UNLV Opportunity Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing diverse avenues of financial support to enable students to pursue their higher education goals. Grants, scholarships, part-time employment, and educational loans are all available to help students manage the costs associated with attending UNLV. Students are encouraged to explore all available resources to finance their education.

Application Procedures for Financial Assistance

To be considered for financial aid at UNLV, applicants must complete two primary applications:

• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): This federal application assesses a student's eligibility for federal financial aid programs.

• The UNLV Scholarship Application: This application allows students to be considered for various scholarships offered by the university.

Both applications must be completed annually. The UNLV Scholarship Application becomes available online in July each year, while the FAFSA is available online in January. It's important to note the priority deadlines:

Read also: Mastering the UNLV Catalog

• FAFSA Priority Deadline: February 1
• UNLV Scholarship Application Deadline: February 1 for the following fall semester.

Submitting applications after these dates does not preclude consideration, but it may limit eligibility for certain programs due to funding availability. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the admissions application prior to or at the same time they are applying for financial assistance. Once an application is submitted, students may be instructed to submit various supporting documents to assist in determining their eligibility for financial assistance.

Determining Financial Need

Eligibility for many financial aid programs is based on a student's demonstrated financial need. The federal government assumes that students and their families (parents, legal guardians, or spouse) bear the primary responsibility for covering educational and living expenses. The financial information provided in the FAFSA undergoes a federally approved need analysis to determine the family's expected contribution towards these costs.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Recipients of financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their coursework to remain eligible for assistance. This involves meeting minimum standards related to academic progress and performance. The specific criteria vary depending on the type of aid received, so scholarship recipients should contact the awarding department or the donor for clarification. Generally, satisfactory progress is evaluated in three areas:

• Grade Point Average (GPA): Students must maintain the required UNLV GPA.
• Completed Courses: Students must earn the required number of credits annually.
• Completion of Degree Objective: Students must complete their degree requirements within a reasonable timeframe.

Failure to meet these minimum standards may result in the suspension of financial aid. Students who have their assistance suspended have the right to appeal.

Grants

Grants are a form of financial aid that does not require repayment. UNLV offers various grant programs, including:

Read also: Affording Nursing School at UNLV

• Federal Pell Grant: An entitlement program for undergraduate students pursuing their first degree.
• Nevada Grants-in-Aid (NGIA): Awarded to full-time, first-degree undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and a minimum GPA of 2.30. Recipients must maintain a 2.00 GPA in the fall semester to receive the award in the spring semester.
• The Access Grant: Available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree who demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.30 GPA.
• The Bob Davis Scholarship Grant: Awarded to full-time undergraduate students pursuing their first degree who are Nevada residents.
• The Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant (BIA): Available to first-degree undergraduate students who are members of a tribe eligible for services from the Department of the Interior.
• The Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP): Awarded to both first-degree undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time and who are Nevada residents.
• Grants-in-Aid: Awarded to undergraduate students based on academic achievement and special service to the university, without regard to financial need. Selections are made by faculty committees within the colleges, and applications are routed through Student Financial Services.

Scholarships

Scholarships are another form of financial aid that does not require repayment. Eligibility for scholarships is typically based on academic merit, specialized talents, or service to the university or community. Financial need may also be a factor in awarding certain scholarships.

To be considered for university-awarded scholarships, applicants must complete the UNLV Scholarship Application. By completing this application, students will be considered for all scholarships for which they qualify.

UNLV Millennium 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).

UNLV Specific Scholarship Programs

• Academic Scholarship: An academic scholarship for undergraduate students offered at the time of admission, in recognition of their academic achievements. For initial consideration, students must be admitted to UNLV. Students must also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Institutional Aid Application by the priority deadline. There is no additional application process. 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).
• Need-Based Scholarship: A scholarship for undergraduate students offered at the time of admission based on academic achievement and financial need. For initial consideration, students must be admitted to UNLV. Students must also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Institutional Aid Application by the priority deadline. There is no additional application process. 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).
• UNLV Rebel Edge Program: The UNLV Rebel Edge program makes college more affordable by covering the difference between federal, state, and institutional aid and tuition and fees (up to 15 credits). This program also offers a $1,000 annual book stipend. This program is our commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable. Initial Eligibility: Must be a Nevada resident, be fully admitted to UNLV by the priority deadline, submit a completed FAFSA or Institutional Aid Application and 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: 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). Must complete a FAFSA or an Institutional Aid Application each year by the priority deadline. Must have an AGI of less than $68,000. Other Information: Alongside other requirements, students from Nevada whose household has an AGI of less than $68,000 will be eligible for the Rebel Edge program. Rebel Edge 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.

