Nevada regents approve statewide tuition hikes of up to 12%

By Jeffrey Meehan, Reno Gazette Journal 

The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents approved a multi-year tuition and fee increase plan during its Jan. 23 meeting, that officials say is needed to avoid layoffs and service cuts as temporary state funding expires.

The increases would take effect beginning in fall 2026 and phase in through the 2028–29 school year, including for the University of Nevada, Reno and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The plan is tied to the expiration of state “bridge funding” approved by lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session to help cover ongoing costs tied to cost-of-living raises in 2023 and 2024. That funding ends in 2027.

Regents say the bridge funds were intended as a short-term stabilizer, not a permanent revenue source. Without a replacement, NSHE projects significant budget gaps across its campuses that could lead to layoffs and reductions in student services. Regents will also review alternative scenarios.

What the tuition plan would do at Nevada colleges

Under the recommended plan, tuition and registration fees would rise gradually over three years, in addition to inflation-based adjustments already approved.

For UNLV, UNR and Nevada State University, the additional increases would be 3% in the 2026-27 academic year, 4% in 2027-28 and 5% in 2028-29. Community college lower-division courses would see smaller increases of 2%, 3% and 4% over the same period.

Regents say the increases are intended to maintain current staffing levels, academic programs and student services.

Under the plan, by the 2028-29 academic year, the additional cost for full-time Nevada residents would be about:

• $1,200 per year for UNLV and UNR students
• $900 per year for Nevada State University students
• $400 per year for community college lower-division students

The increases would not apply to dual-enrollment students, typically high school students earning college credit, or to professional programs at UNLV and UNR.

If tuition had remained unchanged and the bridge funding expired, NSHE projects a shortfall of nearly $50 million. In that scenario, about 300 positions and current services would be at risk across Nevada’s public colleges and universities, according to system briefing materials.

Tuition scenarios under review

Increases include estimates for four-year institutions.

• Full plan: 12% tuition increase; phased in through 2028-29; about 317 jobs preserved.
• Smaller increases: 8% increase; $17.2 million shortfall; about 102 jobs cut.
• Minimal increases: 4% increase; $33.4 million shortfall; about 206 jobs at risk.
• No increase: $49.4 million shortfall; about 317 jobs and services at risk.

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect