North Wake News

North Carolina's public university students will continue to benefit from stable tuition rates as the University of North Carolina Board of Governors has voted for the ninth consecutive year to freeze tuition for in-state undergraduates. This decision affects all 16 universities within the UNC System, which has been maintaining flat tuition rates since 2016.

UNC System President Peter Hans emphasized the value of a degree from these institutions, stating, “A UNC System degree is not only affordable, but also a good investment.” He added that the universities aim to serve residents from diverse backgrounds across the state.

Data from a 2024 study by the UNC System supports this assertion, revealing that 94% of undergraduate degree holders experience a positive return on investment. Moreover, 90% of low-income graduates achieve upward economic mobility.

Wendy Murphy, Chair of the UNC Board of Governors, highlighted their commitment to affordability: “The Board is committed to keeping total cost of attendance at our universities—tuition included—as low as possible.”

Average in-state tuition at most universities in the system stands at $4,553 annually, while it is $1,000 per year at four NC Promise institutions. Student fees average around $2,784 yearly. The percentage of students graduating with debt has decreased significantly due to this tuition freeze—from 61% in 2018-19 to less than 50% in 2023-24.

National trends reflect similar patterns; college tuition costs have become more manageable over the past decade when considering tax benefits and inflation adjustments. According to a Brookings study, current tuition payments are comparable to those in the 1990s.

North Carolina ranks third nationally for offering some of the lowest tuition and fees for residents attending public four-year universities. However, analysts point out that "sticker pricing" often misrepresents actual costs families face after accounting for financial aid like scholarships and Pell Grants.

In North Carolina specifically, families earning $80,000 or less qualify for annual scholarships exceeding $5,000 toward a UNC System degree. About three-quarters of resident students receive various forms of financial assistance across the system.

Families interested in understanding their scholarship eligibility can find more information online.