NSHE Colleges and Universities Celebrate Roughly 14,500 Graduates Statewide 

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is proud to announce that roughly 14,500 students graduated from the state’s public colleges and universities this spring. These graduates earned doctoral, master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, along with certificates that support career pathways, continued education, and service to communities across Nevada.

“Graduation is one of the clearest measures of the work happening across Nevada’s public colleges and universities,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “Each graduate represents a goal reached, a commitment kept, and a new beginning filled with opportunities. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and thank you to the faculty, staff, and families who helped support their success.”

Commencement ceremonies were held across the state, recognizing students from the University of Nevada, Reno; University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Nevada State University; College of Southern Nevada; Western Nevada College; Truckee Meadows Community College; and Great Basin College.

This year’s graduating class reflects the many communities NSHE serves, from Las Vegas and Reno to rural and frontier communities across the state. Graduates include high school students earning college credentials, working adults balancing school with other responsibilities, first-generation students, and lifelong learners completing degrees later in life.

“Every graduate has a unique path ahead, but they all leave NSHE with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will help shape Nevada’s future,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “Whether they continue their education, begin a career, or pursue new opportunities, we are proud to celebrate their success and the impact they will have in the years to come.”

Students from a wide range of fields, including health care, education, business, engineering, public service, and the skilled trades, make up the Class of 2026. Their accomplishments reflect NSHE’s role in helping students pursue educational goals that meet their needs and support Nevada’s communities.

Among this year’s graduates:

• Ages 16 to 80: NSHE’s youngest graduates are 16 years old, and its oldest graduate is 80, reflecting the range of students completing higher education across the state.

• Early college pathways: Hundreds of Nevada students earned college degrees as they earned high school diplomas, including a record 242 Jump Start graduates at Western Nevada College, 75 degrees earned by dual-enrolled high school students at Truckee Meadows Community College, and 25 dual-enrolled graduates at Great Basin College.

• Record graduating classes: Multiple NSHE institutions celebrated record or near-record graduating classes this spring, including Nevada State University with 915 graduates, Western Nevada College with 686 graduates, and the College of Southern Nevada with 4,280 graduates in one of the largest classes in the college’s history.

• First-generation graduates: First-generation students continue to play a major role in Nevada’s higher education success, including more than 60 percent of Nevada State University graduates and half of UNLV graduates.

This year’s graduating class reflects the many pathways available through Nevada’s higher education system, from dual-enrollment opportunities that allow students to earn college credentials while still in high school to graduate and professional degrees that prepare students for continued education and careers. Expanding those pathways and helping more students reach graduation remains a key priority of the Board of Regents. These figures are preliminary and based on spring commencement information provided by NSHE colleges and universities. Final degree completion data for the full academic year will be available in the fall.

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