University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Rankings, Fees, Courses & Admissions

UNLV features three campuses across Nevada. These include the comprehensive main campus located on 350 acres in the heart of Las Vegas, offering a wide range of academic and student life facilities. Additionally, the Shadow Lane Campus and the Henderson Campus serve specific courses or specializations.

Below is a look at the primary locations:

Main Campus

The main campus is home to state-of-the-art buildings, such as Greenspun Hall, featuring a sustainable design, and Hospitality Hall, which houses interactive classrooms and student-run cafes. Here are some key buildings that the leading campus houses:

• Greenspun Hall: Home to nearly all College of Urban Affairs programs, including KUNV Radio and UNLV-TV. It’s LEED Gold certified, featuring sustainable elements such as a solar array that offsets 15% of its energy use.
• Hospitality Hall: The new home for the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, featuring interactive classrooms, a student-run cafe, and specialized learning spaces for programs like PGA golf management.
• Science and Engineering Building: A hub for labs, classrooms, and research spaces in fields like computer science and engineering, encouraging collaboration with local industry for research.
• Clinical Simulation Center: Serving nursing and medical students from UNLV and other institutions, this 31,000-square-foot facility features high-fidelity simulation labs, surgical suites, and teleconference-enabled spaces for advanced training and education.
• The Cube: A symbol of UNLV’s engineering disciplines, designed in 2015, this structure represents civil, mechanical, computer science, entertainment, construction, and electrical engineering.

Additionally, the entire campus, recognized as a Tree Campus USA, serves as an outdoor museum for trees and shrubs, showcasing native and introduced species.

Furthermore, if you are unable to visit in person, the university offers a detailed virtual tour to help you explore its facilities and resources remotely. 

Shadow Lane Campus

UNLV's Shadow Lane Campus, spanning 18.2 acres in Las Vegas' medical district, serves as a hub for health sciences education, research, and clinical services. Established in 2004, this specialized campus complements the main campus by focusing on medical and dental disciplines.

• School of Dental Medicine: Equipped with 165 dental chairs, this facility offers comprehensive dental education in orthodontics, periodontics, and other dental specialties, and community care.
• Biotechnology Center: Supports collaborative biomedical research, conducts workshops on forensic DNA fingerprinting, and supports both academic and medical professionals.
• Nevada Cancer Institute: Established in 2002, leading studies in cancer and genetics, and MS in Epidemiology in collaboration with UNLV, the University of Nevada, School of Medicine, and the University of Nevada, Reno.

Henderson Campus

UNLV's Henderson Campus is one of the university's central off-campus locations. This campus serves as a vital extension of UNLV, providing accessible educational opportunities to students in the southeastern region of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

• Building C: Known as the Caesar J. Caviglia Academic Computing Building, it houses University Police Services, ensuring safety and security for students and staff.
• Campus Services Building: Provides a range of administrative and support services to students and faculty.

After checking out the campus, let's now examine how the University of Nevada ranks in the 2025-26 academic year.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) holds a solid position in global rankings. It is ranked in the 601–800 range in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, reflecting its growing academic influence. Additionally, UNLV is ranked #244 in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report National Universities rankings. 

These rankings highlight the university's commitment to excellence both nationally and internationally.

Here's how the University of Nevada, Las Vegas performs across rankings:

Ranking Body	Rank 2024	Rank 2025	Rank 2026
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings	601-800th	601-800th	NA
US News Rankings	NA	#747	NA

Subject-wise rankings help you understand how the program you are interested in performs. Let's look into the details.

Top Course-wise Ranking 2025/26 

UNLV ranks highly in several academic disciplines, with Leisure and Hospitality Management ranked 4th by QS, Law at #251-300 by THE Rankings, and Nursing ranked 74th by U.S. News & World Report Rankings. These positions showcase the university's strong academic performance across various fields.

Here's a look at how the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, ranks based on different subjects or courses:

Subject/Course	Ranking Body	Ranking 2025
Hospitality & Leisure Management	QS Ranking	4
Business & Management Studies	QS Ranking	401-450
Economics & Econometrics	QS Ranking	551-700
Medicine	QS Ranking	701-850
Computer Science and Information Systems	QS Ranking	751-850
Nursing	US News Ranking	74
Law	Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings	251-300
Psychology	Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings	301-400

Unsure how the institute ranks in your chosen field? Check out the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rankings for detailed global insights in your specific area of interest. 

