According to the new plan, the university registration fee for in-state undergraduate students will rise from $79 to $85 per credit for the 2003 - 2004 academic year, and then to $91 per credit for the 2004 - 2005 academic year. The university registration fee for in-state graduate students will rise from $107 to $115 per credit for the 2003 - 2004 academic year, and then to $123.50 per credit for the 2004 - 2005 academic year.

For in-state attendees at the state college and the upper level of Great Basin College, registration fees will rise from $62 to $66 per credit for the 2003 - 2004 academic year, and then to $70 per credit for the 2004 - 2005 academic year. Community college registration fees for in-state students will rise from $45.50 to $47.25 per credit for the 2003 - 2004 academic year, and then to $49 per credit for the 2004 - 2005 academic year.

UCCSN institutions are compared to institutions in states that make up the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), which includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Increases to tuition and registration fees at UCCSN institutions brings these rates more in line with tuition and fees at comparable WICHE institutions.

"These modest increases will allow our institutions to remain more competitive, while still enabling our universities and community colleges to provide some of the most affordable education in the West," said Board Chair Thalia Dondero. "Although no one likes to raise the costs of higher education, we must keep pace with our state's incredible growth, and we must continue to provide quality education at an affordable rate."

The Tuition and Fees Committee made an initial recommendation at the Board's March meeting. At that time, the Board asked the System staff to bring back alternative proposals. Today, the Board approved a proposal that recommended a lower increase in tuition and fees.

"Fees" are registration fees paid each semester by every student enrolling in a course at a UCCSN community college or university. The registration fee is a per-credit charge that is set at different levels for the universities and community colleges. Nevada residents pay registration fees only.

"Tuition" is an additional flat fee paid by non-resident students on a semester basis. Non-resident students pay the per-credit registration fee and the tuition charge each semester. Students attending the University of Nevada School of Medicine, the William S. Boyd Law School and the School of Dentistry are also charged a different tuition for enrollment in those professional programs.

For more information on full-time, part-time, good neighbor, children of alumni and distance education non-resident tuition, and for information on distribution of fees, please reference the UCCSN Web site at www.nevada.edu.

The Nevada Board of Regents is the elected, 11-member governing body for the University and Community College System of Nevada. Comprising two doctoral granting universities, a state college, four comprehensive community colleges and one internationally acclaimed research institute, the UCCSN serves the educational and job training needs of the nation's fastest growing state. As Nevada's only system of higher education, the UCCSN provides educational opportunities to nearly 100,000 students.

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