NC S677

Establishes the NC Hope Tuition Waiver Program to waive tuition costs for up to two years for students who graduate from cooperative innovative high schools, earn an associate degree before high school graduation, and attend Elizabeth City State University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, or Western Carolina University.

Eligible students must have graduated from an approved cooperative innovative high school, earned at least an associate degree prior to high school graduation, be enrolled at one of the three designated universities, and be making satisfactory academic progress toward a baccalaureate degree.

The State shall "buy down" any financial obligations incurred by the three universities as a result of the tuition waivers, in addition to existing financial obligations from the NC Promise Tuition Plan.

Tuition waiver amount cannot exceed the cost of hours required to obtain a baccalaureate degree for up to two years; if a student receives other scholarships or grants, the waiver amount is reduced so total aid does not exceed the cost of the waiver.

Effective July 1, 2021, beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year.