Financial Aid at University of Nevada, Reno

Hi all! So, I'm interested in the University of Nevada, Reno, but I'm a little worried about the financial side of things. Anyone have any insight into the financial aid situation at this school? Is it typically generous?

While each student's financial aid package at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) will largely depend on their financial circumstances, it's worth noting that UNR does have a solid commitment towards making education affordable. The school offers a mixture of need-based, merit-based, and departmental scholarships.

UNR does participate in federal financial aid programs, which means that federal grants, work-study, and loans are available to those who qualify. The first step to determining these is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will help identify your eligibility for different types of aid. Keep in mind that the lower your Student Aid Index (SAI), the more federal financial aid you're likely to be eligible for.

In terms of scholarships, Nevada residents may be eligible for the Millennium Scholarship, which is a state-funded program that rewards Nevada high school graduates with a generous tuition waiver for eligibility criteria. Out-of-state students can also apply for the WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) program, which can reduce out-of-state tuition costs for students from participating states. The WUE scholarship is automatically awarded to eligible students, but the number of these scholarships is limited, so it is somewhat competitive.

Moreover, UNR also has a plethora of departmental scholarships. Students are encouraged to reach out to their respective departments for more information. For some of these, you might need to put in a separate application.

Despite these aid options, it's still recommended to consider all aspects of the financial commitment before deciding on a school. You can utilize the net price calculator on UNR’s site for a more accurate estimate of what you'd likely pay. Nonetheless, many students have found UNR's financial aid offerings satisfactory, but your individual experience will depend on your specific financial need and academic merit.