Fayetteville State University is among two North Carolina schools ranked most affordable

Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University Ranked Among Most Affordable Colleges in the U.S.

A new analysis has identified Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University in North Carolina as two of the most affordable colleges and universities in the country.

Tuition Analysis and Rankings

The analysis, conducted by The College Investor, a personal finance and investing website, compared out-of-state tuition for a single academic year across hundreds of U.S. colleges and universities. According to the report, Fayetteville State University and Western Carolina University have annual out-of-state tuition costs of $6,262 and $8,532, respectively.

NC Promise Program

Fayetteville State University’s affordability is further enhanced by its participation in the NC Promise program. This program, established by the North Carolina General Assembly, aims to make higher education more affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students. Through NC Promise, undergraduate tuition costs at select North Carolina universities, including Fayetteville State University, have been significantly reduced. The state legislature has approved a $51 million college affordability initiative to support this program.

Impact of Affordability on Student Success

Affordability plays a crucial role in determining the number of students who can continue their academic journey and achieve their educational goals. Devon Smith, spokesperson for Fayetteville State University, emphasized the university’s commitment to keeping student costs low, including fees and room and board. The university carefully evaluates the need for any increases in fees and room and board costs, ensuring that they add value to the student experience.

Financial aid is also available to assist students with their educational expenses. Smith highlighted that 81% of Fayetteville State University students utilize financial aid, and the university offers various scholarships that provide “free money” and do not need to be repaid.

Rankings of Most Affordable U.S. Colleges

The College Investor’s report ranked colleges and universities based on affordability. The rankings, which focus solely on tuition costs and do not include expenses such as room, board, and textbooks, are as follows:

1. Fayetteville State University – $6,262
2. Louisiana State University – $7,519
3. Wayne State College – $7,932
4. Mississippi University for Women – $8,092
5. Oklahoma Panhandle State University – $8,426
6. Western Carolina University – $8,532
7. Alcorn State University – $8,549
8. Delta State University – $8,605
9. Minot State University – $8,700
10. Bismarck State College – $8,790

Reporter Lizmary Evans covers growth and development for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

The article discusses the affordability of colleges and universities, which is related to SDG 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It also touches on the issue of reducing inequalities in access to education, which is part of SDG 10.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
• SDG 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies, and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

The article highlights the affordability of colleges and universities, which aligns with the target of ensuring equal access to affordable tertiary education (SDG 4.3). It also mentions the efforts made by North Carolina to reduce inequalities in access to education through the NC Promise program, which is in line with the target of reducing inequalities of outcome (SDG 10.3).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of students using financial aid
• Number of scholarships offered by the university
• Annual out-of-state tuition costs

The article mentions that 81% of Fayetteville State University (FSU) students use financial aid, indicating progress towards the target of ensuring equal access to affordable education. It also states that FSU offers a variety of scholarships to assist with educational expenses, which can be seen as a measure to reduce inequalities in access to education. Additionally, the article provides the annual out-of-state tuition costs for FSU and Western Carolina University, which can be used as an indicator of the affordability of tertiary education.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: fayobserver.com