UNCW students react to tuition hike

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Students at North Carolina’s public universities will pay higher tuition and fees in the next couple of years after a one-year tuition freeze this year.

The governing board of the 16-campus University of North Carolina system on Friday approved requests by schools to raise the core cost of attendance.

UNCW undergraduate and graduate students will see a $100-$400 increase in tuition with an increase of $42 in fees. Students say this increase has them worried.

“It’s terrifying because we’re only freshmen so that’s three more years of undergraduate school that we have to worry about it going up,” Hannah Schieffer said. “My parents really believe in starting our own path and career so I have to take out loans so it’s going to be hard if they raise tuition.”

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the cost of college is outpacing inflation and wage growth. As of 2012, there is more outstanding student loan debt than credit card debt.

The tuition hikes affect both in-state and out-of-state students, like Mary Renze.

“I’m already paying way more than in-state students are paying so any little increase you know that just adds to the cost and it really makes it difficult when I could be going somewhere in state that’s cheaper,” Renze said.

NCSU undergraduate students would see tuition rise next fall by $182 to $6,220, followed by another $187 increase the following year. UNC-Chapel Hill could charge an extra $225 in undergraduate tuition next fall to almost $6,650.

Student fees paying for campus athletics, health services, student activities and technology are expected to increase by an average 5 percent for the next academic year and 3.3 percent for 2016-17.

UNCW students say, however, they will find a way to cover the costs.