UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution with more than 27,000 students, approximately 5,200 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 120 graduate degree and certificate programs are offered, including 41 doctoral and professional degrees. UNLV offers a broad range of respected academic programs and is recognized as a premier metropolitan research university.

Awards

In FY2012, UNLV received approximately $77 million in external award funding with nearly $22.6 million supporting research, including significant support from a number of federal agencies:

• Dept. of Education – $12.4 million
• Dept. of Energy – $3.2 million
• Dept. of Health and Human Services – $2.5 million
• National Science Foundation – $1.8 million
• Dept. of the Interior – $1.3 million

Top Five Academic Areas Receiving Sponsored Program Award Funding in FY2012

• Sciences – $9.2 million
• Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies – $ 5.5 million
• Health Sciences – $4.5 million
• Engineering – $3.6 million
• Education – $1.6 million

Award Funding By Sponsor Type in FY2012

• Federal – $59.7 million
• Federal Pass Through – $12.7 million
• Foundation/Corporate – $3.3 million
• State – $1.2 million
• Local – $179,946

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.

Sponsored Program Expenditures vs. Research Expenditures in Millions, FY07-FY12