LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Data from Zillow shows that the average rent for apartments is about $1,300, which represents a minimal increase from last year. However, apartment prices are still up about 30% compared to pre-pandemic numbers. On-campus housing has not been spared from these increases either.

For fall 2022, UNLV student Liliko Watanabe paid about $3,500 for her room in the Upper Class Complex (UCC) dorm. In UCC, the cost is about $3,900, but prices are expected to rise each year until they reach $4,578 per semester in 2028, according to UNLV. Similar price increases are planned for the other dorms as well.

This price does not include the $125 non-refundable application fee or the mandatory residential student meal plan. Meal plan prices range from $2,405 to $3,124 for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Despite the rising cost of living on campus, Watanabe said the on-campus experience was valuable enough for her to continue living there.

“Unfortunately, with UNLV being a commuter school, you have to be on or near campus to really participate in student life and activities,” Watanabe said. “It’s hard to really participate in things when you’re not on campus because most of the events and the whole community revolves around UNLV.”

Forgoing these experiences was not something Watanabe and her brother, a sophomore, planned to do during their college years.

Deanna Merino-Contino, UNLV’s assistant vice president for student life, said on-campus housing rates will be presented to students for feedback and approved by the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents.

“We review our price index every five or six years to make sure we are offering the best cost and value to our students,” Merino-Contino said.

According to UNLV, 1,850 students live on campus, 100 more than last academic year. There are currently about 32,000 students enrolled at the university.

Families were invited to participate in UNLV’s Rebel Ready Week to help students move in and answer questions.

Liz and Michael Smith attended a housing information session for their son, who starts next week. Liz said they wanted their son to live on campus his first year so he could be more immersed in college life.