N.C. Central raises tuition

DURHAM -- N.C. Central University trustees approved a series of tuition and fee hikes this morning for the next academic year.

Trustees approved a tuition increase of 3.1 percent for all undergraduates and 6.5 percent for graduate and professional students, as well as a series of fee hikes. All increases must still gain the approval of the UNC system's Board of Governors.

Summer school tuition would be increased 3.1 percent, and a new $40 application fee would be added as well. Other fees, for athletics, education and technology and student activities were approved totaling an extra $86.32 to each NCCU student's bill next year.

Campus leaders say the tuition and fee hikes are necessary to raise revenue for need-based financial aid, faculty pay raises and other student support measures. In-state tuition this year at NCCU is $2,152.95.

The undergraduate tuition hike alone would raise more than $530,000 and would be the first such increase in three years. The increase in graduate student tuition would generate an additional $510,000.

Student leaders say they understand the need for the tuition hikes and vetted them with students at two recent public forums on campus. The proposals were relatively well-received, said Kent Williams Jr., NCCU's student body president.

One board member, Eric Michaux, opposed the increases saying in part he worries that in a bad economy, students will now graduate with even more debt and poorer job prospects.

"I understand students received the news graciously," Michaux said. "I'm not so sure the parents who normally write the checks have such a full understanding."