Changes to the UNCW tuition for the 2026 fiscal year
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Some UNCW students could use a pick-me-up this Christmas, after the school’s Board of Trustees agreed to raise tuition and fees.
“Say I…I,” said the UNCW Board of Trustees voted.
On Friday, the UNCW Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss and vote on a proposed increase in tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 school year.
The six percent increase in tuition rates applies to non-resident undergraduate, graduate and resident graduate students.
UNCW student body president Skyler Stein says the increase is a good thing.
“I think for the student body and the student senate is to make sure we are not falling behind as an institution, not being able to provide resources for the students. While also recognizing that we want to keep the university affordable, and we’ve done a pretty good job of that over the years,” Stein said.
Last month, the student government association voted 18-to-11 in favor of the increase.
“They’re really concerned about keeping the university accessible for students and making sure that we are being mindful of how much it cost to attend higher education, and that higher education can really push you forward in your career and kind of in life,” Stein shared.
There will also be a $7 increase in the campus recreation fee, an $8 increase in the commencement fee, a 6% increase in student housing rates and a 5% increase in the all-access meal plans.
There will also be an increase in the summer lab course field special fees.
The full list of changes starting in the 2026 fiscal year is below.
- Increase tuition rates for nonresident undergraduate, resident graduate, and nonresident graduate students by 6% beginning in the 2026 fiscal year.
- Increase the Campus Recreation fee by $7 bringing the total to $269.55
- Increase the Commencement fee by $8 bringing the total to $40
- Human Resource Management Certificate Differential Tuition annual charge will be $3,741.12
- Doctor of Nursing Practice Differential Tuition fee increases of $40.71
- Summer Lab Course Field Special Fee of $150
- Increase student housing rates by 6%
- Increase all-access meal plan rates by 6%