Once you’re familiar with how UNLV stands academically, let’s understand the admissions process to help you take the next step toward becoming part of this institution.

With an acceptance rate of 86%, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers an inclusive admissions process for both domestic and international students. 

UNLV accepts both the Common Application and its own application, with a nonrefundable application fee of $60 (INR 5,100) for domestic students and $95 (approximately INR 8,100) for international students. For detailed guidelines on application deadlines and specific program requirements, visit the official admissions page.

Below is a simpler breakdown of the admission requirements and upcoming deadlines for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Admission Requirements

When applying to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, it's crucial to meet specific admission requirements, including having a minimum GPA of 3.0 for first-year applicants and demonstrating English language proficiency for non-native speakers. 

Additionally, timely submission of necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, your acceptance letter, and your passport, is key for securing your F-1 student visa.

Here’s an overview of the admission requirements for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas:

Academic Qualification

For undergraduate programs, UNLV requires first-year applicants to have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or qualifying SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students, on the other hand, need a 2.5 GPA in at least 24 transferable credits. 

Here are the academic requirements:

Criteria	Details
Minimum GPA	Undergraduate: 3.0 GPA (first year applicants), 2.5 GPA in at least 24 transferable credits (transfer students) Graduate: 2.75 GPA (overall) or 3.00 GPA (last two years)
Transcripts	One transcript from every post-secondary institution, with the institutional/grading key page
Additional Factors	Test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of coursework completed during undergraduate studies (for PG programs), letters of recommendation, etc.
Degree	Bachelor’s degree (for PG programs)

Note: Requirements may differ by program. Visit the official website for updated information.

Language Proficiency

Non-native English speakers, including those from India, must demonstrate their language proficiency levels through tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. 

However, applicants who have attended post-secondary institutions where English is the principal medium of instruction are exempt from this requirement.

Accepted tests and minimum scores are as follows:

Test	AverageScore
TOEFL (Paper-based)	74
TOEFL (Computer-based)	213
TOEFL (Internet-based)	80
IELTS	6.5
Duolingo English Test (DET)	105
Michigan Test of English Language Placement (MTELP)	85
Pearson Test of English (PTE)	65
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)	B2

Note: These minimum scores fluctuate annually, based on the number of applicants and the level of competition.

Competitive Exams 

SAT/ACT scores and scores from any other competitive exams are not mandatory for international students. However, if you are applying as a first-year student and have taken any tests, it is recommended that you submit your official test scores.

Visa Requirements 

F-1 visa denials in the U.S. reached a decade-high in the last fiscal year. 41% of applications were rejected, nearly double the rate from 2014. To reduce the risk of rejection, ensure you submit all necessary documents, including the letter of acceptance, your passport, proof of funds, and apply for the F-1 student visa promptly.

Here are the visa requirements to study at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas:

Document	Details
Valid Passport	The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S. Ensure it is current before applying.
Proof of Funds	Financial Certification form, Bank Letter, statements, affidavits, or scholarship letters showing financial support for at least one year.
Form I-20	Issued by the university after admission and financial documents are approved. Required for the F-1 visa application.
Letter of Acceptance	Official admission letter issued by the University.
Passport-size Photograph	Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements for filling out the DS-160 form.
Visa Fee	Pay the SEVIS fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), currently $350 (INR 30K) for F-1 visa applicants.
Visa Interview Appointment	Schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate and bring required documents, including Form I-20, visa application, passport, and financial proof.

Note: You must pay the SEVIS fee before your visa interview and present the receipt during the interview.

The criteria mentioned above apply to most programs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. For detailed program-specific requirements, visit the UNLV Admissions page.

Now, let's understand the available intakes and deadlines at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

With 78 majors and 84 minors, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a wide range of opportunities for international students. 

Whether you're pursuing an undergraduate degree or seeking to further your education, UNLV offers over 197 graduate degree and certificate programs, including courses at its law, medicine, and dental schools. This diversity in programs ensures you can tailor your education to meet your professional goals.

Here are some popular courses in different streams:

Stream	Program Name
Undergraduate Majors	Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Education, Nursing
Undergraduate Minors	Africana Studies, Anthropology, Business Data Analytics, Environmental Justice, Marketing
Graduate Programs	Master of Science in Cybersecurity, Master of Social Work, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Nursing
Graduate Certificates	Nursing Education, Nursing Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Financial Crimes Investigator
Online Programs	B.S. in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Cybersecurity, M.S. in Nursing Education, Master of Social Work – Advanced Standing

After reviewing some of the programs offered at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, let's examine the tuition fees for various courses.

