NC S459

Elizabeth City State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, and Western Carolina University set tuition rates through normal Board of Governors process, with state funds "buying down" the difference so resident students pay $500 and nonresident students pay $2,500 per academic semester beginning fall 2019.

State provides "buy down" payments equal to the difference between established tuition rates and student payment amounts to cover forgone tuition revenue at the three institutions.

Board of Governors must monitor institutional solvency and may increase student payment amounts if available state funds are insufficient to maintain financial stability.

Board of Governors must notify affected universities by April 1 and the General Assembly by May 1 if proposing student payment increases due to solvency concerns.

Universities must submit annual reports by October 1 detailing allocated funds, enrolled student numbers, and findings regarding unsustainable losses or solvency jeopardy.