Every state has their own scholarships that are offered to locals as well as to those looking to gain their education in one of the great colleges in their state. Nevada is no exception; they offer various scholarships in efforts to guide deserving students towards attending college. Organizations in Nevada recognize that there is a better chance of young students attending college if there is means to do so as opposed to having no financial resources to accomplish their goals of a college degree.
Below are a list of specific scholarships and grants for Nevada students:
The Nevada Promise Scholarship
The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a new scholarship that covers the cost of tuition and fees for eligible students at any Nevada community college.
Starting this Fall, the Nevada Promise Scholarship will be available to eligible students attending any community college in the state. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees, and it can be used at any of the state’s community colleges. To be eligible, students must complete at least 30 credits per year and maintain a 2.5 GPA. In addition, they must complete at least 100 hours of community service before they graduate. The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a great way to reduce the cost of community college and make higher education more accessible for everyone. For more information, please visit the Nevada Promise website.
The Silver State Opportunity Grant
The Silver State Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant that is available to students who are not eligible for the Nevada Promise Scholarship. The grant can be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees at any eligible Nevada college or university. To be eligible for the grant, students must be enrolled in at least six credits per semester and must have a household income of no more than $50,000 per year. In addition, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all other eligibility requirements. For more information about the Silver State Opportunity Grant, please contact your financial aid office.
The Live and Learn Grant
The Live and Learn Grant is a grant offered by the state of Nevada to help pay for tuition and fees at a public or private post-secondary institution in Nevada. The grant is available to students who are attending an eligible institution on at least a half-time basis and who demonstrate financial need. To be eligible, students must also be residents of Nevada and must not have already earned a bachelor’s degree. The grant can be used to cover tuition and fees up to a maximum of $5,000 per academic year. For many students, the Live and Learn Grant can make the difference between being able to afford college and having to take out loans or forego attending altogether. Given the high cost of college tuition, the Live and Learn Grant can be an essential source of financial assistance for Nevada students.
The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship
The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship is a great opportunity for high school seniors in Nevada. The scholarship is available to those who graduate from a Nevada high school and enroll full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution in Nevada. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition and fees up to $5,000 per academic year. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, providing a great way to reduce the cost of college. To be eligible, students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For more information, visit the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship website.
The Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship program is a program that is offered through the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office. The catch to this particular scholarship is that once an individual earns it, they have to continue earning it. The scholarship works on a semester by semester basis in which eligibility depends on grades. The nice thing about this system is that even if you lose it due to a bad semester you are able to earn it back with hard work and determination.
The National Guard Tuition Assistance Program
Higher education is an important step on the road to success, but it can be a challenge to finance. The National Guard Tuition Assistance Program provides up to 100% of tuition expenses for members of the National Guard attending an approved institution of higher education. This program helps to ensure that National Guard members have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals, whether they are seeking a degree, certificate, or diploma. In addition to tuition assistance, the National Guard also provides access to other educational benefits, such as scholarships and financial aid. As a result, the National Guard Tuition Assistance Program is an important resource for members of the National Guard who wish to further their education. To earn this assistance, one must:
- Be an active member of the National Guard
- Submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Enroll in an approved institution of higher education
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution
- Complete the National Guard Tuition Assistance Application Form
- Provide documentation
Nevada Women’s Fund Scholarships
The Nevada Women’s Fund (NWF) Scholarships are designed to help women overcome financial barriers in order to pursue their educational goals. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition, fees, books and supplies for female students who are enrolled at an accredited college or university in Nevada. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate female students who are enrolled at a Nevada college or university. The NWF Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis and can provide the financial help needed to make higher education a reality for deserving women in Nevada. With the support of this scholarship, female students can pursue their dreams and build a brighter future.
Other Notable Nevada Programs for College Students
Another notable mention is for students originating from Nevada who wish to go to school out of state, as it can be quite difficult to afford the out of state tuition that comes with going elsewhere for college. That’s why a program called the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education administers the Western Undergraduate Exchange Program makes it possible to attend school out of state while paying tuition fees that are only somewhat higher instead of astronomically higher.
