The Pack Exchange Program (PEP) provides undergraduate students from eligible western states and territories with the opportunity to study at the University of Nevada, Reno at a significantly reduced tuition cost.
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★ Eligibility
Open to incoming freshman and transfer students from participating western states.
✎ No separate application
All you need to do is submit a completed application for admission. That's it.
✓ Deadlines
April 7, 2026 (new freshman) and July 1, 2026 (new transfer) are the deadlines to qualify for PEP for Fall 2026 semester. December 15, 2025 (new transfer) is the deadline for Spring 2026.
Open to all majors
We do not limit PEP eligibility to specific academic majors.
It's good for 4 years
You may continue to receive the PEP reduced scholarship for up to four consecutive years. No ongoing minimum GPA or per-year credit requirements. No renewal application necessary.
Open to 18 different states and regions
Participating regions include Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Republic of Palau, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
New freshman requirements
To qualify, students must meet one of the following requirements:
New transfer student requirements
Students must meet both of the following requirements:
Pack Exchange Program (PEP) is a non-disbursable scholarship. While it is listed on the financial aid offer letter, the benefit is granted as non-resident reduced tuition, thereby charging qualified students substantially less. These scholarships will not be disbursed in addition to the discounted tuition.
You can apply online to the University and submit admission materials to the following address:
University of Nevada, Reno
Office of Admissions and Records
Mailstop: 0120
Reno, NV 89557
Yes. Mandatory fees are required for all students, regardless of residency status.
Students cannot be reconsidered for PEP once they begin taking classes at the University. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements by the deadline prior to taking classes are not eligible for reconsideration for these programs. Non-resident students paying out-of-state tuition may consider establishing Nevada residency as a financially independent student. Learn about becoming a Nevada resident and email mynevada@unr.edu for more information.
The deadline to submit qualifying documentation and request reconsideration to wue@unr.edu is July 15, 2026. However, students are encouraged to submit updated transcripts and/or test scores as soon as they are available. June 2026 is the last ACT and/or SAT exam administration the University will receive in time to meet the deadline.
The deadline to submit qualifying documentation and request reconsideration to wue@unr.edu is January 5, 2026 for Spring 2026 and July 1, 2026 for Fall 2026. However, students are encouraged to submit updated transcripts as soon as they are available.
No application is required. Students will continue to receive the benefits of the program they qualified for at the time of admission for up to four consecutive years while earning their first bachelor’s degree. Students are not required to maintain a minimum GPA or carry a minimum semester credit requirement to retain these programs. We recommend students enroll in a minimum of 15 credits to ensure they complete their degree within the four-year time limit.
Students may not go from PEP directly to Nevada residency for tuition purposes, therefore students cannot establish in-state residency while receiving the benefits of these programs. Students may decline PEP prior to the start of the semester, attend the University and pay full non-resident tuition for at least 12 months while establishing Nevada residency.
Learn more about becoming a Nevada resident or email questions to mynevada@unr.edu.
Students may only be considered for PEP by the deadline prior to their first semester. They must meet the criteria established for the semester in which they apply and attend as a new student at the University. Policies are subject to change.
Additional information
1A weighted academic core GPA considers only English, math, science and social science classes, adding 0.025 to 0.05 for courses like Honors and Advanced Placement.
2Students may request a superscore to be used by emailing WUE@unr.edu
3Does not include courses with Pass/Fail or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory designation
4Does not include Advanced Placement or non-graded work
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