NSHE Board of Regents Approves Student Fee Adjustments to Enhance Campus Services and Facilities

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Board of Regents approved a series of student fee adjustments across its institutions to address critical needs, including funding for cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), enhanced student services, and infrastructure improvements. The fee adjustments reflect the Board’s commitment to maintaining high-quality education and campus experiences while addressing financial challenges, including inflation and the need to provide competitive compensation for faculty and staff.

“While no one wants to increase fees, this was a carefully considered decision informed by input by student leaders and stakeholders,” said Board Chair Amy J. Carvalho. “These adjustments will help us uphold the quality of education and services that our students deserve.”

The Board’s decision followed a thorough review process that included extensive engagement with students across the system. Surveys and other forms of outreach showed support for the fee proposals. During the meeting, public comment overwhelmingly reflected this sentiment, with the vast majority of speakers, including student leaders, advocating for the adjustments. “Without the proposed fees, many of the programs risk reduction or elimination, which would negatively impact campus life and student satisfaction. The fees are critical in providing the funding needed to sustain and grow these programs for years to come,” said a student representative during the meeting.

Key Fee Adjustments and Highlights:

• Differential Fees (Agenda Item 22):
  • Differential fees for high-demand and specialized programs across NSHE institutions
    were approved to fund program enhancements. These fees help hire and retain
    qualified faculty, acquire specialized equipment, and maintain cutting-edge
    facilities tailored to meet industry standards (excluding UNLV, which will be
    reviewed later).
  • Highlight: At Great Basin College (GBC), these fees will support the nursing program by funding additional faculty and resources, ensuring students receive high-quality education and hands-on training in the healthcare field.
• General Student Fees (Agenda Item 23):
  • Adjustments to general student fees were approved to address campus-wide needs, including expanded mental health services, upgrades to infrastructure, and student support programs. These fees ensure institutions can provide vital resources that contribute to student success and well-being (excluding UNLV, which will be reviewed at a future meeting).
  • Highlight: At the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), these fees will help fund a new practice facility, featuring state-of-the-art training spaces.
• RN to BSN Program Fees (Agenda Item 24):
  • Approved discounted nonresident fees for the Nevada State University’s (NSU) RN to BSN program will allow continued development of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in Nevada while the cost of NSU’s RN to BSN program for non-resident students will continue to be lower than for similar programs offered by other institutions.
  • Highlight: Many regional students who benefit from Nevada State University’s RN to BSN program can help fill needed positions in Nevada.
• Athletics & Recreation Fee (Agenda Item 25):
  • A new fee at NSU was approved to support recreational facilities, wellness initiatives, and athletic programs. These funds will enhance the overall student experience by promoting physical health, mental well-being, and community engagement.
  • Highlight: Recreational facility upgrades and the growth of athletic programs will create more opportunities for students to connect, compete, and thrive on campus.

The Board acknowledges the vital support provided by the Nevada Legislature, which funded a significant portion of the COLA increases. However, the approved fees address needs that fall outside of state funding, ensuring institutions can provide essential services and maintain the quality of education.

Nevada has historically ranked among the lowest in the nation for total education revenue per full-time student, as reported by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO). Despite this, NSHE institutions have worked diligently to maintain one of the most affordable tuition rates in the country. The approved fees reflect a necessary step to ensure institutions can continue to provide essential services and maintain the quality of education, even as they face ongoing financial challenges.

“These changes, while challenging, demonstrate our commitment to meeting the needs of our students and employees in the face of economic pressures,” said Chancellor Patricia Charlton. “We deeply appreciate the collaboration of our students and the public in this process.”

While most proposed fees were approved, fees specific to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) will be considered at a future meeting.

For more detailed information please see the full Board of Regents Quarterly Meeting agenda. For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.