Mr. Cohen’s generosity awards our students, despite difficult circumstances, the opportunity to better themselves, our university, and our communities through earning a degree. By lifting the financial burden of attending UNLV, this program helps students focus on their studies and immerse themselves in the university experience.
About the Program
The Philip J. Cohen Scholars Program was created to provide financial support to deserving undergraduate UNLV students who may have not otherwise received a scholarship based upon traditional need or merit requirements.
Made possible through the generosity of Mr. Philip J. Cohen, a Las Vegas gaming and real estate executive who passed away in 2010, this program aims to:
- Provide tuition support for deserving students who, despite adversity, have committed to their education in order to better themselves and their community;
- Encourage Nevada’s students to remain in the community after graduation and inspire them through Mr. Cohen’s legacy to become active leaders.
Mr. Cohen believed that money should never prohibit a qualified student from attending a quality university. His generous gift funds 50 scholarships each year. The intent of the scholarship is to provide significant support in the amount of $8,100 per academic year (fall/spring only; scholarship awards are not available during summer sessions).
Recipients of this scholarship will be collectively known as the Philip J. Cohen Scholars. This special cohort of UNLV students will meet together regularly with program coordinators to share the joys and challenges of pursuing their degrees.
Student applicants must meet the following two basic criteria:
- Must be formally admitted to UNLV and must be enrolled full time at the undergraduate level;
- Incoming freshmen must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) or higher; returning students must have a 2.75 cumulative GPA or higher.
The Philip J. Cohen scholarship is automatically renewable each academic year, pending funding availability, for up to 130 attempted credits to students who:
- Maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA each semester;
- Successfully complete 12 or more credit hours each semester;
- Consecutively enroll in fall and spring terms; and
- Meet the Office of Financial Aid Scholarships Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
Philip J. Cohen Scholarship eligibility will be terminated for students that fail to meet renewal criteria for any term (fall and spring). Students may submit a Scholarship Appeal to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office, with documentation of any extenuating circumstances to be considered.
The Cohen Scholarship is contingent upon funding; please see the Scholarship Application Cycle Dates for more information.
Scholarship APplication Cycle Dates
| 2024-2025 Academic Year: | The application cycle is now closed for the 2024-2025 academic year. |
|---|---|
| 2025-2026 Academic Year: | Contingent upon funding, the following tentative dates will guide the application for the 2025-2026 academic year. |
| Scholarship Application Opens: | November 8, 2024 |
| Scholarship Application Closes:
(Applications submitted will be under review throughout the spring 2025 semester.) |
December 12, 2024 |
| Application Review Process: | January 21, 2025 – May 8, 2025 |
| Final Decisions By:
(All Applicants will be notified by email.) |
Friday, May 9, 2025 |