Campus will be brimming with Rebel spirit as UNLV for the first time ever expects to surpass 34,000 students when classes resume Aug. 24. The record class marks the university’s fourth consecutive year of fall enrollment growth.
And all those students’ scarlet and gray pride will be on full display as they partake in a slate of new academic opportunities, tried and true campus traditions and activities, and even a milestone anniversary.
Enrollment Statistics
- This fall’s historic class includes nearly 7,000 first-year and transfer students.
- The majority of first-year students (over 88%) come from Nevada — with California, Hawaii, and Washington taking the the top three spots for out-of-state students' hometowns.
- More than half – roughly 52% – of UNLV freshmen will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree.
- About 300 newly admitted student veterans, active duty, and military family members will join UNLV this fall, becoming part of a community of roughly 2,300 supported by the university's Military & Veteran Services Center.
New Academic Offerings
UNLV is launching several new degrees, classes, and services in Fall 2026. They include:
- A bachelor’s in sport hospitality management, which the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality developed in collaboration with industry executives from among Southern Nevada’s 10-plus professional sports teams to fulfill workforce demand for the region's burgeoning athletics market.
- The hospitality college will also debut a Corporate Hospitality Experience class in partnership with the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix (LVGP) this fall. Students will be mentored by LVGP managers across multiple areas leading up to the November race, where students will work the large-scale event.
- A new graduate degree in multilingual education will prepare UNLV College of Education scholars and leaders to guide students in preschool through high school.
- UNLV Admissions launched the Call Center and Viva Digital Assistant, two new ways for students and families to get advice and quick phone or web resolution to questions surrounding financial aid and other resources.
Activity Highlights
Welcome Day BBQ
When: Friday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Pida Plaza & Alumni Amphitheatre
Rebel Welcome Day jumpstarts students’ college careers with live music, a barbecue, information booths, and more designed to help them learn about UNLV and campus life programs.
UNLV Fall Semester Begins
When: Monday, Aug. 24
Where: UNLV Main Campus
Throughout the day, UNLV staff and student volunteers will operate “ask me” booths to answer student questions and pass out swag. The booths will be located at the Tropicana Parking Garage, Pida Plaza (near the Student Union), Alta Ham Fine Arts Building, and near the Carol C. Harter Building Complex.
30th Annual Premier UNLV
When: Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Intramural Field, corner of University Center Drive and Harmon Avenue
More than 8,000 attendees are expected to converge on campus as this annual tradition — featuring fireworks and the formation of a giant illuminated “UNLV” created by hundreds of UNLV students and alumni — hits a milestone anniversary this year. Details here.
UNLV Rebel Football Home Opener vs. Memphis
When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
Where: Allegiant Stadium
Media: Coordinate with UNLV Athletics Media Relations at (702) 895-4472
Join UNLV head football coach Dan Mullen and the Rebels as they host their first home game of the season. Check out the full schedule here.
UNLV Involvement Fair
When: Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Pida Plaza
New and returning students looking for volunteer and bonding opportunities visit information booths for hundreds of registered student organizations. Details here.
