UNC 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.

Note: Featured video is from a previous report.