Understanding the total cost of studying at UNLV, including tuition, living expenses, and other associated costs, is crucial for effective budgeting. For Nevada residents, undergraduate tuition is $10,196 (INR 8.7 L), while graduate tuition is $7,736 (INR 6.6 L). 

Living expenses can add significantly, with total costs for undergraduates ranging from $29,196 (INR 25L) to $31,510 (INR 27L).

Here are the tuition fees for Nevada residents. Although you don’t have the exact figures for an international student, you can gauge them from these data.

Cost Aspect	Amount (in $)	Amount (in INR)
Undergraduate Tuition Fees (15 credits)	$10,196*	INR 8.7L
Graduate Tuition Fees (9 credits)	$7,736*	INR 6.6L

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

Tuition fees are a major part of your financial planning, but living expenses also play a significant role. Now, let’s take a closer look at them.

The University of Nevada offers financial aid and scholarships to more than 90% of undergraduate students upon admission. 

It also supports need-based grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), as well as program-specific waivers, loans, and other financial aid options.

Below is a breakdown of both internal and external scholarships available, including fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students:

Internal Scholarships

UNLV offers several internal scholarships, funded from its resources, to help ease the financial burden of studying. It includes the UNLV Tuition+ program, which provides in-state undergraduates with course fee coverage for up to 15 credits and a $1,000 (INR 86K) book stipend.

Below are some of the prominent internal scholarships available:

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
UNLV Signature	Academic scholarship	Eligibility: Awarded to undergraduate students based on academic achievements during admission. Submission of the FAFSA/Alternate Need Form. Renewable with a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Benefits: The award amount varies based on academic performance and financial need.
UNLV Tuition+	Need-based scholarship	Eligibility: For in-state undergraduate students with adjusted gross income below $68K (INR 58.3L). Requires FAFSA submission and enrollment in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. Renewable with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. Benefits: Covers course fees up to 15 credits Includes a $1,000 (INR 85.8K) book stipend.
UNLV Opportunity	Need-based scholarship	Eligibility: Offered to undergraduate students based on academic achievement and financial need. Renewable with a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Requires FAFSA or Alternate Need Form.  Benefits: The amount varies.

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

In addition to internal scholarships, external scholarships are also available for further financial support. Let’s take a look at these opportunities.

External Scholarships

External scholarships offer financial support to students, further reducing the cost of education. These are funded by either the government or private foundations. One notable scholarship is the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship (GGMS), which offers up to $10,000 (INR 8.6L) for Nevada high school graduates based on merit. 

Below are some key external scholarships that can help fund your education:

Scholarship Name	Type of Scholarship	Details
Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship (GGMS)	Academic scholarship	Eligibility: Merit-based for Nevada high school graduates. Requires enrollment of at least 12 credits each semester. Renewable with a 2.75 GPA each semester. Benefits: Provides up to $10,000 (INR 8.6L), allocated per credit hour, up to 15 hours each semester. Expires 6 years after high school graduation.
President’s Scholarship	Academic scholarship	Eligibility: For National Merit finalists who designate UNLV as their first-choice school by May 1st. Renewable with a GPA of 2.00 each semester. Benefits: Provides $10,000 (INR 8.6L).

These scholarships help reduce your financial burden, ensuring you can complete your studies without any issues. 

With a clear understanding of the available scholarships, let's now explore the placement opportunities and career services at the University of Nevada.

UNLV supports your career transition through the “Career Launch” portal, which offers job listings, internships, and connections with employers. The university also provides a career handbook that offers job-search tips, resume-building strategies, and interview techniques to enhance your employability.

Here are some essential statistics over the past few years: 

• 51.7% of undergrads will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree.
• The highest-paying bachelor’s programs are Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, and Clinical Nursing, with a median salary of $ 75,810 (equivalent to INR 65L) and an employment rate of 99%.
• With an employment rate of 98%, the nursing degree at UNLV ($106,420 median salary, equivalent to INR 91.2L), as well as the Business Administration degree ($93,820 median salary, equivalent to INR 80.4L), with an employment rate of 95%, are one of the highest-paying study abroad master’s programs.

These statistics underscore the university's commitment to equipping students with the skills and opportunities necessary for successful careers.

Top Recruiters

The university's strategic partnerships and strong alumni network manage connections with leading employers across various industries like fintech, traditional commerce and e-commerce, logistics, and more. The university's career services play a pivotal role in organizing job fairs and internship programs that attract top-tier companies.

Let's look at some of the top recruiters who hire from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

• Wal-Mart: Retail management and supply chain positions.
• Wynn Las Vegas: Hospitality, entertainment, and resort management roles.
• Bally Technologies: Gaming technology and software development positions.
• Nevada Power: Energy, utility management, and engineering roles.
• Verizon Wireless: Telecommunications, IT, and customer service positions.
• JCPenney: Retail operations, merchandising, and management roles.
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc.: Supply chain, logistics, and transportation positions.
• Zappos: E-commerce, customer service, and logistic management roles.
• Allegiant: Aviation, airline operations, and customer service positions.
• Switch: Data center management, IT infrastructure, and engineering roles.

After reviewing the placement services offered by the university and its top recruiters, let's give you a brief overview of student life at UNLV.

UNLV offers a great campus life with numerous resources designed to enhance your personal and academic growth. The 184,000 sq. ft. Student Recreation & Wellness Center is just one of many facilities that promote physical fitness and well-being. 

From arts and entertainment to student organizations and wellness services, there are countless opportunities for you to engage, grow, and succeed outside the classroom.

Here's an in-depth look at what makes UNLV your home away from home, with an enriching and unique student life:

• Student Wellness Center: Offers a range of services promoting physical, emotional, and social well-being, including the WellnessView Portal, counseling, and the Disability Resource Center.
• Campus Recreational Services: Features the 184,000 sq. ft. Student Recreation & Wellness Center, which offers fitness equipment, pools, and intramural sports to keep you active and engaged.
• RebelCard: Serves as your official student ID, granting access to campus facilities. It also functions as RebelCash, allowing tax-free purchases on campus and at participating off-campus merchants.
• Arts and Entertainment: The College of Fine Arts, the Performing Arts Center, museums and galleries, and venues such as the Thomas & Mack Center, Cox Pavilion, and Sam Boyd Stadium host exciting and diverse events.
• Student Organizations: With over 450 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), UNLV offers diverse opportunities to engage in academic, cultural, and recreational activities.

UNLV is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive campus environment that supports all-round growth for its students. Now, let’s explore some notable UNLV alumni.

With over 151,000 total graduates, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has established a broad and accomplished alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields, including business, entertainment, science, and public service. 

Across the globe, UNLV alumni are making a lasting impact in their careers and communities.

Here are some distinguished alumni from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas:

Alumni	Field of Work	Contribution
Guy Fieri	Business and Entertainment	Chef, restaurateur, best-selling author, and an Emmy Award-winning television presenter, known as the “culinary rock star”.
Gina Joy Carano	Cinema and Arts	Former American actress and mixed martial artist.
Jimmy Kimmel	Entertainment	American actor, television host, comedian, writer, and producer.
Greg Anthony	Sports	Former NBA player and sports broadcaster.
Ryan Ross	Music	Former lead guitarist, backing and lead vocalist, and primary songwriter of the American rock band Panic! at the Disco.
Bill McBeath	Hospitality	Former president and CEO of Aria Resort & Casino
Steve Sisolak	Politics	American politician who served as the 30th governor of Nevada

These alumni and their achievements show how the university prepares you for different professional paths. Next, let’s compare UNLV with similar universities.

Choosing the right university requires comparing key factors, such as tuition fees, top courses, and career outcomes. For example, the median salary at UNLV is $42,865 (INR 36.7 L), higher than similar institutions like Great Basin College and the College of Southern Nevada. 

Let’s now take a closer look at how UNLV compares with these universities on certain parameters to gain a clearer picture.