Nevada State Treasurer’s Office NVIGATE

Administered by the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office NVIGATE – A merit-based scholarship available to Nevada high school graduates that pays up to a lifetime total of $10,000 toward eligible credits. This scholarship must be used within 6 years of high school graduation. It is allocated on a per-credit-hour basis for up to 15 credit hours each semester.

Read also: Admission Requirements for UNLV Graduate School

Renewability: This scholarship is renewable up to $10,000 within six years of their high school graduation. Amount: Between $960–$1,200 per semester; calculated for 12-15 credits. This scholarship can be applied for during the summer session as a reimbursement based on eligibility from the previous semester. Full-time enrollment is not a requirement during the summer. Other Requirements: There is a two-strike policy. If eligibility is lost for the first time, the scholarship is suspended until requirements are met, a strike is received, and 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. Millennium will be automatically added to the following term once eligibility is re-met.

College/Departmental Scholarships

College and departmental scholarships are awarded by individual UNLV colleges and departments based on a student's major, talents, or service to the university. Students must complete the UNLV Scholarship Application and submit all required materials to Student Financial Services by the deadline. Contact the dean of the college or chair of the department for additional application requirements.

Examples of College/Departmental Scholarships:

• Alpha Kappa Psi Award and Scholarship
• Christina M. D. Dr. Frank J. Nevada Dept.
• Wendell C.
• Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority Scholarship
• Joseph Friedenthal Memorial Scholarship
• Barbara L. Lochridge Memorial Scholarship
• Selma Bartlett Math Teacher Scholarship
• Southern Nevada Retired Teachers Association Scholarship

Presented to a junior or senior in an undergraduate education program.

• Student Access Program
• Dorothy V.
• Evelyn A.
• Friedenthal
• J. M. S.
• College of Engineering, Howard R.
• American Consulting Engineers Council of Nevada Scholarship
• American Society of Civil Engineers-Southern Nevada Scholarship
• Association of Old Crows, Silver State Chapter Scholarship
• Institute of Transportation Engineers-Nevada Section Scholarship
• Nevada Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship
• G.C.
• J.
• Jammar L.
• Joseph W.
• Nels K.
• Andre Agassi-Cynthia Bunker Memorial Scholarship
• Don King/Showtime Productions Minority Scholarship
• Annual Colonel Erwin T. H.
• Marjorie F.
• Susan L.
• William L.
• Robert C.
• St. W.
• Berkley Family Pre-Law Scholarship
• Donald L Wood Scholarship
• Edwards and Olswang Scholarship
• Gordon Fink Memorial Scholarship
• Patricia Roccio Scholarship
• Peggy Leen Scholarship
• Sidney Green Scholarship Award
• Thomas C. Wright International Programs Scholarship
• UNLV Alumni Association Rotating Department Scholarship
• John S.
• Bernada E.
• Black Mountain Kennel Club Scholarship
• Edwin Weigand Science and Technology Scholarship
• Natural Science Scholarship Association Award
• Sarah Lynne Halsey Scholarship Award
• W.A. Tarr Award for Outstanding Scholarship
• Anthony C.
• Douglas B.
• Dr. D.
• B.
• Lina R.
• M.
• Richard D.
• Terry D.
• Ned Day Memorial Scholarship
• James E.
• Ruth V.
• Alvin M.
• Bartas-M.
• Dr. E.
• Ella H.
• Mable N.
• Weldon E.
• Havins, M.D.
• C.J.

External Scholarships

External scholarships are offered by organizations not affiliated with UNLV. These organizations have their own eligibility criteria and deadlines, so it is important to carefully review all information. The best time to apply for external scholarships is typically at the end of the calendar year before each fall semester.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

WUE offers significant tuition savings compared to the standard nonresident rate. To qualify, 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.

Student Employment

Student employment provides opportunities to earn money to help cover educational expenses while developing valuable time management and employment skills. Studies suggest that students who work part-time (15-20 hours per week) often perform better academically and are more likely to complete their degrees compared to non-working students or those working full-time.

UNLV offers seven types of employment through Student Financial Services:

• Federal Work-Study: A federally funded program for students with financial need.

• State Work-Study: A state-funded program for students with financial need.

• Regular Student Employment: On-campus employment opportunities where financial need is not a requirement.

