Understanding UNLV Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide to Nevada Promise and Other Opportunities

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship programs designed to make higher education accessible and affordable for students. These programs range from need-based grants to merit-based scholarships, catering to a diverse range of student profiles. This article provides a detailed overview of the Nevada Promise Scholarship, UNLV's Tuition+ program, and other scholarship opportunities available to students.

Nevada Promise Scholarship

Administered by the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office, the Nevada Promise Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship available to Nevada high school graduates. It provides up to a lifetime total of $10,000 toward eligible credits, which can be used within six years of high school graduation. The scholarship is allocated on a per-credit-hour basis for up to 15 credit hours each semester.

Renewability and Requirements

The Nevada Promise Scholarship is renewable up to $10,000 within six years of high school graduation. The scholarship amount varies between $960 and $1,200 per semester, calculated for 12-15 credits. It can also be applied for during the summer session as a reimbursement based on eligibility from the previous semester, during which full-time enrollment is not required.

The scholarship operates under a two-strike policy. If eligibility is lost for the first time, the scholarship is suspended until requirements are met. The student can use the next semester as a self-funded semester to regain eligibility. All other aid will continue to apply as long as eligibility is met for other aid types, and the Millennium Scholarship will be automatically added to the following term once eligibility is re-met.

UNLV Tuition+ Award Program

The UNLV Tuition+ Award Program is a need-based scholarship designed for in-state undergraduate students. It is divided into two parts: Tuition+ (Fees) and Tuition+ (Books).

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Tuition+ (Fees)

Tuition+ (Fees) covers any course fees remaining for most students after federal grants, waivers, third-party payments, state grants, UNLV scholarships, and UNLV grants have been applied to the student's account, up to a maximum of 15 credits. If the total amount of the aforementioned aid equals or exceeds course fees, students will not receive any Tuition+ (Fees).

The payment of Tuition+ (Fees) is contingent on course fees. Because students may add and drop classes for the first week of the semester, their course fees may also change. For this reason, Tuition+ (Fees) will not pay to a student’s account until shortly after the first week. Before that time the amount may be periodically recalculated if course fees have changed. Provided full-time status is maintained in 12 or more credits, Tuition+ (Fees) will still be counted as anticipated financial aid toward a student’s outstanding charges.

Tuition+ (Books)

Tuition+ (Books) provides $500 per fall or spring semester to assist with purchasing books and supplies for classes. Students are encouraged to enroll in direct deposit via MyUNLV to receive funds more quickly. This allows them to purchase books earlier.

Tuition+ (Books) is disbursed approximately 10 days prior to the beginning of the semester. It will not pay any charges but will result in a refund being issued.

Eligibility Criteria

While eligibility for Tuition+ is not dependent on Federal Pell Grant eligibility, one criterion is having an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $68,000. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Institutional Aid Application (IAA) if not FAFSA-eligible, by the priority deadline each year, typically November 15. Applying early is crucial due to limited funding.

If a student is selected for verification by the Department of Education, Tuition+ will not be offered until the verification process is complete, and the AGI remains under $68,000 or below.

Transfer Students

The eligibility for the Tuition+ program extends up to 135 credit hours. For transfer students, the remaining eligibility is calculated by subtracting the number of transfer credits from 135. For instance, a transfer student with 90 transfer credits would have 45 credits of eligibility remaining. If not all transfer credits apply to a student’s academic program at UNLV, students may submit an appeal to extend eligibility past 135 credits.

GPA Requirements

If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below the required 2.00, they will automatically receive a one-semester grace period to raise their GPA. If the GPA remains below 2.00 after the grace period, eligibility is lost until the GPA is raised to 2.00 or higher. Students may appeal for special consideration if the low GPA was due to extenuating circumstances.

Enrollment Requirements

If a student must enroll in fewer than 12 credits in fall or spring, eligibility for Tuition+ is not lost permanently. It will be lost for the semester(s) in which the student is enrolled less than full-time or is not enrolled. Students facing extenuating circumstances that require less than full-time enrollment may submit an appeal to receive a prorated amount of Tuition+.

Leave of Absence

UNLV recognizes that students may need to interrupt their studies temporarily. Filing a personal leave of absence enables students to return to their studies without the costs of applying for readmission. Students can request a personal leave of absence by indicating their reason for requesting a leave of absence. Students may also apply for a Voluntary Health Withdrawal (VHW) if they experience medical or psychological conditions that significantly impair their ability to function successfully and safely as a student.

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UNLV Rebel Edge Program

The UNLV Rebel Edge program aims to make college more affordable by covering the difference between federal, state, and institutional aid and tuition and fees (up to 15 credits). The program also offers a $1,000 annual book stipend. It represents UNLV's commitment to accessible and affordable higher education.

Initial Eligibility

To be initially eligible, students must be Nevada residents, be fully admitted to UNLV by the priority deadline, submit a completed FAFSA or Institutional Aid Application by the priority deadline, start in the fall semester, and have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of less than $68,000.

