At UNC Pembroke, we champion bold dreams and bright futures. Take your first step toward achieving your academic goals in a place built for growth, opportunity and affordability. Through NC Promise, we make a high-quality education more accessible — so you can focus on what matters most: your future.
NC Promise
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NC Promise makes college more affordable by reducing tuition costs for all undergraduate students at UNC Pembroke. Learn more about the eligibility requirements, why North Carolina developed this affordable tuition program and more.
NC Promise
The State of North Carolina established the NC Promise Tuition Plan to increase access to a quality university education by reducing tuition costs. Undergraduate students at four UNC System campuses, Elizabeth City State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University, pay only $500 for in-state tuition and $2,500 for out-of-state tuition each fall and spring semester.
Who is Eligible?
Great news! There are no eligibility requirements for NC Promise—every undergraduate student benefits from the NC Promise tuition rate. This includes full- and part-time students, new first-year students, returning students, transfer students and students enrolled in online programs. Part-time students are charged a prorated rate based on their credit hours. Additionally, the out-of-state tuition rate applies to international undergraduate students.
The Vision Behind Promise
This significant investment in access to higher education honors North Carolina's constitutional commitment to make higher education available to all citizens "as free as is reasonably possible." It also supports economic development in the state by helping North Carolina meet demands for a well-educated workforce, increasing recruitment of high-performing out-of-state students and decreasing college indebtedness.
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FAQs & Key Details
Find answers to frequently asked questions about NC Promise, from tuition costs and eligibility to the impact on UNC Pembroke's quality, admissions and unique mission.
The NC Promise Tuition Plan took effect in the 2018 fall academic semester.
No! The NC Promise Tuition Plan will not affect our accreditations, academic offerings, student support or campus experience. We believe strategically attracting additional students will enhance the learning environment.
The preferential tuition rate will allow us to attract additional top students from
North Carolina, nationwide and internationally, increasing diversity while remaining
committed to our historic mission. Additionally, the plan will allow UNC Pembroke’s
merit scholarship funds to impact more students further.
Conversations with legislators resulted in the inclusion of state funding to cover the cost of reduced tuition revenue resulting from the enactment of the NC Promise Tuition Plan. The provision means the legislature will match dollar for dollar the difference between our total tuition price and the NC Promise Plan Tuition Plan cost. The result is affordability for students without sacrificing our quality or identity.
We anticipate growth as a result of this plan. Working with our Board of Trustees, administration, faculty and staff, we will strategically increase enrollment while ensuring we do not outgrow our infrastructure. With additional students will come additional resources.
No. The legislation directs the UNC Board of Governors to consider our unique historical character and mission of service to minority, first-generation and economically disadvantaged students.
Legislative leaders said they selected universities from the mountains to the coast to ensure all North Carolinians have an affordable option for higher education.
Although the NC Promise Tuition Plan will reduce students’ attendance costs, their financial contribution toward UNC Pembroke education is still significant. In-state students save approximately $2,600 annually or more than $10,000 over four years. Out-of-state students will save more than $10,000 annually or roughly $40,000 over four years! Annual tuition, fees and other estimated costs are detailed below.
In-State
Tuition: $1,000
Fees: $2,648
Health Insurance*: $2,365
Room and Meal Plan: $9,608
Total Cost: $15,621
Out-of-State
Tuition: $5,000
Fees: $2,648
Health Insurance*: $2,365
Room and Meal Plan: $9,608
Total Cost: $19,621
These figures are the estimated yearly cost of attendance. Costs subject to change. Room & meal plan based on double-occupancy in Belk Hall with 12-meal plan.
*May be waived with proof of insurance.
No. The NC Promise Tuition Plan simply shifts a greater portion of the cost from our students to the state, strengthening North Carolina’s investment in our campus.
A 2014 economic analysis found that UNC Pembroke created $256.3 million in added regional income, equivalent to creating 5,171 new jobs. The university’s economic impact will grow as our enrollment increases due to the NC Promise Tuition Plan.
UNC Pembroke will continue to apply admission requirements that meet or exceed requirements established by the UNC Board of Governors. We expect the NC Promise Tuition Plan to increase demand for a UNC Pembroke education. This will allow UNC Pembroke to increase the overall academic standing of admitted classes while retaining the university’s diversity and commitment to its historic mission.
No. Only undergraduate tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students are affected by the NC Promise Tuition Plan.
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Our counselors are here to answer any questions you have.
or call us at 910.521.6262