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85.3%Acceptance
$9,142Tuition
24,131Students
50%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,037Earnings
#4 in NevadaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Nevada-Las Vegas

UNLV has built its reputation around programs that match its desert setting, with nationally recognized hospitality management and engineering schools that leverage the university's proximity to the Strip's entertainment empire. The 24,131-student campus sits in the heart of Las Vegas, producing graduates like Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux and NBA star Shawn Marion. This public research university accepts 85% of applicants, drawing students who want big-city opportunities without the coastal price tag.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for Nevada residents. In-state students pay just $9,142 in tuition, and the average net price drops to $10,011 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $55,037 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $19,450 manageable with monthly payments around $206. Out-of-state students face steeper costs at $26,098, but the employment rate hits 93.8%.

The student body reflects Las Vegas's diversity, with 35% Hispanic and 16% Asian students creating one of the most multicultural campuses in the Mountain West Conference. About 84% of students come from Nevada, and the 78% retention rate suggests most stick around. The Rebels field 15 varsity sports, though the real action happens in internships and jobs throughout the entertainment capital.

Academics & Faculty

UNLV operates as a public research university with particular strength in hospitality management, leveraging its Las Vegas location to offer students real-world experience in the tourism industry. The school also maintains solid engineering and business programs. With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large 24,131 enrollment. The 50.1% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face balancing work and school in an expensive city where tourism jobs are plentiful. Research opportunities exist across disciplines, though the university's proximity to the Strip means many students gain practical experience through internships and part-time work in hospitality and entertainment.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
99.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
48.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
50.1%
Retention Rate
77.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,037
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Doctoral $117,572
Dentistry. Doctoral $106,421
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $99,683
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $90,856
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $84,653
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $81,433
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $75,313
Hospitality Administration/Management. Master $73,949
Law. Doctoral $72,177
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $70,296

View all 259 programs →

Campus Life

Las Vegas never requires a winter coat, but you'll need serious sunscreen for the desert sun and 300+ days of sunshine annually. Only about 7% of UNLV's 24,131 students live on campus, with most commuting from around the city or staying in nearby apartments. The campus sits just minutes from the famous Las Vegas Strip, giving students access to internships at major hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues.

Weekend life revolves around the city's endless entertainment options rather than traditional college parties. Students often work part-time in the hospitality industry while attending classes. The diverse student body reflects Las Vegas itself, with 35% Hispanic and 16% Asian students creating a multicultural environment. Basketball games against Mountain West rivals draw crowds, especially when playing Nevada-Reno. With 84% of students coming from in-state, many already know the city well. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, but the urban setting provides internship and job opportunities that smaller college towns can't match.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
1,740 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

189 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 31 10 18 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 34 0 6 0
Domestic Violence 19 8 3 3
Rape 5 4 1 0
Dating Violence 6 2 1 0
Aggravated Assault 6 1 1 0
Fondling 5 3 0 0
Robbery 5 2 1 0
Arson 5 0 1 0
Stalking 5 0 0 0
Murder 3 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
40°–58°F
July Avg
82°–104°F
Annual Precipitation
4.2"
Annual Snowfall
0.2"

Student Demographics

The student body draws heavily from Nevada, with 84% coming from in-state, reflecting UNLV's role as the state's flagship research university. Hispanic students make up over one-third of enrollment, while white students represent less than a quarter, creating one of the most diverse campuses in the Mountain West. The 40% Pell Grant rate shows the university serves many first-generation and working-class students from Las Vegas and surrounding communities. Women slightly outnumber men, partly due to strong programs in hospitality and health sciences that attract female students.
Men
44.4%
Women
55.7%
White
22.5%
Black
9.1%
Hispanic
35.3%
Asian
15.8%
In-State Students
83.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
40.3%

Location

The campus sits in Las Vegas, Nevada's entertainment capital with over 650,000 residents. Students live just four miles from the famous Las Vegas Strip and its world-well-known casinos, shows, and nightlife. The university operates in the heart of the Mojave Desert, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees and winter highs average 60 degrees. Las Vegas offers abundant internship opportunities in hospitality, gaming, and entertainment industries that few other college towns can match. The city's 24-hour economy provides flexible work schedules for students balancing academics with jobs. Students considering colleges in Nevada may also compare University of Nevada-Las Vegas with similar schools in the region.
Address
Las Vegas, Nevada 89154
Unlv 8
Unlv 8
Unlv 9
Unlv 9
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After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,037
Median Earnings (5 years)
$58,987
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,300
Loan Repayment Rate
52.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$206/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,450

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Nevada-Las Vegas?

UNLV admits 85% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000-1220 on the SAT. This relatively high acceptance rate reflects the university's mission as a public research institution serving the diverse Las Vegas community.

How much does University of Nevada-Las Vegas cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,011 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $9,142 while out-of-state students pay $26,098 before aid. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, helping make this research university affordable for working-class families in Nevada.

What is University of Nevada-Las Vegas known for academically?

UNLV has built a strong reputation for its hospitality management program, taking advantage of its location in the entertainment capital of the world. The university also offers solid engineering programs and operates as a research institution. Students benefit from an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across the university's diverse academic offerings.

What are the graduation rates at University of Nevada-Las Vegas?

About 50% of students graduate within six years, while 49% complete their degrees in four years. The 78% retention rate shows most freshmen return for their sophomore year. Graduates earn a median of $55,037 ten years after enrollment, reflecting strong job prospects in the growing Las Vegas economy.

Where do students live at University of Nevada-Las Vegas?

Campus housing accommodates 1,740 students in a university of over 24,000 undergraduates. Most students commute from home since 84% come from Nevada and many are local to Las Vegas. The campus sits in the heart of Las Vegas, giving students access to internships and jobs on the famous Strip.

Does University of Nevada-Las Vegas have strong athletics?

The Rebels compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Mountain West Conference with 15 varsity sports. The athletic program awards over $10.8 million in scholarships to 412 student-athletes. UNLV basketball has historically been a powerhouse program, and the football team plays in the new Allegiant Stadium shared with the NFL Raiders.