Diversity at UNLV
UNLV recognizes that a student body that is diverse with respect to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class background, and geography—among other dimensions of cultural difference—benefits and enriches the educational experiences of all students, faculty, and staff. Thus, the university seeks to promote campus diversity by enrolling and employing a larger number of minorities and women where these groups have been historically (and continually) under-represented within the university. UNLV is tracking its progress in promoting access and inclusion to all students.
57% of UNLV’s degree-seeking undergraduate students report being part of a racial or ethnic minority.
Diversity Mission
UNLV Diversity Initiatives provides leadership and support for the University’s Diversity mission: to nurture equity, diversity, and inclusiveness that promotes respect, support, and empowerment.
Being Different, Daring and Diverse at UNLV is a celebrated identity, and it’s important to continue to embody these traits and live them every day. This means embracing our core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and continuing to be receptive to change, listening to others with an open mind, and supporting each other’s differences.
For eight consecutive years, UNLV has been ranked in the Top 10 nationally by U.S. News and World Reports for our undergraduate diversity.
Emergency Assistance Fund
The Emergency Assistance Fund is used to assist UNLV students with an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event which prevents them from continuing their education. These funds are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a consistent supplement to the student’s education funding sources.
- Assist students who are experiencing housing deficiency (Homeless, or on the verge of being homeless)
- Food insecurities
- Clothing insecurities
- Transportation assistance via Bus Pass/Public Transportation
First-Generation Scholarships
Currently, more than 8,000 students at UNLV are First Generation. That’s 31% of our undergraduate student population.
Scholarships will assist students with tuition costs, books, housing and other expenses. By providing financial assistance, the student can focus on academics without the worry of financial burdens.
Endowments (Endowed Scholarships) would provide financial assistance for many years to come.
Scholarships and Endowments can be customized according to the Donor’s wishes.
- Immediate Use Scholarships: Funds received through private dollars to be used as soon as they are received.
- Endowed Scholarships: Funds that are placed in an interest earning savings account. The interest is invested each year to grow the account.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Undocumented and DACA students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but may apply for university-based and alternate financial assistance at UNLV.
What does undocumented status and DACA mean?
Undocumented refers to individuals who are not United States citizens or permanent residents of the United States, who do not hold a current visa to reside in the United States, and who have not been approved for legal residency in the U.S. Some undocumented individuals had an opportunity to participate in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Federal Program to avoid deportation and receive work authorization in the United States.
It is also important to note that while all DACA participants are undocumented, not all undocumented individuals are DACA participants. Selection is contingent upon meeting criteria and the completion and federal government review of an individual's DACA application.
U.S. citizenship is not a prerequisite for admission to UNLV, therefore any individual can apply to be a student and, if accepted, enroll for classes.
Undocumented and DACA students who have graduated from a Nevada high school are eligible for in-state tuition.
“DACA students face so many barriers to completing their degrees. Immigration policy is constantly changing, and there is a lot of anxiety over what will happen.”
Diversity Scholarships will assist these students with tuition costs, books, housing and other expenses related to attending UNLV. This financial assistance will alleviate one less worry or burden, and allow the student to focus on academic success.
College Costs
Your basic college expenses are calculated by using rules established by the U.S. Department of Education. Factors are determined from student surveys, UNLV's Center for Business and
Economic Research, and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce's Composite Cost of Living Index. The cost of attendance varies depending on housing status, program of study, state of residency, and total credit hours of enrollment each semester.
Questions About Giving
Susie Smith
Director of Development
Phone: 702-895-4595
Email: susie.smith@unlv.edu