đ University of Nevada, Reno Scholarships & Financial Aid (2025â2026)
â Back to the Public University Scholarships hub ⢠See Nevada state aid
- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive scholarships for residents & nonresidents
- Regional discounts (WUE, PEP) and how they work
- Honors benefits and tips to stack awards effectively
đ Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~73.7% (Fall 2024)
- GPA (average): 3.44
- Middle 50% SAT: 1070â1270
- Middle 50% ACT: 19â26
Source: UNR Common Data Set & official admissions materials (latest available).
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state â
UNR at a Glance
Last verified: October 15, 2025
The University of Nevada, Reno is one of the Westâs best values â especially when you factor in automatic merit awards, the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), and the state-backed Pack Promise+ program for Nevada residents.
While aid packages vary, many families bring costs close to in-state levels by combining merit scholarships with WUE/PEP discounts and need-based support. High-achieving Nevada residents should review Pack Promise+, which can fully cover tuition, fees, and books for eligible students.
FAQ
Is UNR test-optional? Yes. ACT/SAT scores are optional; UNR accepts superscores if you submit tests.
Are there full-tuition programs? Yes. Pack Promise+ (formerly Nevada Scholars) covers tuition, fees, and books for qualified Nevada residents.
Does UNR offer reciprocity? Yes. WUE (â150% of in-state tuition) and PEP provide major discounts for many nonresidents.
Whatâs the average net price? Around $15,198 after aid (latest federal data).
University of Nevada, Reno â Undergraduate Admissions: https://www.unr.edu/admissions
Financial Aid & Scholarships (overview): https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid
Scholarships (campus & donor): https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) at UNR: https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid/wue
Pack Promise+ (Nevada resident tuition/fees/books program): https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid/pack-promise-plus
University Honors Program: https://www.unr.edu/honors
Institutional Research â Common Data Set: https://www.unr.edu/institutional-analysis/institutional-research/common-data-set
Residency for Tuition Purposes (Records/Registrar): https://www.unr.edu/records/residency
đ° Cost of Attendance at the University of Nevada, Reno (2025â2026)
These figures represent the estimated annual cost for full-time undergraduates living on campus in Reno. Most nonresident students qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) or merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition.
| Category | Nevada Resident | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $8,900 | $25,200 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus average) | $13,200 | $13,200 |
| Estimated Total (Before Aid) | $22,100 | $38,400 |
Note: Totals include tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meals only. Books, transportation, and personal expensesâtypically $3,000â$4,000 per yearâare excluded for clarity but are counted in the universityâs official financial-aid budget. Health insurance is required unless waived with proof of comparable coverage.
đ COA & WUE Mini-FAQ
Does UNR automatically award WUE rates?
Not automatically â but most qualified students from WUE states receive the discount if they meet GPA and test
criteria and apply early.
Can out-of-state students become Nevada residents?
Rarely. Students must live in Nevada for 12 months for non-educational reasons and show full independence.
Most remain classified as nonresidents during their degree.
How much do books and personal expenses add?
Plan about $3,000â$4,000 extra per year for books, transportation, and personal costs.
Where can I check my own estimated cost?
Use the official UNR Cost Calculator
for a personalized estimate based on your residency and aid eligibility.
