The University's priority deadline for maximum financial aid consideration is February 15. Financial aid is disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply early. The University's federal school code for aid is 002568.
Applying for financial aid
February 15 is the priority filing deadline for maximum consideration for financial aid. Learn more about applying for financial aid at the University.
Financial aid overview
In order to be eligible to receive financial aid, you must:
- Demonstrate financial “need” (except for some loan programs).
- Be accepted to the University as a degree or certificate student in an eligible program. You may apply for aid before you are accepted; however, aid will not be offered until you have been admitted to the University.
- Have a high school diploma.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, if applying for federal aid.
- Have a valid Social Security Number, if applying for federal aid.
- Be registered with Selective Service, if required.
- Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Use student aid only for educational purposes.
- Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on any federal educational loan.
Federal Regulations mandate that federal aid cannot be awarded for classes that do not count toward a student's academic program. Learn more about these requirements as you consider financial aid.
Verification is a requirement set forth by the federal government that obliges colleges and universities to verify the data reported by students and their parent(s) on the FAFSA.
Student checklist to apply for financial aid
Step 1. Complete your FAFSA or Institutional Methodology form
FAFSA and Institutional Methodology applications open at fafsa.gov. Submit your FAFSA or Institutional Methodology applications as early as possible.
School code: 002568
Step 2. Complete scholarship application
After applying for admission in MyNEVADA, complete the Graduate and Undergraduate Scholarship Application (GUS).
Step 3. Submit all requested financial documents
Approximately 1/3 of students who complete the FAFSA will be required to submit additional documents to the Office of Financial Aid Office before an offer letter will be extended. If selected, To-Do List items will be placed on the student's MyNEVADA account. Students will also be notified via email.
Step 4. Review your financial aid offer letter
The financial aid offer letter, sent via the student's email, outlines the details of the financial aid awards offered to the student. Awards can be federal, state, institutional or private funds. The letter is also available in the student's Communication Center in MyNEVADA.
After you have received your award letter, there are additional steps to complete.
DACA, international and undocumented students
University of Nevada, Reno values the enrichment that comes from having diverse and talented students. We recognize that many need financial assistance in order to participate in higher education. DACA, international and undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid in the form of Pell Grants or federal student loans. However, there are funds from institutional, state and private sources that are accessible to them if certain requirements are met.
Financial aid basic questions
No. Federal Financial aid cannot be received from two different institutions at the same time because you are a regular student, that is, expecting to receive a degree only from one school. Financial aid is administered only by that one school.
Disbursements are monitored by the U.S. Department of Education Disbursement System. An alert is sent to the colleges to request repayment from the student when repayment by more than one school occurs.
We assume that most students intend to enroll full-time. Scholarships require full-time enrollment. Financial aid can be received as a half-time student (6-8 credits) and as three-quarter time (9-11 credits as an undergraduate). The enrollment status reported on the FAFSA is used to make the initial aid offer. Pell Grant and other programs are prorated or may be reduced. If your intended enrollment status has changed you will need to note that change in MyNEVADA.
Undergraduates who have already received a bachelor’s degree are eligible for loans while pursuing additional majors or bachelor’s degree(s). This includes students in double major, minor or dual degree programs who have already met the requirements for one of their majors or degrees and are continuing their education toward the additional major, minor or degree.
Part or all of a grant, scholarship, or fellowship may be taxable even if you do not receive a W-2 form. If you are a degree-seeking student, the amounts you use for expenses other than fees, tuition, and special course fees are taxable (such as room and board and transportation).
To determine this taxable amount, add up all the grant, scholarship and fellowship awards received in the calendar year, and then subtract all fees, tuition, special course fees, books and supplies expenses. If the remaining amount is a positive number, it must be reported as income. This amount must also be reported on your FAFSA.
The IRS publication 970 can answer your questions.
Generally, a parent's refusal to provide their information is not grounds for independent status approval. Students should refer to the Dependency Status questions on the FAFSA and if they cannot answer yes to at least one question they are considered dependent and must provide parent data.
If the student has extenuating circumstances that make it impossible and/or unsafe for them to get their parents' information for the FAFSA, they can review the Appeal for Independent Status form which lists all of the documentation requirements.
Appeals are reviewed weekly by a committee and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
- Check to see if you are admitted to a degree program.
- Check to see that the FAFSA was submitted and the University of Nevada, Reno is listed as a recipient.
- Check your To Do List in MyNEVADA for any unresolved financial aid items.
- Check to see that you are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.
- Allow ten (10) business days from the time these items are updated/completed.