College Policies

Nevada has traditionally had one of the most liberal enrollment policies for students who want to attend community college. Until recently, students did not even need a high school diploma or equivalent to take classes at one of these institutions. However, booming enrollment and low graduation rates have forced these schools to take a second look at their admission requirements. In addition, Nevada community colleges are seizing the opportunity to restudy how they calculate tuition and fee rates for each academic year.

Diploma Now Required

According to a brief report in the Houston Chronicle, about half of all the college students in Nevada attend one of the state’s community colleges. At the College of Southern Nevada, there are around 44,000 students currently enrolled. However, the president of CSN, Michael Richards, said that of that number, only about nine percent graduate from college each year. Richards asserts that in order to make community college students more successful, they need to be better prepared for the rigors of higher education.

Maria Sheehan, president of Truckee Meadows Community College agrees. She told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the primary goal of the new admission requirements would be to see more students succeed once they were enrolled at a community college.

“It’s not about limiting access,” Sheehan told the Review-Journal. “It is not about being punitive. It is not about denying access to career changers.”

The new requirement was adopted by the higher education system’s Board of

In March, President Obama called community colleges, universities and theology schools to come together despite their diverse faiths to make their communities a better place. Since the initial call went out from the White House, more than 240 schools have answered the challenge – a much larger number than the administration originally planned for. This movement has a twofold purpose: first, to cross religious lines and promote religious tolerance for college students across the country. The second purpose is to work together as a community to help those in need and protect the environment. With a growing population of postsecondary institutions jumping on the Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge, it appears that the White House might get its wish on both counts.

This video reports on the White House meeting of the President's Interfaith Community Service Campus Challenge on August 3, 2011.

What is the Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge?

According to a report at WhiteHouse.gov, the Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge serves the ultimate goal of President Obama to emphasize faith and community involvement as a means of building understanding between diverse communities and contributing to the common good. As the President said in his address when he announced this challenge, “For over 200 years, Americans of all faiths have come together, put their shoulders to the wheel of history, and made this country what

Since the Great Recession began a few short years ago, budgets have been a concern for community colleges, with less money coming in from their states. This problem is exacerbated by the unprecedented influx of students, from displaced workers seeking new training to high school graduates who can no longer afford a four-year university. Fortunately, some community colleges are seeing financial relief as grants come from a wide range of resources. We’ll look at some grants community colleges receive for the upcoming school year.

Grants Given to Ivy Tech for the Benefit of Military Students

Ivy Tech is the big winner in the grant offered to Indiana colleges by the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University. This community college received more than a half-million in funding from the foundation. According to a report at Inside Indiana Business, the money was awarded based on Ivy Tech’s efforts to enhance services for student service members, veterans, and their families.

The money is offered in 12 separate grants that will go to many of the Ivy Tech campuses across the state. The funds will be used for the following:

• The development of a podcast that will be used to educate students and faculty and create a supportive environment for veterans
• Enhancement of relationships with community agencies that work with the military population, such as WorkOne and Veterans of Foreign Affairs
• The creation of a “Boots to Suits” program to help veterans transition to civilian life

Ivy Tech

The economic downturn has made its presence felt throughout the country, as families and businesses are forced to tighten their belts and make difficult decisions about their spending habits. Community colleges continue facing similar challenges in 2026, as many schools are still dealing with budget pressures tied to inflation, fluctuating enrollment, and changing state funding formulas.

As the deadlines for finalizing next year’s budgets loom for many schools, we’ll take a look at what some community colleges across the nation have been forced to do to make ends meet.

Cayuga Community College Hiking Tuition Rates

The Cayuga Community College Board of Trustees previously approved a budget that included a tuition increase, as well as a request for additional funding from Cayuga County. Tuition rates have continued rising gradually over the past decade as colleges respond to increasing operational expenses.

According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator, community college tuition costs nationwide continue increasing modestly as schools respond to inflation and higher operating expenses.

Not everyone has historically been in favor of tuition increases. Concerns about affordability remain central to discussions around community college budgeting and student access. For students weighing costs, Community College Review’s guide to how to pay for a community college education offers additional context.

The college has continued balancing budget needs while investing in facilities, workforce programs, and student services.

Tuition Increases Not Enough for Lansing Community College; Layoffs Have Also Impacted Operations

This article has been updated to reflect 2026 data and recent developments.

Smoke-free policies at community colleges have evolved significantly over the past decade. What began as designated smoking areas has, in many cases, transitioned into fully tobacco-free campuses. In 2026, community colleges will not only ban traditional cigarettes but also address vaping, e-cigarettes, and emerging nicotine products.

This shift reflects broader public health priorities, changing student attitudes, and updated federal and state guidance. As community colleges continue to serve diverse student populations, their approach to campus health policies offers insight into larger trends in higher education.

The Shift Toward Tobacco-Free Campuses

Community colleges were early adopters of smoke-free policies, but the definition of “smoke-free” has expanded.

Today, many institutions enforce tobacco-free campus policies, which prohibit:

• Cigarettes
• Cigars and smokeless tobacco
• E-cigarettes and vaping devices
• Heated tobacco products

According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, thousands of U.S. colleges and universities now maintain 100 percent smoke-free or tobacco-free policies.

This shift aligns with updated public health recommendations and reflects growing awareness of secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure risks.

Why Community Colleges Are Leading the Movement

Community colleges are uniquely positioned to implement and scale these policies.

Diverse Student Populations

Community colleges serve students across age groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and life stages. Many institutions emphasize accessible, healthy environments that support both traditional and adult learners.

Public Health Alignment

Most community colleges operate within public systems, making them more responsive to state and federal health initiatives. Policies often align with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Campus-Wide Impact

Unlike residential universities, community colleges