Fayetteville State University (FSU), a historically Black university founded in 1857, is thrilled to be part of the N.C. Promise tuition savings program, an initiative that seeks to expand access to higher education for lower-income families. Having earned the N.C. Promise funding appropriation from the N.C. State Legislature last November, FSU now offers the same high-quality college education at a fraction of the previous tuition fee, allowing the University to meet a critical need and help advance the next generation of scholars.

Beginning with this current semester, in-state students now pay only $500 per semester, compared with the previous rate of $1,491 per semester. Out-of-state students now pay only $2,500 per semester, compared with the previous rate of $7,295 per semester.

All undergraduate students receive the N.C. Promise tuition rate at the time of enrollment. This includes full and part-time new freshmen, returning students, transfer students, and students in online programs. Costs for part-time students are prorated based on the number of credit hours taken. The out-of-state tuition rate also applies to undergraduate international students. However, graduate and visiting students are not eligible for N.C. Promise tuition rates.

Thanks to the financial freedom offered to students by the N.C. Promise program, FSU has seen record enrollment this year. FSU is grateful to the State Legislature for appropriating this funding for higher education, which will benefit our students and expand the economic potential of our entire region. 

We are excited to be part of this program that furthers our mission of making a high-quality college education accessible and affordable to students and their families. A reduced tuition rate, which is about one-third of the previous cost, means that students can eliminate financial roadblocks to receiving their education, earn their degrees faster, and prepare to join the workforce without a large amount of debt. Given that a large percentage of our students come from rural counties and low-income families, N.C. Promise is a game changer for those aspiring to go to college.

FSU also hopes to keep our talent in Cumberland County and the Sandhills region. We ask for the partnership of local businesses in offering internships, hands-on experience, and entry-level positions with opportunities for growth to incentivize these graduates to join the local workforce and become part of the fabric of our great city and region. 

In addition to FSU, undergraduate students at Elizabeth City State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University also benefit from the reduced tuition rates enabled by the N.C. Promise program. Remember, students need only be accepted to an N.C. Promise institution to receive these tuition benefits; no other action is required. 

We know that college affordability is a top concern nationally and FSU is happy to be able to respond to that need by providing an excellent quality education at an affordable price as part of the N.C. Promise program.