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85.6%Acceptance
$8,994Tuition
15,723Students
62%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$60,614Earnings
#1 in NevadaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Nevada-Reno

The University of Nevada-Reno attracts 15,723 students to its large city campus with strong engineering, journalism, and mining programs backed by serious research activities. Notable graduates include NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and former First Lady Pat Nixon. The Wolf Pack competes in NCAA Division I athletics across 16 varsity sports. Students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio while the university maintains an accessible 85.62% acceptance rate.

After financial aid, students pay an average net price of $15,402, making this a solid financial choice for most families. Graduates earn a median of $60,614 ten years after graduation, outpacing the typical debt load of $18,922. The 95.3% employment rate shows strong career outcomes. Monthly loan payments average just $201, making the debt manageable given earning potential.

The student body tilts slightly female at 53.06% and draws heavily from Nevada with 72.92% in-state enrollment. Hispanic students make up 24.79% of enrollment, reflecting the state's demographics. The 62.40% six-year graduation rate suggests students need persistence to finish, though the 80.35% retention rate shows most stick with their choice. Campus housing accommodates 3,291 students in a city known for outdoor recreation opportunities.

Academics & Faculty

Nevada-Reno operates as a public research university with particular strength in engineering, journalism, and mining programs that reflect the state's industrial heritage. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 62% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. Research opportunities abound across disciplines, with faculty actively engaged in projects ranging from seismology to renewable energy. The Mackay School of Mines draws students nationwide for its specialized programs in geological engineering and metallurgy. The Reynolds School of Journalism maintains strong industry connections and state-of-the-art facilities. With 80% of first-year students returning for sophomore year, most students find their academic footing despite the demanding coursework typical of research institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
98.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
62.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
62.4%
Retention Rate
80.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,614
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $104,192
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $82,440
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Master $79,284
Mining and Mineral Engineering. Bachelor $69,338
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $69,161
Computer Engineering. Bachelor $67,473
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $67,324
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. Master $66,461
Civil Engineering. Master $66,169
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $59,011

View all 198 programs →

Campus Life

The Biggest Little City in the World sits at 4,500 feet elevation in the high desert, where you'll need both winter coats and sunscreen depending on the season. With only 3,291 beds for 15,723 students, just 21% live on campus, making UNR feel more like a commuter school than a traditional college town. Most students scatter across Reno's affordable apartments and houses near campus.

Weekend life revolves around Lake Tahoe, just 45 minutes away, where Wolf Pack students hit the slopes at multiple ski resorts or boat in summer. Reno's downtown casino district offers internships and part-time jobs for the 73% of students who stay in-state. The campus buzzes with Division I Mountain West athletics, especially when 16 varsity teams take on rival UNLV. With Nevada's strong mining and engineering industries nearby, many of the school's standout programs connect directly to local career opportunities. The 80% retention rate reflects students who appreciate both outdoor recreation access and in-state tuition under $9,000.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
3,291 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 49 1 1 0
Dating Violence 11 9 0 0
Stalking 16 4 0 0
Burglary 14 1 1 0
Aggravated Assault 5 4 1 0
Rape 3 3 1 0
Fondling 2 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–45°F
July Avg
61°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
8.1"
Annual Snowfall
29.7"

Student Demographics

University of Nevada-Reno draws heavily from Nevada, with nearly three-quarters of students coming from in-state. The student body reflects the state's growing diversity, particularly its significant Hispanic population. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for most universities today. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the university serves many first-generation and working-class families. This demographic mix aligns with UNR's mission as Nevada's flagship research university, providing accessible higher education to local students while building the state's educated workforce in engineering, journalism, and other key fields.
Men
46.9%
Women
53.1%
White
51.2%
Black
3.3%
Hispanic
24.8%
Asian
8.1%
In-State Students
72.9%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.1%

Location

Reno sits in northwestern Nevada, about 220 miles northeast of San Francisco and 30 miles from Lake Tahoe. The city of 265,000 people sits at 4,500 feet elevation in the high desert, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. Reno earned the nickname "The Biggest Little City in the World" for its casino district and entertainment venues. The campus spans 290 acres near downtown, giving students access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities. Winter brings skiing at nearby resorts, while summer offers hiking and water sports at Lake Tahoe. The area's four-season climate sees about 300 days of sunshine annually. Students considering colleges in Nevada may also compare University of Nevada-Reno with similar schools in the region.
Address
Reno, Nevada 89557
UNR Campus North120520
UNR Campus North120520
UNR KnowledgeCenter120520
UNR KnowledgeCenter120520
UN RENO
UN RENO
Brian Barnett
Brian Barnett

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$60,614
Median Earnings (5 years)
$63,908
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$41,600
Loan Repayment Rate
66.2%
Monthly Loan Payment
$201/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,922

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Nevada-Reno?

University of Nevada-Reno accepts 85.62% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The Wolf Pack draws primarily from Nevada with 72.92% in-state enrollment, though it attracts students nationwide for its strong engineering and journalism programs.

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

The average net price is $15,402 after aid, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,126. In-state tuition runs $8,994 while out-of-state students pay $25,950, making it an affordable option for Nevada residents seeking a research university experience.

What academic programs is University of Nevada-Reno known for?

The university excels in engineering, journalism, and mining with significant research activities across campus. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get solid access to professors while benefiting from the school's strong reputation in technical fields and media programs.

What are employment outcomes like for University of Nevada-Reno graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.3% employment rate with median earnings of $60,614 ten years after graduation. The 62.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the school's mix of traditional and working students, while alumni like Colin Kaepernick demonstrate the university's ability to produce notable achievers.

Where do students live at University of Nevada-Reno?

Campus housing accommodates 3,291 students at $13,700 for room and board, serving about 21% of the 15,723 total enrollment. The large city setting in Reno provides plenty of off-campus options, with many students choosing apartments near the downtown area or Lake Tahoe region.

Does University of Nevada-Reno have strong athletic programs?

The Wolf Pack competes in NCAA Division I's Mountain West Conference with 16 varsity sports and 423 total athletes. The university invests $9,151,196 in athletic scholarships annually, with football and basketball drawing the most attention from the passionate Nevada fanbase.