Trustees Approve Tuition Package

The Board of Trustees has approved a $330 increase in resident undergraduate tuition for the 2012-13 academic year as part of a tuition and fee package designed to help offset nearly $125 million in state funding reductions to the university over the last five years.  A “catch-up” increase expected to total $1,168 over five years was also approved.

The proposed increases are subject to approval by the UNC Board of Governors.

“Given the state’s economic situation and significant reduction in funding, NC State leadership believes these increases present the best path forward to preserve the quality of an NC State education and degree,” said Board chair Barbara Mulkey. “However, even with the increases, NC State would remain a top national value, providing a world-class education at a cost well below the average tuition of peer institutions.”

The proposed Campus Initiated Tuition Increases (CITI) for next year include:

> A $330 or 6.4 percent increase for resident undergraduate students, bringing full-time annual tuition to $5,483.

> A $660 or 3.7 percent increase for nonresident undergraduate students, bringing full-time annual tuition to $18,648.

> A $660 or 11.1 percent increase for resident graduate students, bringing full-time annual tuition to $6,618.

> A $660 or 3.7 percent increase for nonresident graduate students, bringing full-time annual tuition to $18,666.

The $11.6 million in revenue generated by the tuition increases would be used to enhance the student experience through quality and accessibility improvements, fund faculty promotional increases, and support need-based financial aid and graduate-student support.

The trustees also approved a proposed $84.45 annual increase in student fees, which will help fund student health services, student center activities, athletic operations and recreational sports.

Even with the “catch up” increase, tuition at North Carolina public universities would still compare favorably with peer institutions. UNC System institutions are mandated to keep tuition within the bottom quarter of peer colleges and universities.

Funds from this increase at NC State would be used to add new faculty positions over four years, reduce class sizes and increase the number of class sections, support faculty and staff raises, and focus resources on advising and student support.