Parameters	University of Nevada, Las Vegas	Great Basin College	College of Southern Nevada
US News Rankings	244 (in National Universities)	42-45 (in Regional Colleges West)	Unranked (in Regional Colleges West)
Undergraduate Enrollment	25,795	3,197	28,901
Acceptance Rate	86%	N/A	N/A
Average Annual Cost	$11,779 (INR 10.1L)	$7,817 (INR 6.7L)	$6,950 (INR 5.9L)
Student: Faculty Ratio	18:1	17:1	N/A
Number of Courses	78 majors, 84 minors, 197 graduate degree and certificate programs	43	70 (26 degrees and certificates available entirely online)
Popular Courses	UG BA in Criminal Justice BS in Cybersecurity BA in Psychology BS in Nursing Master of Science in Accounting Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering	UG BA in Elementary Education Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Master of Education in Special Education Master of Business Administration (MBA)	UG Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Associate of Science in Business Administration Associate of Science in Computer Science Master of Education in Counselling
Employed 5 years after graduation	91%	89%	90%
Minority Enrollment	75%	36%	71%
Post-study Work Visa	Eligible for 2 years	Eligible for 2 years	Eligible for 2 years
Median Salary 6 Years After Graduation	$42,865 (INR 36.7L)	$35,615 (INR 30.5L)	$31,822 (INR 27.2L)

Note: The average annual cost for the other two institutes doesn’t include miscellaneous expenses; hence, it may look smaller compared to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

After comparing features such as tuition fees, placements, and salaries with those of similar universities, 

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has a total enrollment of 32,911 students. The application fee for programs is $95 (INR 8.1K), and official transcripts are a crucial part of the application process.

Knowing the admission dates and intakes is crucial for ensuring your application is processed on time and that you are considered for your desired program at UNLV.

For undergraduate programs, the application deadlines are as follows:

Start Term	International Freshman Deadline	International Transfer Deadline	International Graduate Deadline
Fall 2025	Priority: November 15, 2024 (closed)  Regular: June 1, 2025 (closed)	Priority: March 15, 2025 (closed) Regular: July 1, 2025	May 1, 2025 (closed)
Spring 2026	December 1, 2025	December 1, 2025	October 1, 2025
Summer 2026	N/A	N/A	March - May 2026 (varies by program)

Having understood the University of Nevada, Las Vegas admission requirements and deadlines for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, let's examine the available programs.

As an international student from India, understanding the cost of attending UNLV is essential for effective financial planning. Tuition fees vary by program, and different rates apply for undergraduate, graduate, and specialized courses, such as law and dental.

Below is a breakdown of the general tuition fees, providing a clearer picture of the financial commitment required, especially for those from India who are planning their educational finances:

Residency Status	Semester Cost	Yearly Cost
Nevada Resident (Undergraduate)	$4,998 (INR 4.3L)	$10,196 (INR 8.7L)
Nevada Resident (Graduate)	$3,808 (INR 3.3L)	$7,736 (INR 6.6L)
Nonresident (Undergraduate)	$14,314 (INR 12.3L)	$28,828 (INR 24.7L)
Nonresident (Graduate)	$13,124 (INR 11.2L)	$26,368 (INR 22.6L)
International (Undergraduate)	$14,459 (INR 12.4L)	$29,118 (INR 24.9L)
International (Graduate)	$13,269 (INR 11.4L)	$26,658 (INR 22.9L)

Notes:

• Fees may vary depending on the specialization. Please refer to the official university website for the most up-to-date information.
• The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

With the programs and their tuition costs in mind, let’s now break down the total cost of studying at the University of Nevada in 2025.

The cost of living in the USA varies depending on whether you choose to live on or off campus. At UNLV, Key expenses, such as housing ($7,170 (INR 6.1L) for on-campus and $7,876 (INR 6.6L) for off-campus) and food ($6,024 (INR 5.2L)), can significantly impact your budget. 

Below is a breakdown of the estimated living costs for both on-campus and off-campus students.

Cost Aspect	Living Off Campus	Living On Campus
Housing & Utilities	$7,876 (INR 6.6L)	$7,170 (INR 6.1L)
Food	$6,024 (INR 5.2L)	$6,024 (INR 5.2L)
Books, Course Materials, Supplies	$1,240 (INR 1.1L)	$1,240 (INR 1.1L)
Transportation	$2,918 (INR 2.5L)	$1,310 (INR 1.1L)
Miscellaneous & Personal	$3,206 (INR 2.7L)	$3,206 (INR 2.7L)
Federal Student Loan Fees	$50 (INR 4.2K)	$50 (INR 4.2K)
Total Cost (without Tuition Fees)	$21,314 (INR 18.3L)	$19,000 (INR 16.3L)
Total Cost (with Tuition Fees)	$31,510 (INR 27L)	$29,196 (INR 25L)

Note: The currency conversions are based on the current exchange rate.

To help manage such expenses, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers various scholarship opportunities for eligible students. Let’s explore some of the popular scholarships available.