Fixed Tuition Program

The Fixed Tuition Program helps eligible undergraduate students better plan for college costs by locking in their tuition rate for a set number of semesters. 

Established under North Carolina General Statute § 116-143.9, the program guarantees that eligible in-state undergraduate students will not see increases to their tuition rate during their fixed tuition period, provided they remain continuously enrolled 

 

Eligibility  

Students may qualify for Fixed Tuition if they are:

• North Carolina residents for tuition purposes 
• Degree-seeking undergraduate students 
• First-time undergraduate students or eligible transfer students 
• Continuously enrolled during fall and spring semesters 

 

Students who are not eligible include:

• Non-resident students 
• Graduate or professional students 
• Non-degree seeking students 
• Continuing Education students 
• Early College, Consortium, or Dual Enrollment students 
• Second degree-seeking students 
• UNC Online students 

 

How It Works  

Eligible students are assigned a tuition cohort based on their first term of enrollment. Their tuition rates are then locked for a designated number of consecutive semesters.

• First-time undergraduate students may receive a fixed tuition rate for up to 8 consecutive semesters. 
• Eligible transfer students may receive a prorated eligibility period based on the number of transferable credit hours accepted at admission. 
• Students enrolled in approved five-year degree programs may qualify for up to 10 consecutive semesters. 
• Summer enrollment is not required to maintain Fixed Tuition eligibility.  

 

Continuous Enrollment Requirements  

To maintain eligibility, students must remain continuously enrolled during fall and spring semesters. A break in enrollment may occur if a student:

• Does not enroll in consecutive fall or spring semesters 
• Withdraws from the university 
• Otherwise interrupts enrollment during the eligibility period 

 

Waivers and Appeals 

Students who experience significant disruptions to enrollment may request an appeal or waiver under qualifying circumstances such as:

• Military service obligations 
• Serious medical conditions 
• Short- or long-term disability 
• Other extraordinary hardships 

 

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