Las Vegas, Nevada – Nevada’s eight public higher education institutions will raise tuition by between 9 percent adn 12 percent over the next three years, a move approved Friday by the Board of Regents to avert cuts to academic programs and staffing.
The regents voted 8 to 5 in favor of the proposal, which is intended to cover a systemwide annual budgetary shortfall of $46.5 million. The increase will affect both two- and four-year institutions across the state.
- Tuition will increase by 12 percent at four-year institutions and 9 percent at community colleges.
- Undergraduate students at UNR and UNLV will see an annual tuition increase of $1,200, while out-of-state students will pay an additional $3,800.
- The hike is intended to avoid cuts to faculty positions and academic departments.
- The increase comes on top of an existing 12.6 percent tuition hike phased in over three years to address inflation.
Representatives of the Nevada System of Higher Education argued that the state’s colleges and universities will remain affordable and competitive despite the increase. System Chancellor Matt McNair said, “We don’t make this recommendation lightly, but this is the best we can do in terms of balancing value and affordability.”
McNair cited statistics indicating that Nevada’s four-year universities currently have the second-lowest net tuition amounts in the nation. He added that, even with the increase, Nevada will likely remain among the top five states for affordability when factoring in financial aid and scholarships.
Regent Jeffrey Downs, who opposed the increase, expressed concern that cutting academic programs would be detrimental to students.”Students pay for classes and that generates revenue for the schools,” Downs said. “This seems like a punishment to students. Why would we cut the revenue-generating portions?”
What This Means for You
The tuition increase will directly impact students at Nevada’s public colleges and universities. At UNR and UNLV, Nevada residents will pay an additional $1,200 per year, while out-of-state students will face a $3,800 increase. This comes along with a previously approved 12.6 percent tuition hike already being phased in to account for inflation. students and families should anticipate higher costs for higher education in nevada over the next three years, and may need to adjust financial planning accordingly.
The nevada System of Higher Education emphasized that the decision was made to protect academic programs and staffing levels.Chris Viton, the system’s chief financial officer, warned that delaying or reducing the increase would likely lead to the elimination of hundreds of staff positions and reduced course offerings.
The financial challenges facing Nevada’s higher education system are ongoing. The tuition hike is partially intended to cover increased faculty cost of living adjustments approved in 2023 and 2024. While most institutions will be able to absorb the costs, UNR is projected to face a $2 million funding shortfall in 2028 when bridge funding for those adjustments expires.
Some faculty members have called for greater clarity in the system’s budgeting process. Staci Walters, president of Nevada’s higher education faculty union, said, “Nobody has a clear understanding of the budget and how money is allocated.”
Regent Carol Del Carlo, who voted in favor of the increase, acknowledged the difficult decision and suggested a comprehensive review of the system’s long-term budgeting practices. “We have to bring in an outside consultant to really do a shakedown on this,” Del Carlo said.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by The Nevada Autonomous and added independent analysis and context.
