Improve Post-Secondary Education in Nevada

COMMENTARY | Post-secondary education in Nevada needs serious improvement and it is my hope more resources will be allocated to higher education this year.

On Jan. 16, Gov. Brian Sandoval, in his state of the state address, pledged additional spending of $135 million on public education and extension of a tax package, set to expire June 30th, that will provide funds for higher education. (The governor's full speech can be read in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.)

The quality, affordability and accessibility of higher education in Nevada are critical to the future of the state and its people. Economic troubles have raised barriers to attaining higher education.

According to a report released by the Nevada System of Higher Education in 2012 (entitled "Committee on Access and Affordability Report and Recommendations"): "Whether one is looking at two?year or four?year institutions in Nevada, the poorest of families must devote an average of over 50 percent of their family income toward higher education, and that is after financial aid."

Further: "When considering the cost of tuition and fees at Nevada institutions in conjunction with the cost of living in this state, higher education is not easily affordable, particularly for Nevada families in the lowest income quintile."

As a University of Nevada, Las Vegas, alumnus, I've experienced Nevada's education problems firsthand. During 2009 through 2012, I attended UNLV in pursuit of a second undergraduate degree while living in the city of North Las Vegas. While attending, I witnessed reductions in course offerings and faculty. It became extremely difficult for me and my classmates to get courses, especially since most of us worked part-time or full-time. The price of tuition and books continued to rise each year. It is hard enough to get a post-secondary degree and land a high paying job; it doesn't need to get any harder.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/improve-post-secondary-education-nevada-203800354.html

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