What type of scholarship is the Pack Exchange Program?

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.

Where do I submit my PEP application materials?

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

Are fees required for Pack Exchange Program recipients?

Yes. Mandatory fees are required for all students, regardless of residency status.

Can I be reconsidered for PEP once I start taking classes at the University of Nevada, Reno?

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.

How to request PEP consideration if you don't qualify as a new freshman?

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. Reconsideration can be requested by submitting the following form and updated transcripts or scores. The deadline to qualify is the Friday before fees are due for the semester you are admitted. Semester fee due dates can be found on our academic calendar .

How to request PEP reconsideration if you don't qualify as a transfer student?

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. Reconsideration can be requested by submitting the following form and updated transcripts or scores. The deadline to qualify is the Friday before fees are due for the semester you are admitted. Semester fee due dates can be found on our academic calendar .

What do I need to do to keep PEP after my first year?

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.

Can I establish Nevada residency while receiving PEP?

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 .

If requirements change for the following academic year after I start at the University, can I be reconsidered for PEP?

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.

Save up to $11,000 per year on tuition with the Pack Exchange Program

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.

Explore eligibility >

✎ No separate application

All you need to do is submit a completed application for admission. That's it.

Admissions information >

✓ 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. Deadline to qualify or submit reconsideration requests and updated documents is the Friday before fees are due for the semester you are admitted.

Semester fee due dates can be found on our academic calendar.

Apply to Nevada >

Why PEP?

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.

PEP eligibility requirements

A graphic of western states in alternating dark and light blue colors with the state acronym in white.

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.

Students wear blue, yellow and orange shirts and cheer from the stands during the NevadaFIT orientation program at the University of Nevada, Reno.

New freshman requirements

To qualify, students must meet one of the following requirements:

Minimum 3.0 weighted¹ academic grade point average (AGPA) or
Minimum 22 ACT Composite² or
Minimum 1100 SAT² score

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New transfer student requirements

Students must meet both of the following requirements:

2.75 cumulative transfer GPA³ and
24 transferable semester graded credits⁴

Frequently asked questions about the Pack Exchange Program

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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