• Off-Campus Part-Time Employment Through Job Location and Development (JLD): A program available to all UNLV students, connecting them with part-time job opportunities in the community.

• Community Service: A federally funded program awarded based on financial need.

• America Reads/America Counts: A federally funded program providing one-on-one literacy and numeracy tutoring for elementary-age children.

• Nevada System of Higher Education Work Service Program: A state-funded program offering paid internships and employment placements.

To participate in these programs (except for JLD), students must be enrolled at least half-time at UNLV. Paychecks are issued semi-monthly for on-campus and work-study programs. The hourly wage rate for all student employment programs is above the minimum wage, with an average of $7.50 per hour.

Educational Loans

Educational loans are available on both a long-term and short-term basis. Federal loan programs typically offer low interest rates, with repayment beginning six to nine months after graduation or withdrawal from at least half-time enrollment.

Federal Loan Programs

• Federal Perkins Loans: Awarded by the university to eligible first-degree undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time who demonstrate financial need.

• Federal Direct Stafford Loans: Low-interest, variable-rate loans from the federal government. Independent students may borrow additional funds beyond the annual limit of the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program.

• Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loans: Available to parents of enrolled, dependent students. The interest rate for these loans is variable.

Other Loan Programs

• Marion Smith Health Professional Loans: Low-interest loans available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in at least three credits in allied health sciences. Students may borrow up to $1,000 per year.

• Ruth Minor Loans: Low-interest loans available to hotel administration majors. The maximum amount per year is $1,000.

• Short-Term Loans: Available to help students meet financial emergencies. To borrow, students must have paid their tuition/fees to UNLV. Most loans are limited to $200 and must be repaid within one month. Students may borrow through this program once a semester.

UNLV Graduate College McNair Doctoral Fellowship Program

The Ronald E. McNair Doctoral Fellowship Program at UNLV aims to support students who participated in McNair undergraduate research programs nationwide. The McNair Scholars Program prepares undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented and/or economically underserved communities, for doctoral studies and careers in academia.

The UNLV Graduate College McNair Doctoral Fellowship includes:

• An annual stipend of $22,000
• Tuition coverage up to 9 credits per semester
• Student health insurance
• In-state tuition
• A summer stipend ($7,333) for two years

Eligibility requires admission to a full-time doctoral program at UNLV. Applications can be submitted concurrently with the graduate program application. Ideal letter writers include professors or academic advisors who have taught the student or supervised their research, principal investigators (PIs) or faculty members who have overseen research projects, or faculty members/advisors from the applicant's previous graduate program.

The UNLV McNair Doctoral Fellowship supports individuals dedicated to pursuing doctoral studies and careers in research or academia. Applicants should discuss their research interests, their commitment to underrepresented communities, long-term goals, and any challenges they have overcome. Fellowship recipients are expected to focus primarily on their research. Any employment plans must be approved by the department chairperson and the Graduate College dean.

Dr. Gregg Schraw Scholarship

The Dr. Gregg Schraw Scholarship honors the contributions of Dr. Gregg Schraw, a professor in UNLV’s Department of Educational Psychology from 2000 until his passing in 2016. Dr. Schraw was a prolific author and a supportive mentor to doctoral candidates. To be eligible, applicants must be doctoral students at UNLV and alumni from one or more of the federally funded, campus-based projects housed within UNLV's Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach (CAEO).

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Several other scholarship opportunities are available at UNLV, including:

• Moretti Family Scholarship: To help the next generation of practitioners who will support those with learning differences. Application open: Oct. Application deadline: Dec.
• Graduate Student Access Childcare Scholarship: A retroactive, reimbursement-based scholarship for admitted/enrolled graduate students with young dependents.
• Dean's Award Scholarship: The Academic Success Center provides our Dean's Award Scholarship for students in our Exploring major. All continuing freshmen and sophomore students in good academic standing (2.0 GPA min.) are encouraged to apply. The award amount varies and is contingent on funding.
• UNLV Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program: The UNLV Hixson-Lied Success Scholars Program helps make a difference in the lives of these students by providing both financial and academic support through the Academic Success Center (ASC).
• Jump-Start Scholarship Program: The Jump-Start Scholarship Program is currently being updated.

tags: #unlv #opportunity #scholarship #requirements

Popular posts:

• Comprehensive tape measure guide
• Nurturing Early Development
• Navigating the Job Market as a Graduate
• LNESC Scholarship Opportunities
• The Story of CU Men's Basketball