Two divergent affordability stories landed this week: Nevada’s governing board approved a 9–12% tuition increase across the state’s public institutions to close a $46.5 million budget shortfall, while Kentucky officials reported an increase in graduates completing degrees debt-free, driven by state and institutional grants. Regents in Nevada argued the hike is necessary to avoid faculty cuts and program eliminations; the vote was contentious and framed as a last resort. Conversely, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education reported 60% of undergraduates now leave without college debt—an increase attributed to expanded grants and scholarships at community colleges and state universities. The juxtaposition underscores unequal state capacity to fund higher education: some systems are raising tuition to protect instructional budgets while others point to targeted public investment as a means to reduce borrowing. College CFOs and state policymakers will be watching enrollment and retention impacts closely as changes roll out.