Tuition & Fees (current schedules): https://www.unr.edu/tuition-and-fees
Cost Calculator / Net Price Estimate: https://www.unr.edu/tuition-and-fees/cost-calculator
Financial Aid â Cost of Attendance guidance: https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid/cost-of-attendance
Housing & Dining (rates & meal plans): https://www.unr.edu/housing
Health Insurance / Waiver information: https://www.unr.edu/student-health-center/insurance
WUE program details (UNR): https://www.unr.edu/financial-aid/wue
Residency classification (requirements): https://www.unr.edu/records/residency
Automatic Scholarships at UNR
UNR automatically considers students for merit scholarships based on unweighted core GPA and residencyâno extra forms or applications required. Most out-of-state students are also evaluated for the WUE tuition discount if they choose an eligible major and meet criteria.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada Advantage Scholarship | ~$8,000/year | Out-of-state; 3.5+ core GPA; new freshmen | No | Yes | Out-of-state applicants with highest academic records; top 10â20% | Feb 1 |
| Silver State Scholarship | ~$5,000/year | Out-of-state; 3.25â3.49 GPA; new freshmen | No | Yes | Nonresident students who just miss Nevada Advantage GPA | Feb 1 |
| Pack Pride Scholarship | $1,000â$3,000/year | Nevada residents; 3.5+ GPA; new freshmen | No | Yes | Top academic in-state students; renewable with good standing | Feb 1 |
| WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) | Reduces tuition (see site for exact savings) | Resident of WUE-eligible state; 3.25+ GPA or 24 ACT/1160 SAT; WUE-eligible majors | No | Yes | Out-of-state students with strong GPA/test score and correct major | Feb 1 |
Automatic Scholarship + WUE FAQs
No separate application is required, but you must choose a WUE-eligible major, meet the GPA, and indicate interest. Meet all deadlines for consideration.
No. At UNR, you cannot combine WUE with other institutional aid. You receive the better of the two options (WUE tuition vs. merit scholarship).
UNR uses your unweighted, core academic GPA (typically 4.0 scale). Test scores are optional but can strengthen your application.
No. UNR uses your best single composite score, not a superscore, for scholarship purposes.
Competitive Scholarships at UNR
UNR doesnât offer âflagshipâ competitive scholarships like some universitiesâthereâs no full-ride or national scholar program. However, hundreds of smaller departmental and foundation awards are available. Most students who receive a competitive scholarship at UNR win $500â$5,000 as a financial boost toward their overall expenses.
You must submit the General Scholarship Application inside MyNEVADA by February 1. These one-stop applications connect you to most departmental and foundation awards, though some academic colleges (like Engineering, Liberal Arts, or Science) may require supplemental essays or credentials.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation & Departmental Scholarships | $500â$5,000 (varies) | 3.0+ GPA, sometimes major- or need-based | Yes (General Scholarship App) | Some are | Students who participate in department events, have strong academic records, or show financial need | Feb 1 |
| College/Department Supplemental Scholarships | $500â$3,000 | Current major, sometimes portfolio or essay | Maybe (some departments require an extra form/essay) | Some are | Upperclassmen with projects, internships, or leadership | FebâMar (varies by college) |
| OISS & Community/Identity Awards | $300â$5,000 | Varies: GPA, involvement, status, or essay | Yes (GSA or contact) | Some | International, first-gen, or club-involved students who submit a strong story or resume | Feb 1 |
Many of the best competitive scholarships at UNR go to students who either participate in college events, work with faculty, or take leadership roles in major-related organizations and research. If you are thinking about teaching, STEM, business, or healthâcheck both your department and general MyNEVADA application each winter.
Competitive Scholarship FAQs (UNR-Specific & Practical)
Yes! The MyNEVADA General Scholarship App connects you to all eligible department and foundation awards at onceâsome students receive two or more, though totals rarely exceed $5,000 in one cycle. Aid is capped by total cost of attendance minus other resources.
Not always. Many departmental funds are merit-only or go to active club/research participants in the major. However, some (especially for first-gen or minoritized students) are only available with demonstrated needâfile the FAFSA or the alternative financial aid application.
No! Check for smaller private, local, and specialty awards on the UNR scholarship directory and through your high school or community organizations as well.
Yesâif you are a transfer or a currently enrolled student, you can resubmit the General Scholarship Application each year for all new/renewal awards you may be newly eligible for.
Some departments are flush with donor funds (engineering, sciences, education), while others have only a handful each year. The more engaged you are with your departmentâs projects and activities, the better your odds for selection when faculty nominate students.
Hidden Gem Scholarships at UNR
UNR doesnât offer a lot of high-publicity specialty awards, but there are several âquietâ programs and local funds that help fill gapsâespecially for in-state, first-gen, or band/music students. They often go underapplied for!
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship | Up to $10,000 total | NV residents, 3.25+ GPA or 21+ ACT/1070+ SAT, NV high school grad | No (auto with graduation & transcript) | Yes, up to 8 semesters, 2.75+ UNR GPA required | Most Nevada grads with at least B grades or solid test scores | Early August (auto with transcript) |
| Diversity & Inclusion Awards | $1,000â$3,000 | First-gen, underrepresented, Pell-eligible, or DACA; FAFSA or alternative aid app required | Yes (General Scholarship App) | Some are | Students who mention identity, service, or community work in their application | Feb 1 |
| Departmental Small Awards | $250â$1,000 | Major-specific, often 3.0+ GPA, sometimes sophomore status | Yes (occasionally needs a short essay/extra step) | Some | Highly engaged students in their department (events, projects, research) | Feb 1 or varies by college |
| Music & Marching Band Scholarships | $500â$2,000 | Music major or ensemble participation, successful audition required | Yes (music/band audition and department application) | Annual (may renew with active participation) | Band participants and music majors/minors showing talent and commitment | Feb 14 (music app), MarâApr (band offers) |
Yes, it can be used with UNR merit scholarships and even WUE, as long as the combined scholarships and grants do not total more than the published cost of attendance. For many Nevada families, Millennium plus a smaller scholarship closes gaps, but may not always cover all remaining costs.
Many are selected from the main General Scholarship App, so writing about your identity, service, and campus/community leadership really helps. Donât just list activitiesâgive specifics on your impact and goals, especially if you are applying as a first-generation or Pell-eligible student.
No. Both music majors and anyone who auditions for university ensembles or marching band are eligible. Awards are based on performance, need, and participation. Applying early and scheduling your audition before February maximizes your odds.
Start in MyNEVADAâs General Scholarship App (open every OctoberâFebruary). Some, like music/band awards, also require a direct audition and separate departmental application found on the UNR School of Music website.
UNR Honors College
The University of Nevada, Renoâs Honors College gives high-achieving students smaller classes, early registration, research mentorship, and access to the residential Honors Living Learning Community. Admission is not automatic: youâll need to apply post-admission, and a 3.65+ GPA is strongly recommended.
There are currently no large exclusive scholarships solely for Honors College admission. However, some special fellowships and travel/research grants are reserved for honors students who pursue advanced academic projects.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Global Travel Award | $1,000 (travel) | Current Honors student in good standing, credit-bearing summer global program | Yes (separate application, essay required) | No (one time) | Honors students pursuing summer study abroad or research with clear goals | Apr |
| Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (NURA) | $1,125â$3,375 | All UNR undergrads are eligible, but Honors students often prioritized; must have research proposal and mentor | Yes (full research proposal needed) | No (one project cycle) | Juniors, seniors, and Honors students with strong faculty proposals | Feb (main cycle), Oct (limited fall) |
While âadmissions-basedâ honors scholarships are not available, active Honors students can leverage these fellowships and research awards for global, creative, or thesis projects.
Yes! The Honors College works with and does not conflict with merit or WUE tuition aidâits main added value is in academic enrichment and special research funding, not tuition discounts.
Yesâapply for Honors Global Travel Awards (up to $1,000), NURA grants, or national fellowships with campus nomination. Active Honors students often secure these smaller but prestigious grants.
Absolutely. Many undergrads cite their Honors research, travel awards, and faculty mentorship when applying for internships, medical, or graduate programs. It provides a strong âsignalâ to national fellowship committees.
Most students have a 3.7+ GPA, curiosity, and community-mindedness (not only grades!). Cohorts are diverse, and many are also in band/leadership or science programs.