Acceptance Rate
74%
Avg. SAT
1290
75th percentile
“A vibrant public university nestled in the Sierra Nevada, blending outdoor adventure with serious research in a lively Reno setting.”
Reno, NV
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Founded in 1874 as Nevada’s first institution of higher learning, the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) carries a legacy of resilience and innovation in a state known for rugged landscapes and bold ambition. Originally established in Elko before moving to Reno in 1885, it grew from a small land-grant college focused on agriculture and mining into a comprehensive university that mirrors Nevada’s spirit of reinvention. Today, UNR serves over 18,000 undergraduates and stands as a cornerstone of education in the Silver State, with a campus that feels both historic and forward-looking, anchored by the iconic Morrill Hall.
If you’re the kind of student who craves a balance of academic challenge and outdoor escape, you’ll likely find your place here. UNR attracts independent thinkers who aren’t afraid to carve their own path—students who might spend a morning in a lab and an afternoon hiking near Lake Tahoe, just 45 minutes away. However, if you need a highly structured environment or prefer a compact, urban campus with constant bustle, the sprawling layout and sometimes quieter vibe of Reno might feel isolating at times.
Reno itself, dubbed 'The Biggest Little City in the World,' offers a quirky mix of casino glitz, artsy revitalization, and proximity to stunning natural beauty. The city’s affordable cost of living compared to other Western hubs is a plus, but its distance from major metropolitan centers means you’ll need to embrace a more self-contained lifestyle. Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall, and public transit isn’t as robust as in bigger cities, so having a car often helps. UNR’s identity is tied to this setting—gritty, adventurous, and unpretentious, a place where you can focus without the distractions of a megacity.
Photo Gallery
+5
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
At the University of Nevada, Reno, you’ll encounter a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, with standout programs in engineering, geosciences, and journalism that reflect the region’s history of mining, tech innovation, and storytelling. The Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering is a particular point of pride, drawing students fascinated by earthquake research and sustainable resource management—fields where UNR’s location near seismic zones and mineral-rich land offers unique field study. You can expect a mix of classroom theory and practical application, often through projects tied to real-world Nevada challenges.
Classes vary widely in size, with introductory courses sometimes filling large lecture halls, which can feel impersonal until you get into smaller, upper-level seminars. Research opportunities abound, especially for undergrads willing to seek out faculty mentors, but you’ll need to be proactive as advising can be stretched thin in a university of this scale. If you’re aiming for highly competitive majors like nursing or certain STEM fields, be prepared for rigorous prerequisites and limited spots, which can add stress to your academic journey. Still, the accessible in-state tuition of just over $8,000 a year makes UNR a practical choice for many, even if out-of-state costs climb significantly higher.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
19,117 undergrad • 3,907 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
49%
Black / African American
4%
Hispanic / Latino
24%
Asian
8%
Other / Multi-racial
15%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Reno, NV
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UNR hums with a laid-back, outdoorsy energy, shaped by its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains and a student body that often prioritizes adventure as much as academics. On a typical week, you might find yourself studying in the sleek Knowledge Center, grabbing a late-night bite at a nearby diner, or joining friends for a spontaneous ski trip to nearby resorts on weekends. Traditions like the annual Mackay Week, a celebration of the university’s mining heritage with events like a fossil dig competition, bring students together in a uniquely Nevada way, while game days for the Wolf Pack football team ignite school spirit at Mackay Stadium.
Socially, UNR offers a mix of scenes—there’s a noticeable Greek life presence, but plenty of students connect through clubs or outdoor recreation groups instead. Housing on campus is available, though not guaranteed for all, and many upperclassmen move off-campus to cheaper apartments in Reno, which can fragment the community feel. The cold, snowy winters might test your patience if you’re not used to them, and while Reno has a growing arts and food scene, the city’s entertainment options can feel limited compared to larger urban centers, pushing you to create your own fun on campus.
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
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
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
80%
4 Years Graduation Rate
44%
6 Years Graduation Rate
62%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$60,614
80% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Nevada-Reno and return in the fall. 44% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 62% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
44%
4-5 years
18%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
36%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$8,133
Acceptance
74%
Undergrads
19,117
4-Year Grad Rate
44%
Endowment
$520M
Reno, NV 89557
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