How To Get Free College in Nevada

If you live in Nevada and are interested in attending college, you may wonder how to afford it. So, you'd like to know if there's any way to attend college for free in your state.

It is possible to get free college in Nevada if you qualify for state programs such as the Nevada Promise and Nevada Guarantee. Additionally, you can obtain funds for college by applying for other types of financial aid and scholarships, working part-time, and tapping any military or employer benefits you may have access to.

Students can also attend tuition-free online colleges in Nevada.

Is Community College Free in Nevada?

Not all community colleges in Nevada provide free education for all students; it depends on the institution and the programs in place. Many students can attend community college in Nevada without paying tuition thanks to the Nevada Promise Scholarship and other programs.

For example, Truckee Meadows Community College students can take advantage of the Silver State Opportunity Grant and the Nevada Promise Scholarship. This enables them to have their tuition covered. Students attending other community colleges who qualify for the Nevada Promise can attend their school tuition-free.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Nevada?

Different programs for students to pursue higher education for free or almost free are available; however, the eligibility requirements vary. Generally speaking, students must come from low-income families, but this isn't always the case. Other qualifiers for free tuition may include being a Nevada resident, enrolling full-time, participating in required campus activities, and maintaining a minimum GPA.

What Is the Silver State Opportunity Grant?

The Silver State Opportunity Grant is a state-funded program providing financial assistance for students at a select number of colleges in the state. The program covers a portion of tuition costs for students who are considered college-ready and who come from low-income households.

The grant was started in 2015 to help more students pursue a college education. While it does not provide full tuition coverage, it provides much-needed funds to reduce the financial burden for students who might not be able to attend college.

Who Is Eligible?

To be considered 'college-ready,' students must complete remedial coursework in math, English, or complete college-level math/English courses at the 100 level or above. They must not have already earned a bachelor's degree.

Additionally, they must be Nevada residents who enroll full-time in a degree or certificate program at a participating school. They must also demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Eligible Institutions

The Silver State Opportunity Grant is available to students attending any of the following institutions:

• Great Basin College
• College of Southern Nevada
• Western Nevada College
• Truckee Meadows Community College
• Nevada State College

How To Apply

To apply for this program, fill out the FAFSA. No separate application is required.

What Is the Nevada Promise Scholarship?

The Nevada Promise Scholarship is a last-dollar program providing funds available to all graduating high school seniors in the state. It covers mandatory fees and registration costs for up to three years at any community college in the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE).

Nevada residents are not charged tuition through this program so, while it doesn't specifically cover tuition costs, students will not have to worry about paying tuition if they qualify for this scholarship program.

Who Is Eligible?

Most high school graduates who are residents of Nevada qualify for the Nevada Promise Scholarship. They must be under 20 years old as of June 30th the year they graduate high school. Additionally, students must not have previously obtained a bachelor's degree and must not owe or be in default on any student loan or federal aid program. They must meet all program deadlines and participate in required mentorship activities.

Eligible Institutions

The Nevada Promise applies to students at any Nevada Community College. It can be used to cover up to three years of education.

How To Apply

Students must complete the Nevada Promise Scholarship application by October 31st of their senior year of high school. They must then apply for admission at their school of choice and complete any required activities, such as meetings, orientations, or training sessions.

Additionally, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to qualify for other aid, as the Nevada Promise will only apply after all help has been exhausted.

What Is the Nevada Guarantee Program?

The Nevada Guarantee Program is a school-specific program available at the University of Nevada, Reno. The program provides free tuition, fees, and books for up to four years for students from low-income households. The program ensures that finances don't stand in the way of eligible students pursuing a college education. Additionally, mentorship activities and programs provide students with additional support services to help them succeed as they pursue their degrees.

Who Is Eligible?

Students must be Nevada residents and enroll full-time (15 credits each fall and spring semester. They must qualify for the Pell Grant or meet a low-income threshold that varies depending on their family size. Students must also work toward their first bachelor's degree, meet basic academic standards, and submit the FAFSA or an institutional methodology form by the March 15th deadline.

Eligible Institutions

This program is only available at the University of Nevada, Reno.

How To Apply

Students can apply for this program by completing the FAFSA or institutional methodology form if they are ineligible for the FAFSA. These forms must be completed annually to maintain eligibility for the Nevada Guarantee.

Tips for Making College Affordable

If you're still wondering how you can reduce your costs further, there are many tips you can follow. Some of these tips include:

• investigating military or employer tuition benefits
• applying for financial aid and scholarships
• working part-time
• living off-campus

Tuition-Free Colleges in Nevada

Now that you know about the available programs, let's look at some specific schools where you can get your education tuition-free.

University of Nevada, Reno

The University of Nevada Reno is the flagship university in Nevada. Founded in 1874, it currently has an enrollment of nearly 21,000 students. As noted above, this school offers the Nevada Guarantee program, making it possible for students who demonstrate financial need to attend school tuition-free. The program also covers fees and book costs.

College of Southern Nevada

College of Southern Nevada is located in Las Vegas. It is the largest public school in the state, enrolling around 35,000 students. In-state students at this school can attend without paying tuition or fees thanks to the Nevada Promise Scholarship. The Silver State Opportunity Grant may provide additional funds to help students cover other costs.

Western Nevada College

Western Nevada College has multiple campuses, the main one in Carson City. It was founded in 1971 and enrolls around 3,500 students.

Qualifying students can attend this school for free or nearly free through the Silver State Opportunity Grant and Nevada Promise Program. These programs cover tuition and fees for up to three years for students who demonstrate financial need and meet all eligibility requirements.