WILMINGTON — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted today to increase resident undergraduate tuition for the first time in nine years. The increase was capped at 3% systemwide, averaging $125 per student.
The change will bring the systemwide tuition average from $4,684 to $4,809 in 2026-27. The change will apply only to new students. Current students will not be affected.
“Low tuition is at the heart of our compact with the people of North Carolina,” UNC System President Peter Hans said in a press release. “We’re focused on reducing administrative costs, keeping student debt down, and making sure every UNC degree delivers value for our graduates.”
The board also voted to increase mandatory student fees, which are statutorily capped at 3%. Fees during the 2026-27 academic year will increase by an average of 1%.
Last year, the board announced it would allow universities to propose tuition increases of up to 3% due to rising operating costs and inflationary pressure. The system had frozen in-state undergraduate tuition since 2017.
UNCW is proposing 3% tuition increase across for all students.
UNCW’s current tuition is:
- In-state undergraduate students: $4,443
- Out-of-state undergraduate students: $22,597
- In-state graduate students: $5,595
- Out-of-state graduate students: $22,646
Under the proposed 3% hike, tuition rates would be:
- In-state undergraduate: $4,576
- Out-of-state undergraduate students: $23,474
- In-state graduate students: $5,762
- Out-of-state graduate students: $23,325
The increase represents an $876 rise in tuition for in-state graduates since the 2023-2024 year and more than a $3,500 increase in tuition for out-of-state students over the same period.
With meal plan and housing increases also in the proposal, UNCW estimates the cost of attendance would increase by nearly $750 for an undergraduate resident in the 2026-2027 school year.
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