UNC System Approves First In-State Tuition Hike Since 2017

Tuition to rise 3% for in-state undergrads, more for out-of-state and graduate students

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The University of North Carolina System Board of Governors is set to vote on Thursday to approve tuition increases at 12 public universities across the state, marking the first in-state tuition hike since 2017. The proposal calls for a 3% increase for in-state undergraduate students, along with higher costs for out-of-state and graduate students.

Why it matters

The tuition increases are necessary due to rising inflation and uncertainty in state and federal budgets, according to UNC System leaders. The hikes will allow universities to continue recruiting and retaining talented faculty as well as better support graduate students.

The details

If approved, the 3% increase would mean an additional $196 per year for in-state students at NC State University and $211 at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. On average, in-state undergraduate tuition would rise by about $125 systemwide, while out-of-state undergraduate students would see an average increase of $983. Graduate students would also face higher costs, with in-state graduate tuition increasing by an average of $186 and out-of-state graduate tuition rising by about $580.

  • The UNC System Board of Governors is set to vote on the tuition increases on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • In November 2025, the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees approved a plan calling for a 3% increase for in-state students and a 10% hike for out-of-state students.

The players

UNC System Board of Governors

The governing body of the University of North Carolina System, which oversees 17 public universities in the state.

NC State University

A public research university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and one of the 12 institutions that will see tuition increases if the proposal is approved.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and one of the 12 institutions that will see tuition increases if the proposal is approved.

Kevin Howell

The Chancellor of NC State University, who said the tuition increases will allow the university to continue recruiting and retaining talented faculty and better support graduate students.

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What they’re saying

“These increases will allow us to continue to recruit and retain talented faculty and better support our graduate students.”

— Kevin Howell, Chancellor, NC State University (cbs17.com)

What’s next

The UNC System Board of Governors is set to vote on the tuition increases during their meeting on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The tuition hikes, the first in nearly a decade, reflect the financial pressures facing public universities in North Carolina due to rising costs and uncertainty in state and federal funding. While the increases will impact students, university leaders say they are necessary to maintain the quality of education and support for faculty and graduate students.