UNC system president recommends 8.8 percent tuition increase

By: Charlotte Huffman | NBC-17
Published: January 25, 2012

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. --

University of North Carolina system President Tom Ross made his recommendations for tuition and fee increases to the Board of Governors, recommendations that are significantly different than what some schools had proposed.

Seven universities proposed increases for in-state undergraduate tuition and fees in excess of 10 percent for the 2012-13 year. Those campuses include N.C. State, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Wilmington, the UNC School of the Arts and Winston-Salem State University.

Ross recommended a 9.8 percent increase at N.C. State and 9.9 percent from UNC, the system said in a release.

Many students had protested the increases. They were sparked by deep cuts to the college system but also come at a time when the economy is still reeling.

Ross is recommending that in-state undergraduate tuition and fees are less than 8.8 percent or $470 for 2012-2013 year. Ross is also recommending the in-state undergraduate tuition to go up on average by $248 in 2013-2014.

And as required by a state budget provision and current four-year tuition plan, Ross recommends every campus will set aside at least 25 percent of new tuition revenues for need-based financial aid.

Although Ross' recommendation is less than originally proposed, some students say the increase is concerning,

"I'm already taking the highest loans I can right now so I'm probably going to have to go through a bank because the school's loans aren't enough for me anymore," said sophomore, Carson Kasovic, who is working while attending UNC Chapel Hill.

The Board of Governors meets Feb. 10 to discuss Ross' tuition increase recommendations.

Ross also said he recommends the proposals be limited to two years.

"As you know," he wrote in a letter to the board, "many of our campuses proposed tuition increases to be spread over the next five years. Given economic uncertainties and the need to reevaluate prospective funding sources over time, I recommend that the board adopt increases for the next two years only. A two-year plan would better enable families and students to plan and give our campuses an opportunity to stabilize for the future."

Bill Friday was the president of the UNC system for 30 years until 1986. Friday, is a proponent of low tuition and supports Ross’ recommendation.

"It is very unfair, but I think inevitable,” Friday said.

Friday points the finger at the General Assembly for letting the three-quarter cent sales tax expire last session.

"That's $800 million that would have made an enormous difference in this situation... What I'm looking for is someone to stand up and do what is in the best interest of North Carolina, not this party or that party. And there's only one answer to that - to get young people into education as far as their talents will carry them," Friday said.

2012-13 UNC system proposals for in-state undergraduate tuition and fees increases (before President Ross adjustments)