UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution with more than 28,000 students, approximately 5,700 of whom are graduate/professional students. The university is ranked in the category of “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Nearly 140 graduate degree and certificate programs are offered, including 39 doctoral and professional degrees. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is increasingly recognized as a premier metropolitan research university.

Awards

In FY2010, UNLV received approximately $96 million in external award funding with nearly $38.4 million supporting research, including significant support from a number of federal agencies:

• Dept. of Energy – $13.9 million
• Dept. of Education – $8.6 million
• Dept. of Defense – $6.8 million
• Dept. of Health/Human Services – $3.5 million
• National Science Foundation – $3 million

Top Five Academic Areas Receiving Sponsored Program Award Funding in FY2010

• Sciences – $11.1 million
• Engineering – $10.8 million
• Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies – $9.3 million
• Educational Outreach – $6.8 million
• Health Sciences – $6.6 million

Award Funding By Sponsor Type in FY2010

• Federal – $71.7 million
• Federal Pass Through – $20.4 million
• State – $1.9 million
• Foundation/Corporate – $1.7 million
• Local – $368,440

Expenditures

Research expenditure data – the amount of funding expended for the purpose of research – is the gold standard for measurement of research activity in higher education. It indicates the amount of external funding spent by faculty and staff to conduct research; hence, it accurately reflects the productivity of funded researchers. Sponsored program expenditure data reflects activity on all types of sponsored program projects, including those dedicated to instruction or public service, as well as research. Hence, research expenditures are a subset of total sponsored program expenditures.