The State of North Carolina established the NC Promise Tuition Plan to increase access to a quality university education by reducing student costs. Undergraduate students at three UNC System campuses, Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University, pay only $500 for in-state tuition and $2,500 for out-of-state tuition each fall and spring semester.

While undergraduate tuition is set through NC Promise, there are additional costs and fees. It is important for parents and students to understand the full cost of attendance.

There are no eligibility requirements to take advantage of NC Promise. All undergraduate students, including full and part-time new freshmen, returning students, transfer students, and students in online programs, receive the NC Promise tuition rate. Costs for part-time students are pro-rated based on the number of credit hours taken. The out-of-state tuition rate also applies to undergraduate international students.

No! The NC Promise Tuition Plan will not affect our accreditations, academic offerings, student support or campus experience. In fact, we believe by strategically attracting additional students, the plan will result in an enhanced learning environment. 

In-state students save approximately $2,600 a year or more than $10,000 over four years. Out-of-state students will save more than $10,000 a year or approximately $40,000 over four years! Tuition, fees and other estimated costs are available here. 

This significant investment in access to higher education honors the state’s constitutional commitment to make higher education available to all citizens “as free as is reasonably possible.” It also supports economic development in the state by helping North Carolina meet demands for a well-educated workforce, increasing recruitment of high-performing out-of-state students, and decreasing college indebtedness.