Graduate Student Financial Information

Policies & Procedures 

Student Financial Services
FAFSA
Federal Loan Programs
Graduate Assistantships
2013-2014 Doctoral Fellowship Information
2013-2014 Graduate Scholarships
Employment

Student Financial Services 

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas provides a wide variety of assistance to finance higher education expenses. Grants, scholarships, part-time employment, and educational loans are available to help students with educational costs while attending UNLV. Students are encouraged to explore all possible resources. Financial Aid Administrators are available to discuss the variety of resources available and to assist graduate students in the application process. For further information, contact UNLV Student Financial Aid & Scholarships, located in the Student Services Complex, at (702) 895-3424. The Graduate Student Financial Services office cannot assist with financial aid, but may be able to assist with information regarding Graduate Assistantships, scholarships and fellowships. Graduate Student Financial Services are located in the Graduate College on the 3rd floor of the Flora Dungan Humanities Building, and can be reached via email at GradFinancialSVC@unlv.edu.

FAFSA

Applying for FAFSA is the first step in becoming eligible for student loans, scholarships, and fellowships. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online . UNLV’s school code to complete your FAFSA is 002569. Complete and sign your FAFSA with your PIN as soon as possible after January 1st of each year, even if you don’t expect to be eligible for financial aid and/or you do want student loans, because submitting your FAFSA may qualify you for certain scholarships or fellowships.

UNLV’s priority financial aid consideration deadline is February 1st of each year. You may still apply for financial aid after February 1st, however, there may be limited funding from other aid programs

Federal Loan Programs 

Federal Perkins Loans

A Federal Perkins loan is a low-interest (5 percent) loan available to graduate students that is made through the university. Actual award amounts depend on federal and institutional funding levels. Preference is given to those applicants who are attending at least half time and have the greatest financial need. The total amount awarded is determined by financial need.

Application must be made with the FAFSA, which must be mailed to the federal processing center by February 1. Priority is given to those with the greatest need whose federal financial aid information is received by UNLV before the priority filing date.

Subsidized Loans

A subsidized loan is offered to students on the basis of financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must be enrolled at least half time to be considered for this loan. Please visit UNLV Financial Aid - Subsidized Loans for more details.

The Federal Unsubsidized Loan is available to students regardless of financial need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

Graduate PLUS Loans

A Graduate PLUS Loan allows graduate students to borrow up to the financial aid cost of attendance less any other financial aid received. Please visit UNLV Financial Aid - Graduate PLUS Loans for more details.

Graduate Assistantships 

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas subscribes to the following statement that has been adopted by the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States and by most of the leading graduate schools in North America:

Acceptance of an offer of a graduate scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or graduate assistantship for the next academic year by an actual or prospective graduate student completes an agreement which both student and the graduate school expect to honor. In those instances in which the student indicates acceptance prior to April 15 and subsequently desires to change plans, the student may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April 15 in order to accept another scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or graduate assistantship. However, an acceptance given or left in force after April 15 commits the student not to accept another appointment without first obtaining formal release for that purpose. It is further agreed by the institutions and organizations subscribing to the above resolution that a copy of this resolution should accompany every scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, and assistantship offer sent to a first-year graduate student before April 15.

A number of state-supported and extramurally funded graduate assistantships are available each academic year. For full information and policy guidelines regarding the UNLV GA Program, please see the Graduate College website. Below are some key GA policies for your review:

