UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hospitality
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
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- Retention Rate
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- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Students in the Harrah College of Hospitality immerse themselves in hospitality culture both academically and socially. The college's strong industry focus means that many students work in hospitality positions while studying, gaining experience that complements classroom learning. Hospitality student organizations connect students with industry professionals and provide leadership development opportunities. The UNLV campus provides a comprehensive university experience in a growing institution. Campus facilities include modern academic buildings, recreation centers, dining options, and residential halls. The student body represents diverse backgrounds, with significant international enrollment in hospitality programs reflecting the industry's global character. University athletics, particularly the basketball program, generate campus spirit. Las Vegas offers an extraordinary living environment for hospitality students. The city's restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues provide endless opportunities for observation, employment, and recreation. The Strip's concentration of hospitality operations creates a professional ecosystem where students can network and explore career options. The city's growth continues to create new hospitality ventures and employment opportunities. The desert climate features hot summers and mild winters, with abundant sunshine throughout the year. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), making outdoor activities uncomfortable from June through September. Air-conditioned environments provide refuge, and many residents adapt their schedules around the heat. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor recreation.
Location & Surroundings
The William F. Harrah College of Hospitality is located on UNLV's main campus in Paradise, Nevada, just east of the Las Vegas Strip. This proximity to the world's greatest concentration of hospitality operations defines the college's character and opportunities. The famous Strip hotels and casinos are visible from campus, and students can walk to internships at properties including MGM Grand, Aria, and The Venetian. Las Vegas has evolved from a gaming destination to a comprehensive hospitality and entertainment capital hosting major conventions, sporting events, and cultural attractions. The city welcomes over 40 million visitors annually, supporting an enormous hospitality employment base. This concentration creates career opportunities unavailable elsewhere and enables educational experiences unique to UNLV. The Las Vegas valley occupies a desert basin surrounded by mountains, with distinctive geography that shapes the urban environment. The city's rapid growth has created a sprawling metropolitan area where automobiles dominate transportation. Public transit exists but is limited compared to older cities. Most students and residents depend on personal vehicles. The climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. Annual rainfall averages only about four inches, concentrated in brief monsoon storms. The abundant sunshine enables outdoor recreation during cooler months, with nearby mountains providing skiing in winter and hiking in spring and fall. Lake Mead and Red Rock Canyon offer recreational escapes from the urban environment.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at UNLV follows Nevada state university rates. Nevada residents pay approximately $8,000-9,000 annually for undergraduate programs, while non-residents pay approximately $23,000-24,000. Graduate tuition varies by program. Additional costs include fees, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses. Total annual costs range from approximately $22,000 for in-state undergraduates to $40,000 or more for out-of-state students. Las Vegas living costs are moderate by major city standards, with housing more affordable than coastal cities. On-campus housing is available but limited. Many students rent apartments in neighborhoods near campus or along transit routes to the Strip. Employment opportunities in hospitality help students offset expenses while gaining industry experience. Scholarships are available through the college, university, and hospitality industry foundations. Industry employers provide scholarships that combine financial support with employment or internship commitments. Graduate assistantships offer tuition reduction and stipends for students assisting with teaching or research. Students should actively pursue funding opportunities throughout their programs. Career outcomes for Harrah College graduates are excellent, with the college's reputation and industry connections facilitating placement. Graduates work for major hospitality companies, casino operators, event management firms, and restaurant groups. Many start careers in Las Vegas before moving to opportunities worldwide. Salaries vary widely by position and sector, with management-track positions offering substantial long-term earning potential. The college's alumni network provides ongoing professional support throughout careers.
Campus Location
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