There are also many grants in place to help individuals with specific needs. Two particular grants are the Nevada State Access Grant and the Nevada Grant-In-Aid. Both of these grants are designed to help Nevada residents who can prove that they are struggling greatly financially. There is also an Out-of-State Grant-In-Aid program that is targeted to those with the same needs as above but is offered to those out of state who wish to attend college in Nevada.
Even More Nevada Scholarships and Grants Resources
STEM Scholarships for Nevada
- The NV STEM Workforce Scholarship is available to students majoring in STEM fields at NSHE institutions. Awards up to $2,500 per semester. Learn more at STEM Workforce Challenge Grant.
- The UNLV Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Academic Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award for incoming engineering students. Awards up to $3,000 per year. More info at https://www.unlv.edu/engineering/scholarships.
Nevada Teaching Scholarships
- The Nevada Teach Scholarship provides $3,000 per semester to students pursuing teaching degrees at NSHE institutions. Learn more at Nevada Teach Scholarship Program.
- The Teach Nevada Scholarship is awarded to students agreeing to teach in Nevada after graduation. Up to $5,500 per year. Details at Teach Nevada Scholarships.
Nevada Nursing Scholarships
- The Nevada Health Service Corps Scholarship offers up to $15,000 per year for nursing students willing to work in underserved areas after graduation. More information at Nevada Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program.
- The Nurses for Nevada Scholarship provides tuition assistance for graduate nursing students. Learn more at Nevada Nurses Scholarships.
Minority Scholarships in Nevada
- The UNCF STEM Scholars Program provides STEM scholarships to underrepresented minority students. Awards up to $2,500 per year. Details at https://uncf.org/stem.
- The Otelia Karas Scholarship is for Native American students in Nevada pursuing healthcare careers. Awards up to $5,000 per year. More information at Physical Therapy Department Scholarship Opportunities.
Performing Arts Nevada Scholarships
- The Nevada Performing Arts Scholarship is for talented performing arts students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees. Awards up to $5,000 per year. Details at Nevada performing arts scholarships.
- The Nevada Arts Council Artist Fellowship Award provides up to $5,000 for Nevada artists including musicians, writers, and visual artists. More information at Nevada Arts Council Grants Program.
Other Unique Nevada Scholarships
- Tall Club International Scholarships are for tall students (men 6’2″ and up, women 5’10” and up). Awards up to $1,000 per year. Apply at Tall Clubs International Scholarships.
- Vegetarian Resource Group Scholarship offers $5,000 for vegetarian students. Learn more at https://www.vrg.org/student/scholar.htm.
- Digital Privacy Scholarship awards $1,500 for an essay on online privacy. Details at https://digitalscholarship.com/.
Scholarship Search Platforms
- Fastweb: Large database of national and local scholarships. Create a profile and get matched to relevant awards. https://www.fastweb.com/
- Scholarships.com: Search scholarships by category, major, location, and more. https://www.scholarships.com/
- Unigo: Reviews, tips, and scholarship opportunities for college students. https://www.unigo.com/scholarships
Other Nevada Grant Resources
- Nevada 2-1-1: Referral service for financial assistance programs including grants. Dial 2-1-1 or visit http://www.nevada211.org/.
- Nevada Department of Education: Information on state and federal grants for Nevada students. Nevada DOE 2023 Grant Opportunities.
- Nevada Department of Health and Human Services: Assistance programs including heating, housing, and food grants. Nevada Grants Management Unit (GMU).
With all of these options available, there is no excuse for not furthering your education in Nevada! The state has made a commitment to its citizens to provide accessible and affordable higher education opportunities. If you are considering attending college or trade school, be sure to look into these programs to see if you qualify. All it takes is a little research and time spent filling out applications to take advantage of the benefits offered by the state of Nevada. Have you utilized any of these scholarships or grants? What was your experience like?