Acceptance Rate
96%
Avg. SAT
1240
75th percentile
“A dynamic desert campus where Las Vegas energy fuels ambition and innovation.”
Las Vegas, NV
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV) embodies the bold, fast-paced spirit of its iconic city. Founded in 1957 as a small branch campus, it has grown into a major public university with over 28,000 undergraduates, mirroring the rapid expansion of Las Vegas itself. UNLV attracts students who crave a vibrant, unconventional college experience—think of it as a place where the glitz of the Strip meets the grit of hard work, drawing risk-takers, dreamers, and those eager to carve their own path in a city built on reinvention.
This isn’t a sleepy college town, and that’s exactly the point. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a constant buzz—casinos, shows, and 24/7 entertainment are just minutes away, which can be thrilling but also distracting if you’re not focused. UNLV suits students who thrive in high-energy environments and can balance temptation with discipline, but those seeking a traditional, insular campus bubble might feel out of place amid the city’s relentless pace.
The desert setting adds another layer to UNLV’s identity, with scorching summers and a stark, rugged landscape that contrasts with the neon glow of the Strip. Campus life hums with diversity, reflecting Las Vegas’s status as a global hub, and you’ll meet peers from all walks of life chasing big dreams. Just keep in mind that the urban sprawl and transient nature of the city can make building a tight-knit community a bit of a challenge compared to smaller, more isolated campuses.
Photo Gallery
+7
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
UNLV shines in fields tied to the heartbeat of Las Vegas—hospitality, gaming management, and entertainment are standout areas, with the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality often hailed as one of the best in the nation for aspiring hoteliers and casino executives. Beyond that, the university offers robust programs in business, education, and health sciences, catering to students eyeing practical, career-driven paths. You can expect a mix of large lecture halls in introductory courses, especially in popular majors, which might feel impersonal at first, but smaller upper-level classes and engaged faculty help balance that out as you progress.
Research opportunities are growing, particularly in areas like renewable energy and desert ecology, fitting the region’s unique challenges, and undergrads can often get involved in hands-on projects if they seek them out. The academic vibe leans pragmatic rather than ivory-tower intellectual, so if you’re after a deeply theoretical or research-heavy experience from day one, you might need to push harder to find those niches. Still, UNLV’s real strength is its direct pipeline to industries right outside the classroom door, offering internships and networking in a city that’s a living lab for certain careers.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
27,132 undergrad • 5,779 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
25%
Black / African American
9%
Hispanic / Latino
33%
Asian
15%
Other / Multi-racial
18%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Las Vegas, NV
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UNLV pulses with the same energy as Las Vegas itself, and you’ll find a social scene that’s as lively or low-key as you want it to be. With a large commuter population, many students live off-campus, and the residential halls, while modern, house only a fraction of undergrads, which can make forging close bonds take extra effort. Traditions like the annual Rebel Homecoming, complete with parades and tailgates, bring everyone together, and sports—especially basketball—ignite school spirit in the Thomas & Mack Center, where fans cheer on the Runnin’ Rebels with fierce pride.
Off-campus, the city is your playground, with world-famous entertainment, dining, and nightlife just a short drive away, though the cost of living in Las Vegas can creep up if you’re not careful with spending. The desert climate means brutally hot summers, often exceeding 100 degrees, which can wear on you if you’re not used to it, though mild winters offer a reprieve. Socially, UNLV offers a mix of everything—party-goers, career-focused grinders, and everyone in between—but you’ll need to be proactive to find your crowd in this sprawling, fast-moving environment.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Mountain West Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
79%
4 Years Graduation Rate
32%
6 Years Graduation Rate
51%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$55,037
79% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Nevada-Las Vegas and return in the fall. 32% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 51% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
32%
4-5 years
19%
6-8 years
4%
Non-grad
45%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$8,159
Acceptance
96%
Undergrads
27,132
4-Year Grad Rate
32%
Endowment
$383M
Las Vegas, NV 89154
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