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The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to increase the cost of tuition for in-state undergraduate students. This is the first tuition hike for the UNC system in nine years.
The board voted in favor of the 3% increase Thursday morning. Officials say the hike amounts to about $125 per student, but is more or less depending on the university.
The average cost of tuition systemwide will increase from $4,684 to $4,809 in 2026-27, according to a release, and will only apply to new students. Current students will not see a change in their tuition cost.
“Low tuition is at the heart of our compact with the people of North Carolina,” said UNC System President Peter Hans. “We’re focused on reducing administrative costs, keeping student debt down, and making sure every UNC degree delivers value for our graduates.”
Officials say the increase is in response to rising operating costs and inflationary pressures.
“For so much of the UNC System’s history, the debate was not about if tuition would go up, but about how much it would go up,” said UNC Board of Governors Chair Wendy Murphy. “This Board, working with our president and our chancellors, changed that expectation. We created a new affordability baseline for North Carolinians, one that prioritizes families and their needs.”
In addition to the tuition hike, the board also approved an increase in mandatory student fees. “Fees during the 2026-27 academic year will increase by an average of 1%,” a release said.
The hikes only apply to the 12 universities across the UNC system that are not designated NC Promise schools. Officials say in-state undergraduate tuition at NC Promise schools will stay at $500 per semester.
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Justin Pryor
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