University of Nevada-Las Vegas admits 96.3% of applicants, reflecting an open access approach that welcomes the vast majority of students who apply. This acceptance rate means roughly 24 out of every 25 applicants receive admission, making UNLV accessible to students across a wide range of academic backgrounds. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights UNLV's distinctly inclusive approach compared to similar institutions. This level of accessibility aligns with the university's mission as a Mobility Engine institution, prioritizing educational opportunity over selective admission. Students should understand that open access does not diminish academic rigor or post-graduation outcomes—UNLV delivers strong mobility results precisely because it serves students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. The high admission rate creates opportunity for students seeking second chances, non-traditional pathways, or those whose high school performance may not reflect their college potential. For most applicants, admission to University of Nevada-Las Vegas represents a realistic and attainable goal, allowing students to focus on program selection and financial planning rather than admission uncertainty. This accessibility supports the university's role in serving first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise significant portions of the student body.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Nevada-Las Vegas typically score between 980 and 1230 on the SAT, with a median of 1091. The middle 50% SAT Math range spans 480 to 610, while SAT Verbal scores range from 500 to 620. These scores place UNLV students well above average nationally, ranking at the 89th percentile despite the institution's open access admission policy. The peer median SAT of 1198 indicates that UNLV students score 107 points below similar institutions, yet this difference reflects the university's inclusive mission rather than academic deficiency. ACT scores typically range from 18 to 24 for admitted students. These academic credentials demonstrate that open access admission does not mean open enrollment—students arrive with solid academic preparation even within a non-selective framework. The combination of accessible admission and reasonable test scores suggests that many qualified students choose UNLV for reasons beyond admission difficulty, including program quality, location, and cost considerations. Students whose scores fall below the 25th percentile should not view this as disqualifying, as the university evaluates applicants holistically and welcomes students committed to academic success. For prospective students, these ranges provide helpful context for self-assessment while recognizing that test scores represent just one component of college readiness and potential success.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Nevada-Las Vegas enrolls a diverse student body that reflects the institution's commitment to educational access. The university serves 40.3% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based aid. First-generation college students comprise 42.3% of the student body, demonstrating UNLV's role in expanding higher education access to families where parents did not complete college degrees. Transfer students represent 31.5% of enrollment, reflecting the university's function as a destination for students beginning at community colleges or other institutions. This composition suggests that University of Nevada-Las Vegas actively serves populations that historically face barriers to higher education, including working adults, students with family responsibilities, and those seeking affordable pathways to degree completion. The high proportion of first-generation students indicates that nearly half of enrolled students navigate college without family experience to guide them. Students from similar backgrounds should recognize that they will find substantial peer support and institutional understanding of their unique challenges. The significant transfer population suggests that UNLV welcomes students from diverse educational starting points, making it an appropriate choice for those seeking to complete degrees begun elsewhere or transition from two-year colleges.
Given UNLV's 96.3% acceptance rate, admission is highly accessible for most applicants. However, students seeking different geographic locations, academic environments, or cost structures may benefit from these alternatives.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Students who enroll at University of Nevada-Las Vegas experience mixed completion outcomes that reflect the challenges of serving diverse populations. The university retains 77.9% of freshmen for sophomore year, below the peer median of 83.7%, and graduates 50.1% of students within six years, compared to a peer median of 65.8%. These completion rates indicate that while UNLV provides access to higher education, students face genuine academic and life challenges that affect degree completion. Notably, Pell-eligible students graduate at 48.1%, creating a 2.0 percentage point gap below the overall completion rate. This relatively small gap suggests that the university provides reasonable support for lower-income students, though challenges remain. The retention and completion patterns indicate that prospective students should approach enrollment with realistic expectations about academic demands and personal commitment required for success. Students who gain admission should expect an environment that supports diverse learning needs but requires active engagement and persistence. The completion rates reflect the university's inclusive mission—serving students who might not succeed elsewhere while acknowledging that not all students will complete degrees. Prospective students should consider whether they are prepared for the self-direction and resilience that degree completion requires, particularly given competing life responsibilities that many UNLV students manage.
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