University of Nevada-Las Vegas
The Vibe Check
UNLV pulses with the vibrant, 24/7 energy of Las Vegas, offering a dynamic and diverse urban campus experience. It feels like a place where students are ambitious and resourceful, balancing their studies with the endless opportunities of a world-famous city right at their doorstep. The campus itself is a modern, bustling hub that reflects the city's fast-paced and entrepreneurial spirit.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
UNLV boasts strong, career-focused programs, particularly in hospitality, gaming management, and fine arts, leveraging its unique location for unparalleled industry access. The university provides numerous research opportunities through dedicated centers like the International Gaming Institute and the Black Mountain Institute. Students benefit from hands-on learning and faculty who bring real-world expertise from the city's leading industries.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Las Vegas
Life in Las Vegas is anything but ordinary, with students enjoying world-class concerts, sporting events, and shows just minutes from campus. Beyond the Strip, students explore a surprisingly diverse food scene, vibrant outdoor recreation in nearby Red Rock Canyon, and a growing arts district. The city offers endless internship and networking opportunities in entertainment, hospitality, and tech.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($55,037):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The UNLV campus has its own comprehensive police department with patrols, emergency call boxes, and safety programs. However, students should remain aware of their surroundings as the campus is integrated into a major urban area with the same safety considerations as any large city.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely affordable in-state tuition and low average net price.
- ✓ Prime location with unparalleled internship and job opportunities in hospitality, entertainment, and tech.
- ✓ Diverse and inclusive student body with a high acceptance rate, making it accessible.
- ✓ Strong, career-focused programs and research centers tied directly to the Las Vegas industry.
Cons
- ✗ Low graduation rate (48.7%) and retention rate (77.9%) compared to national averages.
- ✗ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, making it less affordable for non-residents.
- ✗ The urban setting and 24/7 city life can be distracting for some students.
- ✗ As a commuter-heavy campus, traditional 'college town' social life may be less prevalent.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UNLV is most famous for its world-renowned William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, consistently ranked among the best in the world for hotel and gaming management. It also has highly respected programs in fine arts, particularly its film school and jazz studies, as well as strong programs in law, business, and health sciences. Its research centers often focus on urban issues, gaming, and water resources relevant to the Southwest.
No, University of Nevada-Las Vegas is not hard to get into. It has a very high acceptance rate of 96.26%, making it an accessible option for a wide range of applicants. While the admissions process is holistic, meeting the academic benchmarks with an average SAT score around 1091 will make an applicant competitive.
Campus life at UNLV is fast-paced and diverse, reflecting the surrounding city. With a large student population, there are over 300 student clubs and organizations, and a growing number of on-campus residence halls that help build community. Students take advantage of the city for entertainment, internships, and jobs, while enjoying Division I athletics, particularly the excitement of Rebels basketball games.
For in-state students, UNLV is an outstanding financial value. With an average net price of $10,011 and strong post-graduation earnings of $55,037, the return on investment is excellent. The direct pipeline to jobs in Las Vegas's major industries further enhances its worth. For out-of-state students, the value proposition depends on the major, but programs like hospitality offer a unique, world-class education that can justify the higher cost.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 28,893
- In-State Tuition $9,142
- Out-of-State $26,098
- Zip Code 89154
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
UNLV offers exceptional value, especially for in-state students, with a low tuition of $9,142 and an average net price of $10,011. The 10-year median earnings of $55,037 for graduates show a solid return on investment, particularly given the low cost of attendance. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition requires more consideration, but the strong earning potential in the Vegas job market can still make it a worthwhile investment.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.