1. The application is available on the Graduate College website.
2. Applications must be submitted to the department which you are seeking employment no later than March 1 proceeding the fall semester in which an assistantship is sought. Applications may be submitted after this date in case of unexpected  openings occurring for the fall semester. In rare cases where an assistantship is available for the spring semester, the application deadline is November 15th.
3. An assistantship is normally offered for a full academic year. If a student seeks renewal of an assistantship for the next year, a new application form must be submitted online.
4. Currently, a graduate assistantship carries with it a stipend paid monthly for the academic year. This stipend may vary for extramurally funded assistantships. Tuition waivers are usually included with the assistantship. These waivers are approved only for work directly related to the student’s degree program (courses numbered 500 and approved for graduate credit and 700-level courses). This waiver covers a significant portion of the per credit hour fee. The state-funded tuition waiver does not cover differential fees charged for some courses. The tuition waiver covers the full amount of out-of-state tuition. The out-of-state tuition waiver does not apply to students who are enrolled in self-funded programs. Tuition waiver amounts may vary for extramurally funded assistantships.
5. Graduate assistantships are not generally available during Summer Term. However, tuition waivers are available for state funded graduate assistants during the Summer Term if the student was on a state GA contract in spring, and has been renewed as a state GA for fall. To take advantage of the summer tuition waiver, the Graduate College must be informed via email at GradFinancialSVC@unlv.edu of your enrollment prior to the start of summer session. Tuition waivers are not available for undergraduate or audited courses. The above policies may differ for extramurally funded assistantships.
6. Graduate assistants must have graduate standing status in a degree seeking program at the time they begin their assistantships.
7. New International GAs are required to successfully pass the Test of Spoken English (TSE) prior to the start of the semester. Students who do not pass the TSE will be required to enroll in a 2 credit oral presentation skills course their first semester as a GA. Students whose graduate assistantship includes instructional duties (lecture, discussion groups, laboratory supervision, tutoring) must receive a successful grade on the TSE prior to assuming these instructional duties.
8. Graduate assistants must carry a minimum of six semester hours of graduate credit per fall and spring semester. To carry more than twelve semester hours of credit, the department chair, academic dean, and the Graduate Dean must approve an Overload Petition.
9. Graduate assistants are expected to spend on the average 20 hours per week on departmental duties in either instruction and/or research.
10. Graduate assistants may not accept employment on or off campus without written permission from their faculty advisor, department chair, and Graduate College Dean. Graduate assistants are prohibited from being employed for more than 10 hours per week beyond their assistantship.
11. Graduate assistants are expected to report in the same time-frame as faculty, i.e., during academic semesters and not during break or vacation times. Graduate Assistants must report one week prior to the start of classes in both the fall and spring semesters.
12. New graduate assistants are expected, as part of their contract obligation, to attend both the New Graduate Student Orientation Session, and a mandatory GA contract signing session prior to the start of the semester.
13. Graduate assistantships will be terminated if the student does not satisfactorily perform assigned duties. Assistantships will also be terminated if a student does not make satisfactory progress toward the degree. Unsatisfactory progress includes, but is not limited to: filing a degree program late; receiving a grade of less than B; failing to remove an Incomplete grade after one calendar year; and failing comprehensive or qualifying examinations as required by the degree program.

Offers of assistantships, whether state-supported or extramurally funded, are valid only if they come from the Graduate College Dean.

Graduate Awards: Scholarships and Fellowships

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas subscribes to the following statement that has been adopted by the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States and by most of the leading graduate schools in North America:

Acceptance of an offer of a graduate scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or graduate assistantship for the next academic year by an actual or prospective graduate student completes an agreement which both student and the graduate school expect to honor. In those instances in which the student indicates acceptance prior to April 15 and subsequently desires to change plans, the student may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April 15 in order to accept another scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or graduate assistantship. However, an acceptance given or left in force after April 15 commits the student not to accept another appointment without first obtaining formal release for that purpose. It is further agreed by the institutions and organizations subscribing to the above resolution that a copy of this resolution should accompany every scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, and assistantship offer sent to a first-year graduate student before April 15.

General Information and Guidelines

• Each scholarship/fellowship is awarded for both the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters.
• You must remain in good standing in your degree program and enroll in a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship/fellowship year (fall 2013-spring 2014) in order to be eligible for an award.
• All applicants must apply through the Graduate College’s free Apply Yourself (AY) Portal.
• All applications must be submitted via AY, and each applicant must upload: a C.V., a statement of purpose (maximum 2-3 typed pages), an unofficial UNLV transcript, and full contact information for at least one recommendation provider. Please note that some scholarships/fellowships have additional requirements, so please read and follow the directions for each scholarship/fellowship carefully.
• The application deadline is December 1st. Note that all letters of recommendation must have been submitted to AY by the close of business on December 1st.
• Failure to submit all required information and materials by the posted deadline (12/1/13) will render you ineligible for scholarship/fellowship consideration.
• Please only apply for awards that you are eligible to receive, per the guidelines below.
• All awards are subject to funding; award amounts change annually. Final award packages/amounts will be noted on award letters to recipients.

2013-2014 Doctoral Fellowship Information   

The following awards are only available to doctoral students who are already admitted to, and successfully matriculating in, the Graduate College.

