UNC-system President Thomas Ross released his tuition and fee increase proposal today, recommending that UNC-CH’s increase for in-state students be no more than 9.9 percent.
Ross’ systemwide increase proposal averages 8.8 percent, lower than the 9.6 percent average proposed by all UNC-system campuses. UNC-CH asked the board for an 11.4 percent tuition and fee increase, in order to retain faculty and to maintain academic quality.
“There is no doubt in my mind that every UNC campus can demonstrate real and pressing needs for increased funding,” stated Ross in an email to the board.
State budget cuts in the last five years have resulted in a net reduction of $482 million in resources available to meet academic needs. The system incurred $414 million in budget cuts last year.
“Cuts of that magnitude simply cannot be offset by tuition alone,” Ross stated in the email.
Ross also recommended that every campus set aside at least 25 percent for need based aid.
The Board of Governors will vote on Ross’ proposal on Feb. 10.
