Entering Undergraduates - Overview Information

Entering Freshmen

General University Scholarships
Students who present qualifying academic credentials in their admission application are awarded scholarships upon admission to the University. There is no separate application for the University’s General Scholarship Program. Scholarship offers are determined through the use of an academic index. The index is calculated using the high school GPA and the college entrance examination score, ACT or SAT (whichever is higher), to determine eligibility and offer amount. Most of these scholarships are renewable awards for up to 60 earned college credits for students who continue to meet the academic criteria. Other scholarships are multi-year awards and are renewed for an additional three years of undergraduate study as long as the academic criteria are met.

The priority application deadline for scholarships is February 1st annually for all students. After that date scholarships are awarded on a “funds available” basis only. All scholarships and their award criteria are the minimum to qualify for consideration. The minimum cutoffs may be subject to change pending availability of funding.

The University of Nevada, Reno offers two of its most prestigious scholarships to entering freshmen who qualify.

National Merit/Presidential Scholarship
The University of Nevada, Reno’s most prestigious scholarship awards ten scholarships to entering freshmen students who are National Merit Finalists. This scholarship awards qualifying students $15,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study, a $60,000 scholarship.

The scholarship covers in-state fees up to 15 credits per semester, books, honors housing accommodations, and meal expenses. In addition, the following opportunities are provided:

• Automatic entry into the University’s Honors Program. This program grooms students for entry into professional and graduate school programs as well as for application for scholarship opportunities with Rhodes, Fulbright, and many others.

• A “study-abroad” experience at one of 37 different programs in 25 countries world-wide. The program chosen will be tailored to the students’ major area of study and may include an intensive language program.

• Working with both faculty advisors and the Office of Undergraduate Research, and undergraduate research project in the students’ major area of study.

To qualify for consideration for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

• Must possess a minimum 3.50 cumulative high school grade point average and either a score of 31 on the ACT or a score of 1360 on the SAT (verbal + math).

• Must submit a completed application for admission to the University of Nevada, Reno by February 1st. This application must include either ACT or SAT scores.

• Submit an application to the Honor’s Program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

• Must advance to National Merit Finalist status. Students who are National Merit Semifinalists will be notified of their finalist status by February. Students must then forward a copy of their notification to the University of Nevada, Reno to confirm their award.

• After advancing to Finalist standing, students will be asked by National Merit to select their school of choice. Finalists designating the University of Nevada, Reno as their first choice will be considered for the National Merit/Presidential Scholarship.

Presidential Scholarship
Twenty five $5,000 scholarships are available to entering freshmen who possess the following academic credentials and who complete these steps:

• Must possess a minimum 3.50 cumulative high school grade point average.

• Must possess either a score of 31 on the ACT or a score of 1360 on the SAT (verbal + math).

• Have submitted an application to the university’s honor’s program by February 1st.

• Have been admitted to the University by February 1st with qualifying test scores and at least a 6th semester high school transcript on file.

This scholarship is available at $5,000 per year for four years of undergraduate study. A $20,000 scholarship.

The University offers a varity of other general scholarships that are available to entering freshmen and transfer students

Silver and Blue Scholarship
$2500 for the academic year with an index of 90 and above or a transfer GPA of 4.00 to 3.75.

Nevada Scholars
$1500 for the academic year with an index of 89-80 or a transfer GPA of 3.74 to 3.30.

Pack Pride Scholarship
$500 for the academic year with an index of 79-70 or a transfer GPA of 3.29 to 3.00.

A (calculator) is available to estimate the amount of the award for entering freshmen students by entering the high school GPA and test score information, and a (matrix) may be printed from our site.

Transfer Students

Transfer students who plan to enroll are offered scholarships at the time of admission based on the academic credentials presented in their admissions application. Awards are offered based on the cumulative transfer GPA. Students must have earned 24 transferable credits and a minimum 3.00 GPA to qualify for scholarship consideration.

College Awards

Students who declare a major at the time of admission may also be considered by that college’s scholarship committee. A supplemental application is required by some colleges. The application deadline is February 1st annually.

University Foundation and Alumni Scholarships

These scholarships are available to all undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients are selected by the respective committees through a required supplemental application. The application deadline is February 1st annually. **Receiving these scholarships may replace all or part of any general scholarships previously offered.