The University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees approved tuition increases for the 2009-10 academic year to provide funding in the areas of student need-based financial aid, faculty salaries and positions, and student support programs.
Total annual tuition increases for the 2009-10 year are in the amounts of:
- $159 for in-state undergraduate students
- $180 for in-state graduate students
- $821 for out-of-state undergraduate students
- $834 for out-of-state graduate students
The Board of Trustees also approved UNCW's proposal for 2009-10 fee increases. The total mandatory fee increase for undergraduate students is $333.65, which includes $256 to cover the debt service for the proposed Student Recreation Center renovation, $69.95 in general fees in the areas of athletics, health services and student activities, and an $8 increase in transportation fees for campus shuttles. The Student Recreation Center expansion, which will be built through a $35 million bond, was supported by the Student Government Association in February 2007 with the understanding that the debt service would be paid through student fees.
Tuition and fee requests from all of the UNC campuses will be presented to the Board of Governors for final approval at its February 2009 meeting.
The increases for UNC Wilmington are within the guidelines set by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors for the 16 UNC campuses. Under the formula developed for the UNC system, UNCW is eligible for a maximum increase for in-state undergraduate tuition of 6.5 percent. The Campus Initiated Tuition Committee determined that it was necessary for UNCW to ask for the full 6.5 percent in order to meet the needs of the student body and maintain its high standards of quality in both academics and student support services.
"We are doing everything we can to keep the cost of higher education as affordable as possible for our students," said Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo. "Much of the funding from the tuition increase will address areas in which students have helped us identify the greatest need."
The increases will generate additional tuition revenue in the amount of $2,873,275. UNCW proposes to use 34 percent to increase the availability of financial aid, 25 percent to increase faculty salaries to stay competitive with our peer universities, and additional funds for new faculty positions, a 1 percent staff salary increase, a math services coordinator and tutors for the University Learning Center, a diversity mentoring program and operating funds for the University Counseling Center and increased disability services.
A committee appointed by the chancellor representing students, faculty and staff recommended the increases, basing its recommendations on funding of critical university needs. UNCW's total tuition and fee amount for resident undergraduates will remain within the bottom quartile of its public peers. Non-resident undergraduate costs will remain below the top quartile for this same higher education peer group.
Media contact:
Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu
