Veteran student resources

Setting yourself up for success

VA educational benefits

VA educational benefits help eligible students who are veterans, National Guard members, reservists or their family members to further their education. 

W.A.V.E.

W.A.V.E is the platform that the VA uses to verify college enrollment. Students using benefit chapters 30 and 1606 will need to verify their enrollment every month using this platform.

Payment plans

You may be eligible to apply for the Veteran Tuition Payment Plan. This allows you to make four equal payments to the cashier over the course of the semester. The payment plan is not available in the summer term. To request the application form, email veteranservices@unr.edu.  

Ruptured Duck

The Ruptured Duck Student Emergency Fund provides student veterans and family members with financial assistance during a sudden time of need. The fund is in place to help students with unexpected expenses, allowing them to stay in school and continue making progress towards a degree. Email veteranservices@unr.edu for an application.

VITAL program

Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) is a veteran-centered partnership between the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System and the University of Nevada, Reno. VITAL’s mission is to increase academic retention and success by placing VA employees on campus to address student needs. A licensed clinical social worker is available to meet student veterans on campus or remotely. Additionally, an outreach specialist helps students connect with resources and programs at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System.

Social Worker, Kelly Dawson, LCSW, (775) 990-2301

Outreach Specialist, Donald Stockton, donald.stockton@va.gov, (775) 745-5727

Veterans Alumni Chapter

The purpose of the Veterans Alumni Chapter is to promote service, leadership and community engagement. We strive to create a network designed to produce lasting and meaningful opportunities in employment and positive involvement. Members of the chapter gain access to peers and professional networks.

The Veterans Alumni Chapter is open to those affiliated with military life including alumni veterans, members of the National Guard, reserve soldiers, active-duty soldiers, family members and supporters. Camaraderie is vital to the Veterans Alumni Chapter, promoting success and togetherness on campus and beyond.

Email unr.veterans.alumni@gmail.com to learn more.

Principles of Excellence

The University of Nevada, Reno participates in the Principles of Excellence outlined by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Veteran Services abides by principles of excellence outlined by VA. Among others, one guideline is to provide tools to our students to calculate the cost of college. Several tools are available for prospective students to understand the costs involved in enrolling at the University of Nevada, Reno. Knowing how much a college education may cost helps you understand the importance of the investment of a higher education degree.

  1. The cost calculator provides an estimate of the cost for a given term, including housing options and financial aid/scholarships/loans that you are awarded. The cost calculator breaks down each fee as well as tuition to represent exactly how the institution details the student cost account each term. 
  2. The undergraduate student budget tool estimates the full cost of a university education. There are also budgets for graduate students and medical students. 
  3. The net price calculator was developed by the U.S. Department of Education and can be used as an information resource to compare tuitions and fees, other educational costs, and median scholarship and grant awards among financial aid offices in order to determine an estimate of higher education out-of-pocket expenses.
  4. The student shopping sheet is a consumer tool that is designed to simplify information about costs and financial aid so that you can make informed decisions about which postsecondary institution to attend. To create a student shopping sheet, log in to your MyNevada account and select "Financial Aid" from the homepage. Then, select the College Financing Plan tab from the taskbar on the left-hand side of the screen. You will see a new button labeled "College Financing Plan." Click it, and you will be guided through the process.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site.

Campus resources

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office is dedicated to student development and student success.

Academic Advising

Academic Advising assists each student in developing and implementing an academic plan designed to meet his/her educational, career and life goals. Seeking your advisor’s guidance is imperative to avoid possible issues with your VA claim. 

Disability Resource Center

The Disability Resource Center is dedicated to providing a coordinated program of support services which are not furnished by other university offices or outside organizations. The DRC assists students in negotiating disability related barriers and strives to improve access and opportunity.

Pack Provisions

Pack Provisions strives to support all members of the University of Nevada, Reno with the daily resources they need to ensure success. This mission is carried out by providing access to perishable and non-perishable foods, school supplies, hygiene items and more.

Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides students and families with assistance with in paying for college.