The Barrick Graduate Fellowship (up to $15,000)

Barrick Graduate Fellowships were established by an endowment from philanthropist Marjorie Barrick. These fellowships are given to outstanding doctoral students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship during their graduate study at UNLV. These fellowship awards provide a $15,000.00 stipend; full tuition and fees paid up to 9 credits per semester, full health insurance benefits, and a waiver of out-of-state tuition, if applicable.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see above) in AY by the deadline;
• be an admitted doctoral student and have completed at least 24 credits of doctoral study in their current degree program (at the end of fall 2013);
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5;
• remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the fellowship year.

Criteria for selection will also include demonstrated excellence in research; finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with the awards committee.

The Hermsen Fellowship (package worth up to $20,000)

The Hermsen Fellowship was established by a gift from Richard and Beverly Hermsen. This prestigious award is designated for outstanding doctoral students in the School of Life Sciences. The fellowship award covers tuition, fees, full health insurance benefits, and provides a stipend each semester. Fellowship recipients will also receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship year, if applicable.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see above) in AY by the deadline;
• be admitted to the Biological Sciences (PHD) degree program;
• be in their final year, or so, as a doctoral student during the fellowship;
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5;
• remain in good standing in the Biological Sciences (PHD) degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the fellowship year.

The President’s UNLV Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (package worth up to $25,000)

The President’s UNLV Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships are funded by gifts to the UNLV Foundation by the Frank Koch Living Trust for the research support of doctoral students. The fellowship award covers tuition, fees, full health insurance benefits, and provides a stipend each semester. Fellowship recipients will receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship year, if applicable. Candidates must be nominated for this award by their department chair or graduate coordinator; each academic department may nominate one candidate for this award.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see above) in AY by the deadline;
• be a doctoral student working primarily on their dissertation with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5, though departments may nominate students with a lower overall graduate GPA if their doctoral program grades are higher;
• be nominated by their department chair or graduate coordinator;
• submit the contact information of the department chair or graduate coordinator (that nominated the student) as their recommendation provider;
• remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the fellowship year.

Letters of nomination should describe the nominee’s academic accomplishments, dissertation topic, and the nature of the work the nominee would undertake during the fellowship year. Criteria for selection will also include demonstrated excellence in research; finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with the awards committee.

The UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees Fellowship (package worth up to $30,000 per year)

The UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees Fellowship is made possible by funds from the UNLV Foundation. This prestigious award is granted over four semesters (fall 2014, spring 2015, fall 2015, and spring 2016) to doctoral students in the final two years of their program. The fellowship award covers tuition, fees, full health insurance benefits, and provides a stipend each semester. Fellowship recipients will receive a waiver of out-of-state tuition during the fellowship year, if applicable. Students selected for the fellowship must agree to participate in a limited number of UNLV Foundation events during the period they receive the fellowship.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see above) in AY by the deadline;
• be a doctoral student in the final two years of their doctoral program during the fellowship;
• have a graduate GPA of 3.75;
• submit their dissertation committee chair as the recommendation provider;
• remain in good standing in their doctoral degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the fellowship year.

Letters of nomination should describe the nominee’s academic accomplishments, dissertation topic, and the nature of the work the nominee would undertake during the fellowship years. Criteria for selection will also include demonstrated excellence in research; finalists will be required to participate in a face-to-face interview with the awards committee.

2013-2014 Graduate Scholarships  

The following awards were only available to graduate students who met the specified criteria for each award, and who were already admitted to, and successfully matriculating in, the Graduate College.
The Alumni Association Scholarship (up to $1,500)
Alumni Association Scholarships are awarded to outstanding master’s and specialist students who received their bachelor’s degree from UNLV.
Applicants must:

•  Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see above) in AY by the deadline;
•  be an admitted master’s or specialist student;
• have completed at least 12 graduate credits in their current degree program (by the end of spring 2014);
• have minimum UNLV undergraduate and graduate GPAs of 3.5;
• hold an undergraduate degree from UNLV;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

Note: students are eligible to receive this award for a maximum of 4 semesters, or two academic years.

