Paying for college can be daunting, and fears of tuition increases before graduation day can add to the challenge. Starting this fall, undergraduates who are NC residents qualify for the Fixed Tuition Payment bill, passed by the NC legislature in May 2016. The bill guarantees that tuition remains constant or decreases during a student’s “tuition period,” which is defined as eight consecutive academic semesters for a four-year program. Once the tuition period ends, tuition for any additional semesters reverts to the prevailing rate at the institution, plus a surcharge if applicable.

A few weeks ago, over 6,000 seniors turned their tassels and officially became Carolina Alumni. Graduation evokes memories of long nights studying for final exams and grading papers, family celebrations, and of course, cueing the Pomp and Circumstance. However, the campus and central offices work months in advance to support many aspects of graduation.