Low-Cost Tuition Plan ‘A Game Changer,’ Tuition Freeze And Cap On Fees Will Save Students And Families ‘Thousands’ | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Press Release:

What Parents, Students And Higher Ed Leaders Are Saying

    Margaret Spellings, president of the University of North Carolina system: "The $500-per-semester tuition plan has 'real possibility,' she said. 'So I'm excited about it as an innovation, and I really think it can be a game changer... We can't simultaneously rant and rave about that and then say, 'Wait a minute, please don't provide relief for students and families.''" (Ryan Seltzer, "Spellings: $500 Tuition A 'Game Changer,'" Inside Higher Ed, 7/12/16)

    Dr. Robin Cummings, chancellor of The University of North Carolina - Pembroke: "While we honor our heritage, we are proudly among the most diverse universities in the nation. And the North Carolina Promise Tuition Plan will allow us to be among the most affordable. UNC Pembroke has always been distinctive. There is no campus in the nation like ours. This opportunity will allow us to further distinguish ourselves and serve as a role model for the future of high-quality, accessible higher education. This is a tool we can use for even greater impact. Together, we are writing a new chapter for UNC Pembroke and Southeastern North Carolina." ("UNCP's Cummings Reassures 'Bravenation' On Tuition Bill," The Robesonian, 6/29/16)

    Melissa Wargo, chief of staff for Western Carolina University: "Anything that we can do to help families better plan and afford college I think is great for every citizen of the state" (Holly Kays, "WCU voices support for tuition reduction plan," Smoky Mountain News, 7/6/2016)

    Roger Villarreal, Rising Sophomore at East Carolina University: "This tuition freeze will better serve those who are seeking higher education in the UNC system. This plan can help protect taxpayers and make it easier on students and parents in terms of financial planning. This, in return, allows for a stronger UNC system in the future."

    Billy Vaughn, parent of two, including one at N.C. State: "Predictability is probably the No. 1 (priority)... You can manage your costs a little bit better. Knowing it's not going to go up makes the decision process a little bit easier." (Bryan Anderson, "NC legislature's plan to freeze some tuition, lower others raises concerns Plan includes locking tuition at all UNC system schools," News & Observer, 7/9/2016)

    Gray Underwood, Senior at The University of North Carolina - Wilmington: "I think it's a great idea in terms of making education costs predictable for not only parents, but also for students who are putting themselves through college. Education expenses have been rising exponentially in recent years and legislation like this is a big help to students and their families."

    Savid Belcher, chancellor of Western Carolina University: "We find at Western Carolina that people are very concerned about affordability and access for higher education. This is an opportunity for us." (Robert Willett, "NC residents are within 150 miles of $500 tuition," Raleigh News & Observer, 7/9/2016)

    Jake Caccavaro, Rising Freshman at N.C. State University: "The tuition freeze enacted by Governor McCrory and the General Assembly certainly help plan how my parents and I are going to pay for college. This simplifies what the costs are going to be for us over the next four years and for families all across North Carolina who have children attending a UNC system institution for the first time."

    David Rhode, Rising Freshman at Western Carolina University: "North Carolina cares, and as a state our leadership realizes the need for affordable higher education. Governor McCrory and the General Assembly took proactive steps to make sure that affordable education would be there for those who want it. The budget surplus, business friendly environment, and affordable education make North Carolina the full package. It's true: nothing compares."

    Paul Norman, chairman of the Elizabeth City State Board of Trustees: "We see this as a positive" (Jon Hawley, "ECSU's Norman: Tuition Plan Is 'A Positive," The Daily Advance, 7/12/16)

    Frank Pray, Rising Senior at The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill: "As a student at UNC Chapel Hill, I can tell you that every dollar saved on tuition matters. Over my time at UNC, I've seen my tuition creep up and up costing students like me hundreds of dollars per year, an amount we really need when our budgets are so small. I am proud of the General Assembly and Governor Pat McCrory for passing the Access to Affordable Education Act and making a promise to future students like me that we can receive a college education without having to worry about whether we can afford all 4 years of our tuition. Under the Governor's leadership, North Carolina is becoming a true leader in affordable and world-class education."

    Amanda Spence, Rising Sophomore at The University of North Carolina - Charlotte: "In a time like today where a college education is essential it is critical that college costs are kept as low as possible. Implementing a tuition cap will save students and families thousands of dollars. It will also alleviate part of the financial burden being placed on families to send their children to college. This cap is a wise way to attract potential out-of-state students to colleges in the UNC system and keep students in North Carolina from looking elsewhere."

    Charlotte Observer: "New $500-per-semester tuition plan helps N.C.families" (Editorial: "New $500-per-semester tuition plan helps N.C.families," Charlotte Observer, 5/11/2016)

    Asheville Citizen-Times: "Promise push for lower tuition has merit" (Editorial: "Promise push for lower tuition has merit," Asheville Citizen-Times, 7/8/2016)

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