Overview of Programs

Scholarships

The University has a variety of scholarship programs to recognize superior academic achievement or special talent. Some are automatically awarded based on high school grade point average. Some scholarships reflect the University’s commitment to achieving a student body that is broadly diverse in terms of race, geography, gender, special skills and talents, leadership and potential contribution to the academic community of the University. Others are awarded by selection committees through the University Foundation and Alumni Program. All scholarships are considered “merit” or “ gift” aid and do not have to be repaid after degree completion.

General University Scholarship Program

The University has many individual scholarships established by donors, alumni and friends of the University which are available to all students regardless of major or college affiliation. These awards are primarily offered to entering freshmen and may be renewed for their freshmen and sophomore years. A selected number of awards are offered to students in their junior and senior years. All awards are offered based on academic performance and the criteria established by the donor.

College and Departmental Scholarships
Scholarships are available to all students who have declared a major and are pursuing a degree in a particular college and department. Selection is made by the faculty of the respective area. Supplemental application information may be required by the college to assist in their award process.

Scholarships awarded at the college and department level are primarily offered to continuing junior and senior students. However, a number of awards are offered annually to entering freshmen and transfer students as well as continuing freshmen and sophomore students.

University Foundation and Alumni Scholarships
These scholarships are open competitive to all undergraduate and graduate students. Awardees are selected by the respective committees. Supplemental information may be required for University Foundation and Nevada Alumni Association scholarships.

Eligibility

Students must be officially admitted to the University and into a degree-seeking program. Since recipients have been selected primarily on academic merit, a high standard of academic performance is required.

Credit Limit
A student remains eligible to apply for a General University scholarship until the maximum credit limit is reached or the requirements for the current degree are completed, whichever occurs first. A student who has earned 110- 130 total credits applicable toward their degree may receive half of the yearly amount of the scholarship, and it is paid in the fall semester. A student who has earned 131 credits or more is not eligible for a General University scholarship, but may be considered by their college or department.

Coursework
Each recipient must enroll in a full-time course load that meets the requirements of the donor. Courses must be those from the class schedule published each semester. The award notification directs the student to review the (award criteria) page for enrollment and academic requirements. For multiple awards with differing requirements, the student must always adhere to the highest required grade point average and credit completion requirements.

Courses through Extended Studies
These courses may be semester-based or open enrollment. Semester-based courses count as part of the student’s enrollment and are therefore eligible. Open enrollment courses do not count as part of the enrollment for disbursement of funds. These can be identified with a “C” in front of the course number and “X” to indicate the course is in progress. Correspondence coursework is one of those open enrollment courses that is not included for scholarship payment.

Repeated Coursework
Credit is earned only one time for most courses. The student must enroll for additional credits equal to the number of credits for any course that a student chooses to repeat to avoid jeopardizing their eligibility.

Dual or Intra-system Enrollment
Scholarships are awarded for full-time enrollment at this University. Coursework at another institution is not included in the minimum number of credits required.

Studies Abroad
These programs are eligible for University scholarships. Advance approval is required, so that disbursement can be arranged.

National Student Exchange Program (Plan B only)
These programs are eligible for University scholarships. Advance approval is required, so that disbursement can be arranged.

Visit the following pages for scholarship information for:

(Entering Undergraduates)
(Continuing Undergraduates)
(Graduate Students)