Governor McCrory Highlights College Affordability At East Carolina University | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Greenville, N.C.     Governor Pat McCrory was on the East Carolina University campus today to discuss his efforts to make college more affordable and education investments through the Connect NC bond. During the visit, the governor met with students representing the school and with Chancellor Cecil Staton.

    "As students across the state return to school, I am proud that this year's budget will make college more affordable at East Carolina University and other UNC institutions," said Governor McCrory. "The investments we have made will make our world-class universities more accessible, allowing students to earn a more affordable college degree while keeping debt levels low."


    The budget signed by Governor McCrory lowers college tuition at Western Carolina University, UNC Pembroke and Elizabeth City State University to $500 per semester for in-state students.

    The budget also freezes undergraduate tuition at all UNC system schools for students who graduate in four years, or five years for those enrolled in a five-year degree program. A final college affordability measure included in the budget caps university fee increases at 3 percent annually.

    Additionally, Governor McCrory highlighted efforts to combat underage drinking and substance use on campus and throughout the state. The governor also mentioned that the budget provides $8 million in new funding to support medical education at the Brody School of Medicine.


    East Carolina University also stands to benefit from investments in the Connect NC bond. Governor McCrory proposed and the voters overwhelmingly passed the Connect NC bond in March which will provide $90 million for a new state-of-the-art life sciences and biotech building at East Carolina University. The $2 billion Connect NC bond supports investments in our state's education, parks, National Guard and water and sewer infrastructure.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov