University of Nevada, Las Vegas Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~85%
- Middle 50% ACT: 18–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 980–1230
- Average GPA (HS): 3.4 (weighted)
Source: UNLV Undergraduate Admissions & Common Data Set (2024–25). Middle 50% = the range where half of enrolling students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
UNLV at a Glance
Admissions & Scholarships FAQ
Is UNLV test-optional? Yes. Applicants are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores, but scores can strengthen merit scholarship consideration.
When should families apply to maximize scholarships? Submit the application and FAFSA by November 15 for priority merit and need-based aid.
Does UNLV participate in WUE? Yes. Students from participating western states may qualify for discounted tuition (150% of in-state) through WUE for approved majors.
https://www.unlv.edu/admissions
https://www.unlv.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://www.unlv.edu/honorscollege
https://www.unlv.edu/wue
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/admissions
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?182281-University-of-Nevada-Las-Vegas=
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Nevada Las Vegas (2025–2026)
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,394 | $28,789 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,628 | $13,478 |
| Total (Estimated) | $23,022 | $42,267 |
Note: Additional estimated expenses not billed directly by UNLV include books and supplies (~$1,200), transportation (~$2,100), and personal expenses (~$2,300). Health insurance (~$3,000) may be required for students without proof of comparable coverage. These are excluded above to show only direct university costs.
WUE charges 150% of in-state tuition for eligible nonresidents.
Example: In-state tuition $10,394 → WUE tuition ≈ $15,591. Compared with nonresident $28,789, families save about $13,200/year on tuition alone.
- Who qualifies? Residents of WUE-participating states; eligibility depends on program availability.
- How much? 150% of UNLV’s in-state tuition rate.
- Automatic? No separate application; WUE is granted through admissions review if capacity allows.
https://www.unlv.edu/financial-aid/coa
https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/tuition
https://www.unlv.edu/wue
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?182281-University-of-Nevada-Las-Vegas=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UNLV keeps its admission-based merit awards straightforward. A couple of scholarships are guaranteed if you meet the criteria, with no separate application beyond your admission file and FAFSA. They’re not as large as some flagship universities, but they can still trim a meaningful amount from your bill.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valedictorian Scholarship | $1,000/year | Nevada high school valedictorians enrolled full-time | No | Yes — 2.0 GPA, up to 135 attempted credits | Valedictorians maintaining 2.0+ GPA and full-time status | Rolling (with admission/FAFSA) |
| President’s Scholarship (National Merit) | $10,000/year | National Merit Finalists who list UNLV as first-choice | No | Yes — 2.0 GPA, up to 135 attempted credits | UNLV-confirmed National Merit Finalists, first-choice designation | Rolling (must confirm by NMSC deadlines) |
Note: UNLV’s automatic awards are modest compared to some regional peers. Larger merit funding at UNLV comes through competitive or donor-based programs, especially in the Honors College.
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do I need to apply separately?
No. If you qualify as a valedictorian or National Merit Finalist and complete your FAFSA, you’ll be considered automatically.
Does UNLV superscore the ACT or SAT?
Yes, but test scores are optional. Superscores are considered if submitted, mainly for competitive and Honors awards.
Can these awards stack with WUE or state aid?
Yes. Both automatic awards can combine with the Millennium Scholarship, Pell Grants, and WUE tuition savings, but aid can’t exceed the total Cost of Attendance.
https://www.unlv.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://www.unlv.edu/honors/scholarships
https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/first-years
https://www.unlv.edu/finaid/national-merit
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Competitive Scholarship FAQs
So does UNLV have any “big” selective scholarships?
Not outside of the Honors College. Unlike some universities, UNLV does not advertise a flagship full-ride or Trustee-style program.
Where should my student look instead?
The largest awards are in the Honors College or in Nevada’s state programs like the Millennium Scholarship. Departmental and donor awards are listed in the Hidden Gems section.
Does this mean less opportunity?
No. It just means that UNLV packages aid differently. Instead of one or two headline competitive scholarships, there are many smaller awards that can stack together to bring down costs.
https://www.unlv.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://www.unlv.edu/honors/scholarships
https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/first-years
🎖 Honors College
UNLV’s Honors College offers a “small college within a big university” feel, with selective admission and perks that open extra opportunities. It’s built for curious, motivated students who want more than just lectures—think research, small seminars, and pathways that make a large R1 campus feel personal.
What a Typical UNLV Honors Student Looks Like:
3.7+ GPA in high school*, strong essay responses showing intellectual curiosity, and standout leadership/service. Test scores are optional but considered if submitted.
*UNLV does not publish exact GPA/test minimums; profile based on past cohorts and Honors admissions guidance.
Honors Perks That Matter:
- Priority registration for classes
- Dedicated Honors housing and learning community
- Small, discussion-driven seminars
- Research and fellowship advising
- Pathways to donor-funded Honors scholarships
| Honors-Specific Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors College Donor Scholarships | $1,000–$5,000/year | Admitted to Honors College; FAFSA/ANF file; donor criteria (major, service, identity, etc.) | No — considered with Honors admission & Scholarship Portal | Sometimes (varies) | Strong Honors admits with high GPA, great essays, fit to donor priorities | Priority app: Nov 15; general: Feb 15 |
Honors College FAQs
Is Honors admission automatic for high achievers?
No — separate application, essays, and references required.
Does Honors add time to a degree?
No — designed to integrate with degree, so students finish on time.
When should we apply?
Priority deadline November 15 for scholarships and admission; general final deadline February 15.
Does Honors guarantee scholarships?
No — awards are competitive and vary by donor funds and student fit.
https://www.unlv.edu/honors/apply
https://www.unlv.edu/honors/scholarships
https://www.unlv.edu/finaid/scholarships
https://unlv.academicworks.com/
https://www.unlv.edu/admissions/first-years
⭐ College Specialty
UNLV is an R1 research university supercharged by its Las Vegas location. That means unmatched access to real-world labs, internships, and vibrant career pathways. Whether your student is into resort management, courtroom debates, innovation in health care, or law, UNLV has standout programs with national—and sometimes global—acclaim.
Hospitality Management (Harrah College of Hospitality) — Ranked #1 in the U.S. and #4 in the world for Hospitality & Leisure Management, per QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025)
- Law & Legal Writing (Boyd School of Law) — Over a dozen graduate law specialties ranked in the top 100 nationally, including No. 1 for Legal Writing and top-10 for Dispute Resolution (U.S. News, 2025)
- Graduate Programs Across UNLV — A record 28 graduate/professional programs placed in the national top 100 for their fields, from nursing to public affairs to engineering specialties
- Law School Recognition — Full-time JD ranked among the top 100 in the nation (#89) with the part-time law program in the top 20 (#8)
- Business School (Lee Business School) — AACSB-accredited and among the top 5% of global business schools—meaning internationally recognized quality in business and accounting education
- Architecture — UNLV’s School of Architecture is the only NAAB-accredited architecture program in the state of Nevada
📎 Official Links
✨ Final Thoughts
UNLV can be a surprisingly affordable option, especially for Nevada families with the Millennium Scholarship or for out-of-state students who secure the WUE rate. While automatic scholarships are limited, stacking state aid, donor awards, and hidden-gem opportunities like ROTC or music can make a big difference. Add in nationally recognized strengths in hospitality, law, and health sciences, and you’ve got a university that blends research power with career-ready programs right in the heart of Las Vegas.