Nevada System of Higher Education Launches Inaugural Nevada FAFSA Challenge

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Nevada FAFSA Challenge, a statewide initiative to boost Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among Nevada high school seniors.

The competition, running from January 1 through March 31, 2025, invites high schools participating in NSHE’s FAFSA Completion Initiative—a data-sharing program that helps schools and counselors track the progress of their seniors’ FAFSA completion—to compete for the title of the most improved FAFSA completion rate, year-over-year. The winning school will receive a $1,000 prize and a recognition banner to display with pride until the next challenge in 2026.

Additionally, schools that achieve 100% FAFSA completion will be honored at an upcoming NSHE Board of Regents meeting and featured on the NSHE and Apply Nevada websites.

“The FAFSA is a critical first step for students seeking to unlock financial aid opportunities,” said Amy J. Carvalho, Chair of the Board of Regents. “The Nevada FAFSA Challenge encourages schools to help their students take that step and improve their chances of achieving their higher education goals.”

NSHE Chancellor Patricia Charlton added, “We’re excited to launch this initiative and partner with Nevada districts and high schools to make the college application process more accessible. Together, we’re opening doors to higher education and creating pathways to success.”

Key Details of the Nevada FAFSA Challenge

• Who Can Participate: All high schools enrolled in NSHE’s FAFSA Completion Initiative.
• Competition Period: January 1 – March 31, 2025.
• Recognition and Prizes: $1,000 for the most improved FAFSA completion rate, a banner for the winning school, and recognition for schools achieving 100% completion.

Still Time to Sign Up

Schools and districts not yet enrolled in NSHE’s FAFSA Completion Initiative can still sign up and join the Nevada FAFSA Challenge. Participation is free, and schools can take advantage of the support and resources available to assist students with FAFSA completion. Interested districts and schools should contact Ashley Salisbury at asalisbury@nshe.nevada.edu for more information.

Why FAFSA Completion Matters

FAFSA completion is a critical step in accessing federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Research shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after graduation, making this initiative an important part of improving college access and affordability in Nevada.

High schools participating in the NSHE FAFSA Completion Initiative can track their progress using the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) FAFSA tracker, ensuring transparency and real-time updates throughout the competition.

For media inquiries, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.