September 21, 2025

UNC System Proposes 3% Tuition Increase for In-State Students

Chapel Hill, NC, September 21, 2025

News Summary

The University of North Carolina System Board of Governors has proposed a maximum 3% tuition increase for future in-state undergraduate students starting in 2026. This proposal, while under consideration, is not mandatory for all campuses and reflects the system’s commitment to affordability amidst rising inflation. Notably, four NC Promise schools will not increase their tuition rates. The Board faces budgetary pressures from state concerns, making the decision on proposed increases critical as they prepare for upcoming reviews.

Chapel Hill, NC – The University of North Carolina (UNC) System Board of Governors has proposed a potential 3% increase in tuition for future in-state undergraduate students during a meeting on Wednesday. This proposed tuition increase, while under consideration, is not mandatory for all campuses, as 3% is the maximum allowable increase. If implemented, the increase would apply only to new in-state undergraduate students beginning in the fall of 2026.

The UNC System has not raised tuition since the 2017-18 academic year, and Chair Wendy Murphy indicated that even with this proposed 3% increase, tuition for North Carolina students would still be among the lowest in the nation. This proposal reflects the system’s ongoing commitment to affordability, especially amidst rising inflation costs affecting budgets.

The four NC Promise schools – Elizabeth City State, Fayetteville State, UNC Pembroke, and Fayetteville State University – will not increase tuition rates, ensuring that some options for students remain affordable. The Board of Governors faces budgetary pressures stemming from state budget concerns, especially after the state legislature did not pass a new budget in July. These concerns cast a shadow over discussions regarding any potential tuition increases.

The timing of the UNC System’s consideration of tuition increases coincides with Wake Forest University’s recent announcement of tuition-free attendance for students from families making less than $200,000 by 2026. Other private institutions, including Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte, are exploring a merger to enhance student opportunities, putting additional pressure on UNC’s tuition discussions.

As of this fall, the UNC System has reported an enrollment of >256,000 students, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year. This growth has been particularly notable at historically black universities in North Carolina, with Fayetteville State University alone seeing an enrollment increase of 7.3%. Meanwhile, the University of North Carolina Asheville has faced a decline in enrollment, attributed to closures during Hurricane Helene.

The enrollment surge is partially driven by new policies simplifying the admissions process, including automatic admission for students with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. If campuses seek to increase tuition rates, they must propose their changes, which will be reviewed by the Board of Governors in February 2026. Any approved increases would only impact new students due to a state law that mandates fixed tuition rates for those already enrolled.

Current in-state undergraduate tuition within the UNC System ranges from $1,000 to about $7,000, depending on the specific campus and program. The Board of Governors is tasked with balancing financial sustainability with accessibility for state residents, as they prepare to receive and review tuition increase proposals from individual campuses in January for a vote in February.

FAQs

What is the proposed tuition increase amount for future in-state undergraduate students in the UNC System?

The proposed tuition increase is 3%.

When would the proposed tuition increase take effect?

The increase would affect new in-state undergraduate students beginning in the fall of 2026.

When was the last tuition increase for the UNC System?

The last tuition increase was during the 2017-18 academic year.

Will the four NC Promise schools increase tuition rates?

No, the four NC Promise schools will not increase tuition rates.

How has enrollment changed in the UNC System recently?

As of this fall, UNC System enrollment has surpassed 256,000 students, which is a 3.4% increase from the previous year.

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Feature	Details
Proposed Tuition Increase	3%
Effective Date for New Students	Fall 2026
Last Increase Year	2017-18 Academic Year
Current Tuition Range	$1,000 to about $7,000
Enrollment Number	Over 256,000 students
Enrollment Increase Percentage	3.4%