UNC Board of Governors approves undergraduate tuition increase for some schools

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has approved a 3% increase in in-state undergraduate tuition, the first such increase in nine years.

This change, averaging $125 per student, will raise the Systemwide tuition average from $4,684 to $4,809 in 2026-27 and applies only to new students. Current students will not see a tuition change.

Mandatory student fees will also rise by an average of 1%, bringing combined annual tuition and fees to $7,644 across 12 non-NC Promise universities.

The increase comes as the System addresses rising operating costs while maintaining affordability.

Since freezing in-state tuition in 2017, the UNC System has reduced average student debt and borrowing amounts significantly. In-state tuition at NC Promise schools will remain $500 per semester, with the Next NC Scholarship covering full tuition and fees for eligible families.