Nevada Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Nevada Scholarships & Grants

Nevada offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Nevada more affordable.

Nevada Promise Scholarship supports community college—plus Silver State Opportunity Grant.

How to Get a Grant for College in Nevada?

To secure a college grant in Nevada, follow these steps:

• Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most grants and scholarships. Submit it early to maximize your eligibility.
• Apply for State-Specific Grants: Nevada offers programs like the Nevada Promise Scholarship and the Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG) for eligible students.
• Check Eligibility Requirements: Each program has specific criteria, such as Nevada residency, financial need, and enrollment in eligible institutions.

Start by researching grant opportunities through your college’s financial aid office or the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

What Is the Nevada Promise Scholarship?

The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a “last-dollar” scholarship that covers tuition and mandatory fees for students attending one of Nevada’s community colleges. To qualify, students must:

• Be a Nevada resident.
• Apply during their senior year of high school.
• Complete the FAFSA and Nevada Promise Application by the deadlines.
• Meet mentorship and community service requirements.

This program aims to make community college accessible to all Nevada high school graduates.

Who Qualifies for the Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG)?

The Silver State Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant for students attending Nevada community colleges or state colleges. Eligibility requirements include:

• Being a Nevada resident.
• Completing the FAFSA and demonstrating financial need.
• Enrolling in at least 15 credits per semester at an eligible institution.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

This grant supports students aiming to complete their degree programs on time.

Does Nevada Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?

Yes, Nevada offers several full-ride scholarships. These include:

• Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship: Covers up to $10,000 over a student’s college career for Nevada residents who meet GPA and coursework requirements.
• Institutional Scholarships: Some universities, like the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), offer full-ride scholarships based on merit or athletic achievements.

These scholarships are highly competitive and require strong academic performance.

Nevada Scholarships for High School Seniors

High school seniors in Nevada can apply for scholarships such as:

• Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship: For students graduating with a minimum GPA of 3.25 and meeting core course requirements.
• Horatio Alger Nevada Scholarship: For students demonstrating financial need and perseverance in overcoming challenges.
• Community Foundation of Northern Nevada Scholarships: Offers multiple scholarships for Nevada residents.

Check with your school counselor or local organizations for additional opportunities.

Scholarships in Nevada for Adults

Adults returning to college in Nevada can access scholarships like:

• Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program: Offers reduced tuition for Nevada residents attending eligible schools in participating states.
• Re-Entry Scholarships: Offered by institutions like UNLV for students returning to complete their degrees.

These scholarships help non-traditional students achieve their educational goals.

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) Scholarships

The University of Nevada, Reno offers a variety of scholarships, including:

• Presidential Scholarship: A merit-based award for high-achieving students.
• Pack Pride Scholarship: Supports Nevada residents with strong academic performance.
• Nevada Advantage Scholarship: For out-of-state students with outstanding academic records.

Students should visit UNR’s scholarship portal for application details and deadlines.

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Scholarships

UNLV offers scholarships such as:

• UNLV Rebel Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship for Nevada residents.
• UNLV Access Grant: Need-based aid for students demonstrating financial need.
• Department-Specific Scholarships: Awards offered through individual academic departments.

Explore UNLV’s financial aid website for more details on eligibility and application requirements.

Nevada Grants for College

Nevada provides several grants to help students afford college. These include:

• Silver State Opportunity Grant (SSOG): For students enrolled in at least 15 credits per semester at eligible colleges.
• Nevada Promise Scholarship: Covers tuition at community colleges for eligible students.
• Federal Pell Grant: A need-based federal grant available to Nevada students who complete the FAFSA.

These grants ensure that financial barriers do not hinder educational success.

How to Apply for Nevada Scholarships and Grants

To apply for scholarships and grants in Nevada:

• Submit the FAFSA: This is required for most state and federal aid programs.
• Explore State-Specific Programs: Research programs like the Nevada Promise Scholarship and SSOG.
• Contact Your College: Reach out to your school’s financial aid office for institutional scholarships and grants.

Applying early and meeting deadlines is crucial to securing funding.