UNLV was one of just three national finalists for the annual Degree Completion Award from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, which recognized innovative approaches the university has taken recently to drive graduation rates to the highest level in its history. These programs include, Rebel Ready Week, the development of Student Outreach, and Retention, Progression, and Completion coordinators in each college. Thanks to these resources, UNLV; graduation rates are at an all-time high.

Students in the Department of Film are pioneering the future of sound design by beta testing unreleased audio technology software from Holoplot. Using this tool, they created a documentary to showcase its potential and tested the results in Holoplot's U.S. office in Las Vegas. With direct connections to industry leaders, UNLV students are poised to redefine the boundaries of sound and film innovation.

The UNLV College of Fine Arts introduced a BA in Creative Practice degree program for students wishing to pursue a career in the arts within a broad context. This innovative degree offers focused coursework in arts leadership, management, and entrepreneurship. With organizations across diverse industries seeking leaders who can integrate knowledge across disciplines, the program equips graduates to excel in a wide range of roles, driving innovation and advocacy in the arts and beyond.

Building on the momentum of historic spring 2024 enrollment, UNLV has surpassed its own record-breaking achievements again this fall, reaching a new enrollment milestone even as universities nationwide face declining enrollments. The university welcomed 32,911 students this fall – up nearly 6% over last year – which marks the highest enrollment total in UNLV’s 67-year history.

The College of Engineering has invested heavily in several initiatives over the years, taking a holistic approach to addressing the needs — from academic to financial to emotional — of a diverse, and growing, student body. The result: This fall, the college welcomed its largest-ever freshman cohort of nearly 700 students, with a record-breaking 88.7% first-year retention rate.

Twenty years ago this fall, the School of Public Health was established at UNLV with the goal of improving the health and well-being of people worldwide. In the last two decades, Public Health departments, programs, and research units have grown and prepared students to become leaders and professionals in the field of public health. In addition to advancing research in critical areas such as health equity, epidemiology, and environmental health, the college also led the effort to make UNLV a smoke-free and tobacco-free campus.

In a world that grows more interconnected every day, the need for skilled professionals who understand technology, security, and diplomacy has never been greater. UNLV is now a partner institution for two prestigious U.S. Department of State fellowships, opening doors for students to enter the competitive arenas of international diplomacy and security. These State Department fellowships open doors not only to career-defining work but also the chance to serve on the front lines of global affairs.

The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program has been ranked #2 in the nation by Fortune for 2025. This recognition highlights the university's commitment to providing a top-tier education that prepares students for the rapidly growing cybersecurity field. Developed in partnership between the Lee Business School and the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, the program’s interdisciplinary, workforce-focused approach ensures that graduates are prepared for today’s challenges and also ready to lead the cybersecurity industry of tomorrow.