Renewability

The Rebel Edge program is renewable up to 135 attempted credits, including transfer credits, with a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Students must be enrolled full-time each semester (12 or more credits), complete a FAFSA or an Institutional Aid Application each year by the priority deadline, and maintain an AGI of less than $68,000.

Additional Information

Students from Nevada whose household has an AGI of less than $68,000 will be eligible for the Rebel Edge program. It combines federal, state, and institutional aid to offer full-time students free tuition and fees for up to 15 credits, along with a $1,000 annual book stipend. Depending on a student’s federal, state, and institutional aid, they may also receive the Tuition+ Fees scholarship to cover remaining eligible tuition and fees.

Other UNLV Scholarships

UNLV offers a range of other scholarships, including academic scholarships and scholarships based on financial need. These scholarships are typically offered at the time of admission, recognizing academic achievements and financial need.

Academic Scholarships

Academic scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students at the time of admission in recognition of their academic achievements. For initial consideration, students must be admitted to UNLV and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Institutional Aid Application by the priority deadline. There is no additional application process.

Need-Based Scholarships

Need-based scholarships are offered to undergraduate students at the time of admission based on academic achievement and financial need. To be considered, students must be admitted to UNLV and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Institutional Aid Application by the priority deadline. No additional application is required.

Renewability for Academic and Need-Based Scholarships

Both academic and need-based scholarships are renewable up to 135 attempted credits, including transfer credits, with a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Students must be enrolled full-time each semester (12 or more credits).

External Scholarships

External scholarships are available each year from organizations not affiliated with UNLV. These organizations determine the criteria and deadlines for their scholarship, so students should read through all information carefully. The best time to apply for external scholarships is at the end of the calendar year before each fall semester.

Examples of External Scholarship Resources

Bold: A scholarship platform founded in 2019.
Scholarship America: Works directly with students, parents, colleges, businesses, and communities to help students fulfill their college dreams.
Scholarship for Military Children program: Designed to reach out to the military community.
My Mozaic: MyMozaic serves as an on-line scrapbook, helping you display your son or daughter’s accomplishments and talents.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

First & Fierce

First & Fierce is dedicated to serving first-generation Nevada State students by providing them with essential resources and holistic support to create equitable opportunities for success in higher education. This scholarship is available to new and continuing students. The match will be automatically applied during the semester the outside scholarship is awarded to degree-seeking students with a minimum 2.75 cumulative NS GPA who are making Satisfactory Academic Progress and are enrolled full-time (12 or more financial aid-eligible credits†). Award disbursements will be held each semester until after the enrollment cancellation for non-attendance has taken place.

Millennium Scholarship

Eligible Millennium Scholars must be enrolled full-time (12 or more financial aid-eligible credits) to receive the $60 per credit award and may be funded for up to 15 credits per semester. Remedial courses are not eligible for funding but will count toward the full-time enrollment requirement.

Boulder City (NV) Branch of the American Association of University Women

The Boulder City (NV) Branch of the American Association of University Women will be offering scholarships for the Spring 2026 Semester to degree-seeking students who have completed at least 15 college-level credits, excluding remedial courses, with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, and who have been residents of Henderson or Boulder City for at least one year. Apply by Nov 7, 2025.

College, State, and National Scholarships

College Scholarships: Given by a specific college.
State Scholarships: Many states offer a limited number of scholarships to students who attend post-secondary schools in-state.
National Scholarships: These are competitive scholarships offered on a national level, such as the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange)

WUE offers significant tuition savings, amounting to several thousand dollars per year compared to the standard nonresident rate. To qualify for the WUE scholarship, students must be admitted to UNLV. No special application is required. Renewability: Up to 135 attempted credits, including transfer credits, with a cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Number One Scholarship

A scholarship for eligible incoming first-year students who are ranked number one on their high school transcript at the time of admission. This scholarship will no longer be offered to new, incoming students admitted to any term after fall 2025. Renewability: Up to 135 attempted credits, including transfer credits, with a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Must be enrolled full-time each semester (12 or more credits).

Key Takeaways for UNLV Scholarships

Navigating the landscape of UNLV scholarships requires attention to deadlines, eligibility criteria, and renewal requirements. Here are some key points to remember:

Priority Deadlines: Submit the FAFSA or Institutional Aid Application by the priority deadline each year (typically November 15) to maximize your chances of receiving aid.
GPA Maintenance: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher to ensure scholarship renewal.
Full-Time Enrollment: Enroll in at least 12 credits each semester to meet full-time enrollment requirements for most scholarships.
AGI Limit: Be aware of the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limit of $68,000 for programs like Rebel Edge and Tuition+.
Transfer Credits: Understand how transfer credits affect your scholarship eligibility, particularly the 135-credit limit.
External Scholarships: Explore external scholarship opportunities to supplement your financial aid package.
Appeal Process: Familiarize yourself with the appeal process for situations like low GPA or less than full-time enrollment due to extenuating circumstances.

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