000 (varies) Submit general scholarship application by Feb 1

💡 Many of these competitive awards are tied to your intended major or college within UNR. If you’re aiming for STEM, education, music, or health fields, be sure to explore department-specific opportunities.

🤔 Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Do I have to submit a separate application for competitive scholarships?
Yes—most competitive scholarships at UNR require a separate general scholarship application (due February 1). Once submitted, you’ll be considered for all relevant awards.
Can out-of-state students apply for competitive awards?
Yes, both in-state and out-of-state students are eligible for most competitive and departmental awards. However, some programs (like the Millennium Scholarship) are only for Nevada residents.
Do I need to submit SAT or ACT scores?
Not for most scholarships. UNR is test-optional. A small number of departmental or external awards may request test scores, but the majority are based on GPA and involvement.

📚 UNR Honors College

The University of Nevada, Reno has a growing Honors College that offers smaller class sizes, priority registration, and dedicated advising—plus the option to live in the Honors Living Learning Community on campus. It’s a solid option for academically motivated students looking for more structure and community.

Admission isn’t automatic—you’ll need to submit a short application after you’re admitted to UNR. A 3.65+ unweighted GPA is recommended.

There are currently no exclusive scholarships tied to Honors College admission. However, many students who qualify for Honors are already receiving top-tier merit aid or WUE.

💡 Honors students often have access to research opportunities, faculty mentorship, and early access to competitive internships—especially in health, science, and public service majors.

🤔 Honors College FAQs

Is admission to the Honors College automatic?
No. You must submit a separate application after being admitted to UNR. The Honors team recommends applying as early as possible and suggests a 3.65+ GPA for admission.
Does the Honors College come with scholarships?
Not directly. There are no separate Honors-only scholarships at UNR. However, many Honors students receive the university’s top merit awards or WUE discounts.
Do Honors students get special housing?
Yes. Honors students can apply to live in the Honors Living Learning Community, which offers enhanced academic support and peer mentorship.

💡 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UNR

UNR doesn’t offer many flashy scholarships—but there are a few programs worth knowing about that can help close the gap, especially for in-state and first-gen students. These aren’t always featured front-and-center, but they can add up.

Scholarship Who It’s For Eligibility Award Amount
Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship Nevada residents 3.25 GPA or 21+ ACT / 1070 SAT Up to $10,000 total
Diversity & Inclusion Awards First-gen, underrepresented, or high-need students FAFSA required, reviewed holistically $1,000–$3,000
Departmental Small Awards Students by major Varies, often GPA 3.0+ $250–$1,000
Music & Marching Band Scholarships Students in music ensembles or band Audition required Varies (~$500–$2,000)

🎯 Tip: These smaller awards often go unclaimed. Submitting your FAFSA early and completing the general scholarship app puts you in the running automatically for many of them.

🤔 Hidden Gems FAQs

Can I get the Millennium Scholarship without test scores?
Yes. You only need to meet one of the two: a 3.25 GPA or a 21 ACT / 1070 SAT. Most students qualify through GPA alone.
Are these smaller awards stackable with other aid?
Yes. You can usually combine them with merit scholarships or WUE, unless otherwise stated. Many students use them to cover books or personal expenses.
Where do I apply for these?
Most are considered through the general scholarship application, which opens each fall and is due by February 1. Submitting the FAFSA is also recommended.
Are there scholarships for students in band or music?
Yes. UNR offers music and marching band scholarships for students who audition and participate in university ensembles. Awards vary and are usually stackable.

✅ What to Do Next

UNR doesn’t offer flashy, full-ride scholarships. But it does offer something a lot of families actually need: clear rules, simple merit aid, and tuition that can drop fast with WUE or a solid GPA. You don’t have to chase down complicated applications just to find out if you qualify.

If your student wants something affordable, outdoorsy, and low-pressure—especially coming from a WUE state—UNR can be a smart, quiet win. The kind that leaves you with a degree and options, not just student loans.

💡 Final Thought: No, UNR won’t roll out the red carpet. But for the right student, it offers something better: a straightforward path to a degree, surrounded by mountains instead of stress. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a kid needs.

Scroll to Top