Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Bills advance to let universities raise tuition, fees

Sun Coverage

CARSON CITY – University regents would have greater flexibility in raising tuition and student fees under two bills approved Friday by the Senate Education Committee.

But universities and community colleges would have to show the Legislature every two years their graduation rates and job placement success.

Senate Bill 449 would give the regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education the power to set different tuition and fees for academic programs based on the cost of the program and student demand.

Classes in advanced areas of study cost more, officials said. Universities would be required to provide scholarships or other financial aid for economically disadvantaged students.

The committee adopted an amendment by Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-North Las Vegas, to put a tighter control on universities. In addition to information on graduation and job placement rates, the system would have to show how it compares to national levels and how it aligns its programs with state economic development goals.

SB 449 would require the report to be presented to the Legislature every two years.

A second bill, Senate Bill 451, would allow each campus to keep the increased fees it collects. Special course fees, laboratory and differential program fees already are retained by each school.

The higher fees must be used by the schools “to advance the educational needs of the students” on that campus, according to the bill.

Both bills will go to the Senate floor.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy