Nevada FAFSA Completion Increases 18% as NSHE Announces Second Annual FAFSA Challenge Winners 

Three high schools recognized for leading gains in FAFSA completion across the state 

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is proud to announce the winners of the second annual Nevada FAFSA Challenge, recognizing three high schools for improving Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates among Nevada seniors. The announcement comes as FAFSA completion among Nevada high school seniors increased 18 percent statewide as compared to the same time last year, reflecting broader progress in efforts to help more students access financial aid and postsecondary opportunities.

This year’s winners are Indian Springs High School, West Career and Technical Academy, and Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts, all from the Clark County School District.

“Improving FAFSA completion is about making sure more Nevada students can see a path to higher education and understand the financial support that may be available to them,” said Chair of the Board of Regents Byron Brooks. “This work directly connects to our responsibility to expand access, improve affordability, and help students take the next step toward their future.”

The Nevada FAFSA Challenge recognizes high schools that achieve the greatest increase in the percentage of seniors completing the FAFSA, with categories based on senior class size.

• Indian Springs High School increased FAFSA completion by25.83 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of up to 199 students.
• West Career and Technical Academy increased FAFSA completion by 8.66 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of 200 to 499 students.
• Del Sol Academy of the Performing Arts increased FAFSA completion by 7.53 percentage points among schools with senior class sizes of 500 or more students.

“Too many Nevada students assume higher education is financially out of reach, even while millions of dollars in aid go unused each year,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “When students complete the FAFSA and understand the support available to them, they begin to see that higher education is within their reach. That is why efforts like the Nevada FAFSA Challenge are so important.”

The Nevada FAFSA Challenge builds on broader statewide efforts to support FAFSA completion, including NSHE’s FAFSA Completion Initiative and Apply Nevada, which provide schools, counselors, students, and families with data, workshops, and resources. The work also aligns with Assembly Bill 235, sponsored by Assemblywoman Brittney Miller and approved by the Nevada Legislature in 2021, which supports FAFSA education and coordination between high schools and Nevada colleges and universities.

“As the Destination District, our counselors and educators work to make sure students identify their path to a future career, so they graduate ready for college or a career,” CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert said. “We congratulate all three FAFSA Challenge winners and look forward to seeing more CCSD students pursuing a college degree. Thanks to the school administrators and counselors for encouraging our students to pursue higher education and sharing resources available to make that pursuit a reality.”

Each winning school will receive a personalized banner to display during the upcoming school year and will be formally recognized at an upcoming meeting of the Nevada Board of Regents. The Nevada State Treasury is also providing a 529 scholarship gift basket to be awarded to one FAFSA-completing senior at each winning school.

“FAFSA completion is one part of helping students and families understand how education after high school can be within reach,” said Dr. Tya Mathis-Coleman, College Savings Deputy of the Nevada State Treasury. “We’re pleased to support the Nevada FAFSA Challenge and recognize students who are taking steps to plan for their education and their future.”

Completing the FAFSA can make a major difference in whether students continue their education after high school. National data shows that high school seniors who complete the FAFSA are 84 percent more likely to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after graduation than those who do not. Supporting FAFSA completion also aligns with the Board of Regents’ 2025-2031 Strategic Plan, Success by Design, which prioritizes expanding access to higher education and improving student success across Nevada.

Media Availability

Representatives from NSHE and partner organizations are available to discuss the Nevada FAFSA Challenge, FAFSA completion efforts, and the impact on Nevada students. For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.