Nevada’s colleges and universities are in the midst of a historic moment. Across nearly every measure — student enrollment, retention and success, research impact, community partnerships and contributions to economic growth — our campuses are delivering transformative, record results for Nevada’s people and its future.

But even as we celebrate these achievements, higher education in our state stands at a delicate crossroads. Institutions within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) face mounting financial pressures from inflation, changing federal policies, expanded workforce needs and expectations and long-term structural costs. To sustain the progress we have made — and protect the promise of affordable, high-quality education — we must make difficult but necessary choices now.

NSHE institutions are confronting a growing fiscal gap in the form of an estimated $46.5 million annual shortfall. As is the case with colleges and universities nationwide, our costs have risen steadily, including competitive compensation, inflation and essential student support.

We are grateful for the Legislature’s ongoing support, which helps keep Nevada’s public colleges and universities affordable for students. To sustain progress and protect the promise of affordable, high-quality education, it is now up to NSHE and its institutions to put in place a long-term solution that does not rely on additional, ongoing state dollars. 

The central question is how do we protect the quality and accessibility that define Nevada higher education while ensuring financial sustainability? After examining every available option, we have concluded that the only viable long-term revenue source beyond state funding is a modest, gradual increase in student tuition and fees.

This approach makes sense. The data tells a clear story. Nevada’s state appropriations per full-time equivalent (FTE) student are 95.8 percent of the national average, but our net tuition and fee revenue is only 40 percent of the national average.

The average net tuition and fees for Nevadans attending our universities is the second most affordable in the nation at $3,547 for four years, when student financial assistance is factored in. The national average is $10,446. Among two-year colleges, Nevada’s average of $2,580 per FTE is also below the national average of $2,728.

In short, Nevada’s public colleges and universities remain among the most affordable in the country. Adjusting tuition and fees modestly will maintain that affordability while ensuring that we can continue to deliver the quality education Nevada students deserve.

We understand that any increase in student fees has an impact on the very individuals we are trying to attract and retain. Campuses have already taken steps to absorb higher costs through operating reductions and hiring slowdowns. After reviewing additional options, it is clear that further cuts, including program reductions or extended position freezes, would likely diminish student success by reducing course availability and further stretching academic and campus services.

By contrast, a staggered, measured increase in tuition and fees allows us to protect academic quality and preserve access for students. We are currently considering increases of 12 percent over three years at our four-year institutions. At our community colleges, the increases would be 9 percent over three years for students taking lower-division courses and 12 percent over three years for community college students taking upper-division courses. The adjustments would be gradual to minimize the impact on students while closing the projected budget gap.

It is important to emphasize what this proposal is intended to do, and what it is not. We will remain among the most affordable options in the Western United States, even with modest adjustments. We will continue to invest in students by prioritizing tutoring, advising and career services that support retention and graduation. We remain committed to financial aid as a core access tool. We aim to strengthen our ability to recruit and retain excellent faculty through progress toward competitive compensation. And we will continue listening to student leaders, faculty, staff and community stakeholders before any final decisions are made.

Nevada students have shown time and again that they believe in the value of their education. Their willingness to support a 5 percent fee increase in 2023 helped preserve quality during a difficult period. Their continued partnership is vital as we chart a sustainable path forward.

We have begun holding campus discussions and will host open forums to gather feedback from students, faculty and staff. We are also engaging with state and legislative leaders to ensure that any decision is transparent, accountable and aligned with Nevada’s long-term interests.

Ultimately, this challenge is not just about balancing budgets — it is about protecting the values that define Nevada higher education: access, excellence and shared responsibility.

With thoughtful planning and open collaboration, we can ensure that our institutions continue to thrive — empowering students, strengthening communities and driving Nevada’s prosperity for decades to come.

Jeffrey Alexander, president, Truckee Meadows Community College
J. Kyle Dalpe, president, Western Nevada College
Amber Donnelli, president, Great Basin College
Chris Heavey, interim president, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Stacy Klippenstein, president, College of Southern Nevada
Amber Lopez Lasater, acting president, Nevada State University
Brian Sandoval, president, University of Nevada, Reno
Matt McNair, chancellor, Nevada System of Higher Education