The Donna Weistrop and David B. Shaffer Scholarship ( up to $750-$1,000)

The Donna Weistrop and David B. Shaffer Scholarship was established by an endowment from Donna Weistrop and David B. Shaffer. This award is designated for students pursuing a graduate degree in Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, or Geoscience. Preference will be given to students in Physics or Astronomy degree programs.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in AY (see above) by the deadline;
• must be admitted into a Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, or Geoscience graduate degree;
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.25;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year;

The James F. Adams/GPSA Scholarship (up to $1,000)

The UNLV Graduate & Professional Student Association established these scholarships in honor of Dr. James F. Adams, former dean of the Graduate College (1980-85), to recognize academic achievement of master’s and specialist students.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents (see above) in AY by the deadline;
• be a master’s or specialist student;
• have completed at least 12 graduate credits in their current degree program (by the end of spring 2014);
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

The McNair Post-Baccalaureate Scholarship (up to $4,000.00)

McNair Post-Baccalaureate Scholarships, administered by the Graduate College, are awarded in open competition to first-year graduate students who participated in a McNair Scholars program at UNLV or at another institution as an undergraduate.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in AY (see above) by the deadline;
• have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program at the time the scholarship begins (fall 2014);
• upload a certification of McNair program participation letter;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

The Patricia Sastaunik Scholarship (up to $2,500)

These awards are granted primarily on the basis of documented financial need as evidenced by a student’s FAFSA application and review by the UNLV Office of Financial Aid.
Applicants must:
Submit an application with all required supporting documents in AY (see above) by the deadline;

• have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline;
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5;
• have completed a minimum of 6 graduate credits in their current degree program (by the end of fall 2013);
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

The Sterling Scholarship (up to $5,000)

This prestigious Alumni Association award is designated for UNLV graduates who are now admitted to and enrolled in a doctoral degree program.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in AY (see above) by the deadline;
• be in good standing with full graduate status;
• be pursuing a doctoral degree and must have completed at least one year of their degree program before the scholarship begins (fall 2014);
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5;
• have graduated with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree from UNLV;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year.

The Summer Session Scholarship (up to $2,000)

Summer Session Scholarships are designed to enable summer study for doctoral students, however excellent master’s and specialist students may be considered.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in AY (see above) by the deadline;
• have completed at least 12 graduate credits in their current degree program (at the end of fall 2013);
• have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in any one or combination of summer sessions in 2013.

Criteria for selection will include summer plans for conducting dissertation or thesis research, as described in your statement of purpose.

The UNLV Graduate Access Childcare Scholarship (Variable: $150 - $2,500 depending on documented need and childcare expenses)

The Graduate College is pleased to announce that we will be continuing our Graduate Student Access Childcare Scholarship program for academic year 2014-2015 in an effort to offer competitive, need-based scholarship funding to admitted/enrolled graduate students with young dependents who have already submitted their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to Student Financial Services and have documented financial need. This scholarship is available on a highly competitive basis to graduate students with child dependents who pay for professional daycare or childcare in order to attend graduate school and pursue their graduate research.
Applicants must:

• Submit an application with all required supporting documents in AY (see above) by the deadline;
• have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on record with Financial Aid for the upcoming scholarship year by the deadline (International Students must submit FAFSA);
• be admitted to a graduate degree seeking program;
• have a minimum graduate GPA of at least 3.3;
• submit documentation that provides a Tax ID # for the childcare provider(s) and receipts showing the cost of childcare during academic semesters;
• upload your completed Childcare Information sheet (DOCX) with your application;
• remain in good standing in their degree program and complete a minimum of 6 graduate credits in each semester of the scholarship year to be awarded their full scholarship award.

Those who have all the proper documentation submitted by the deadline will be considered for a Childcare Scholarship; available childcare scholarship monies will then be distributed competitively based on financial need, childcare expenses, and graduate student GPA.

Employment 

On-Campus Employment

Several campus departments and offices employ students in a variety of positions. These jobs can be viewed on the Career Services website, or on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website. On-campus employment listings are available to graduate students enrolled in at least five credits at UNLV. Financial need is not a criterion for on-campus employment.

Job Location and Development

Employment opportunities are offered to UNLV students by community businesses and individuals. These jobs can be viewed on the Financial Aid and Scholarships website or the Career Services website.

In addition to job listings, the JLD Program sponsors biannual Job Fairs where employers from businesses, government agencies, and hospitals, to name a few, come to campus to discuss part-time employment opportunities.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a federally funded financial aid program awarded as part of the financial aid package. This program enables students to earn a portion of their college expenses through employment with a UNLV department or office or off campus with contracted nonprofit agencies. Community service is a major goal of this program. If available, students may choose jobs related to their academic majors and career objectives. Work hours may also be arranged according to class schedules.

To qualify for a Federal Work Study job, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of the federal financial aid programs. One requirement, financial need, is determined by Student Financial Services and based on income and asset information entered on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.

Funds are limited. Therefore, applicants must mail the completed FAFSA application to the federal processing center by February 1. Questions concerning the eligibility requirements or application process may be directed to Student Financial Services, second floor, Student Services Complex.