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Overview
UNLV's ChatGPT subscription has transitioned from an annual flat-rate license to a credit-based model. Access is managed through a tiered pricing structure, with weekly credit allocations assigned based on your selected tier. This article explains how credits work, what each tier includes, and how to request access.
What are credits?
Credits are the unit used to measure usage of advanced ChatGPT features in the UNLV workspace. When you use a credit-consuming feature such as reasoning-class models, image generation, or voice, credits are deducted from your weekly allocation.
Important: You cannot see your current credit balance or track usage in real time within ChatGPT. You will receive a message in ChatGPT when you have reached it.
What uses credits?
Not all ChatGPT features consume credits. The table below provides a general guide. For exact credit costs per feature, refer to the ChatGPT credit rate card.
| Feature |
Credit cost |
| Legacy / instant models |
None — free to use |
| Standard chat (GPT-4o) |
Low — use freely |
| ChatGPT Pro features |
Moderate |
| Image generation |
Moderate — varies by size and quality |
| Voice mode |
Moderate — varies by duration |
| Auto-switch to Thinking (reasoning) |
High — 10 or more credits per interaction |
Note: The biggest driver of credit usage is the Thinking model. A single reasoning interaction can consume as many credits as 10 or more standard chat interactions. See below for how to disable Auto-Switch to Thinking.
Credits reset automatically on a weekly basis. No action is required.
Tiered pricing structure
Credits reset weekly. Monthly figures are approximate (weekly limit × 4.33 weeks).
| Tier |
Level 1 — Standard |
Level 2 — Pro |
Level 3 — Premium |
Need more? |
| Price / seat / month |
$20 |
$30 |
$40 |
Contact IT |
| Weekly limit |
~35 credits |
~69 credits |
~115 credits |
500+ credits/month |
| Monthly limit |
~150 credits |
~300 credits |
~500 credits |
— |
| Credits reset |
Weekly |
Weekly |
Weekly |
— |
| Best for |
Occasional use, standard tasks |
Regular use, moderate complexity |
Heavy use, reasoning, image gen, voice |
Research-intensive or specialized work |
Need more than 500 credits/month? Select "Contact us for more information" on the Tier Selection Form and UNLV IT will reach out to discuss your needs.
How to reduce your credit usage
The most effective way to reduce credit consumption is to disable Auto-Switch to Thinking. This prevents ChatGPT from automatically using the Thinking model for complex-looking prompts. You can still select it manually for tasks that genuinely need it.
How to disable Auto-Switch to Thinking
- Click on the ChatGPT text caret ( › ) in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Select Configure.
- Toggle off Auto-switch to Thinking.
How to select your tier
Select your tier when requesting an individual license. UNLV IT will send out a tier inquiry communication to users twice a year to confirm tier selection. At that time you will be able to upgrade or downgrade your access.
Frequently asked questions
Will my access be cut off if I hit the weekly limit?
No. If you reach the hard cap, access to advanced models, image generation, and voice is paused until the following week. You retain full access to legacy and instant models for standard chat.
When do credits reset?
Credits reset automatically on a weekly basis. No action is required on your part.
Can I see how many credits I have left?
Not at this time. ChatGPT does not display a real-time credit balance. You will receive a notification when you reach your credit limit.
What if I need more than 500 credits per month?
Select that option on the Tier Selection Form. UNLV IT will reach out to discuss your specific needs.