The Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents is reviewing a proposal to raise tuition and fees. If approved, university students at UNLV and the University of Nevada, Reno could face a 12% increase by 2028, adding about $1,200 per year. Community college students could see a 9% rise in costs, according to FOX5 Vegas.
The vote on proposed tuition increases at UNLV, originally scheduled for next month, has been postponed until January 2026 to allow regents more time to consider a $46.5 million budget shortfall caused by the expiration of state funds for staff salary increases. UNLV interim president Chris Heavey defended the increase, saying, "It would be very difficult to maintain the quality we have, and when I think about higher education, I think our goal is ultimately not to provide the cheapest higher education possible is to provide the best value," as reported by 8 News Now.
Critics remain concerned about affordability and student impact, with Regent Amy Carvalho stating, "I think we can do a much better job of bringing in more students to our institutions again, instead of just increasing, fees to our current students," and UNLV student body president Kelechi Odunze asking, "What programs would be cut if it wasn't passed, and if there is projected enrollment declines if it does pass?" The Board of Regents will revisit the issue in January 2026, with their decision poised to significantly affect Nevada’s higher education landscape.
