UNC-Chapel Hill trustees approves 3% in-state tuition hike in narrow vote

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Board of Trustees narrowly approved a 3% increase in in-state tuition Thursday, marking the first such raise in nearly a decade.

The proposal, which passed in a 6-5 vote, follows the committee's rejection just a day earlier, which had instead suggested raising out-of-state tuition. Four board members were absent during the vote.

This increase will raise tuition by $211 for in-state undergraduates, bringing the total to $7,229 per year. The change does not affect current students.

"I think what you saw was a really robust, fair discussion about the importance of affordability," Chancellor Lee Roberts said.

The measure also includes a 10% increase in out-of-state tuition, adding $4,320 and bringing the total to $49,601 per year. Additional changes include a 1% tuition increase for out-of-state graduate students, a 7% rise in housing costs, and a 4% increase in dining services.

The proposal is pending final approval by the UNC Board of Governors in early 2026.

Meanwhile, North Carolina State University's Board of Trustees will also consider a similar 3% tuition hike for all students during their Thursday meeting.

UNC voted on Thursday to raise in-state tuition by 3%.

Cameron Rasey says being from Wake County, In-state tuition was important in picking a college.

"I know that like for me, my parents can't put money into retirement and pay for my college. Like, that's just not something that's possible," said Rasey.

However, graduate student Baras Gupta is in favor of the tuition hike. He says he understands the need to recruit good faculty, and keep the university moving, which is what school leaders have argued.

It's like basically everyone taking up part of the struggle for the benefit of all." said Gupta.