Budget funds low-tuition option, aids historically black campuses

RALEIGH -- The state budget compromise mandates a $7 million cut to the UNC system, but includes special programs and new support for college campuses that have historically served racial minorities.

The UNC system as a whole would receive $2.9 billion in state appropriations in the coming fiscal year, including full funding for projected enrollment growth and money for faculty recruitment, medical education and modernization of UNC’s data systems. UNC President Margaret Spellings issued a statement Tuesday calling it “a good day for the University.”

The $7 million reduction can’t be taken across the board, according to the budget language, and certain areas are off limits for the cut. Additionally, UNC-Chapel Hill’s law school would be cut by $500,000.

At the same time, the budget funds a new low-tuition option at three universities and modest new spending at minority campuses. The infusion may result in a boost in enrollment at the state’s five historically black universities and UNC Pembroke, which began as a university for American Indian students.

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