news-record.com

GREENSBORO - Tuition and fees are likely to increase at N.C. A&T, UNCG and other state schools this year - some more than others.

The Board of Governors will vote next month on increases requested by the universities. UNCG asked for a 5 percent tuition increase for in-state students, or $125 a year. It also requested a 1 percent increase in annual student fees, or $19 more per year.

A&T doesn't plan to raise tuition but has requested a 6 percent increase in annual student fees, or $88 more per year.

UNCG's proposed tuition increase is less than the 6.5 percent cap set by the Board of Governors, but enough for students to feel squeezed in the current economy.

"We think that unfortunately it's essential that we increase tuition in order to maintain quality," UNCG Chancellor Linda Brady said. "But we're also sensitive to our students, especially the neediest among them."

Brady said the cost of room and board likely will go up as well - one reason that 50 percent of the revenue generated by the tuition and fee increases will go to student financial aid.

"We thought that was important to do," Brady said. "In order to create a financial cushion for the anticipated need."

Students at UNCG said they've come to see tuition increases as a part of life.

"I don't like the idea that I'm going to be paying more for something next year than I'm paying this year, without getting more," student Taylor Scisco said. "But with the economy the way it is, that may be what needs to happen."

Scisco said most of what he pays for school is covered by need-based grants and student loans.

"So, it doesn't bother me so much right now," he said. "In a few years, I'm sure it will."

Four universities have asked for the largest allowable tuition increase of 6.5 percent: UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC-Wilmington, Fayetteville State and Elizabeth City State.

N.C. State requested a 3.6 percent increase; Appalachian State, 5.2 percent.

Three schools - A&T, Winston-Salem State and UNC-Charlotte - did not ask for tuition increases, but asked to increase student fees.

Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com

Proposed tuition increases for UNC schools.

Institution - 2008-09 Resident Tuition - 2009-10 Tuition Ceiling* - 2009-10 Proposed Tuition Increase Percent - Amount - 2009-10 Proposed Tuition

N.C.State - $3,860 - 6.5% - 3.6% - $140 - $4,000

UNC-Chapel Hill - 3,705 - 6.5 - 6.5 - 240 - 3,945

East Carolina - 2,445 - 6.5 - 2.8 - 69 - 2,514

N.C. A&T - 1,994 - 5.3 - 0.0 - 0 - 1,994

UNC-Charlotte - 2,516 - 6.4 - 0.0 - 0 - 2,516

UNCG - 2,507 - 6.5 - 5.0 - 125 - 2,632

Appalachian State - 2,263 - 6.5 - 5.2 - 117 - 2,380

Fayetteville State - 1,826 - 6.5 - 6.5 - 118 - 1,944

N.C. Central - 2,218 - 3.1 - 3.1 - 69 - 2,287

UNC-Pembroke - 2,007 - 6.5 - 4.0 - 80 - 2,087

UNC-Wilmington - 2,459 - 6.5 - 6.5 - 159 - 2,618

Western Carolina - 2,078 - 4.3 - 2.0 - 42 - 2,120

Winston-Salem State - 1,701 - 6.5 - 0.0 - 0 - 1,701

UNC-Asheville - 2,339 - 3.2 - 3.2 - 75 - 2,414

Elizabeth City State - 1,611 - 6.5 - 6.5 - 105 - 1,716

UNC School of the Arts - 3,224 - 6.5 - 6.2 - 199 - 3,423

Average Increase 3.8 - 96

*Tuition ceiling is determined by each school's funding from the state.

Source: UNC schools