Bill > H689

This bill expands in-state tuition eligibility for certain North Carolina high school graduates who may not traditionally qualify as state residents. Specifically, students can receive in-state tuition rates if they: graduated from a North Carolina high school (excluding nonpublic residential schools), enrolled in higher education immediately after graduation, attended North Carolina schools for at least four consecutive years before graduating, hold a valid North Carolina driver's license or state ID, and have a Social Security number. While these students will receive in-state tuition rates, they are not considered North Carolina residents for other purposes and will not be considered in-state applicants for university admissions. Students must provide their North Carolina identification at the start of each semester to maintain the tuition rate, and all information collected during this process will be kept confidential. The bill is set to become effective on July 1, 2025, and will apply to the 2025-2026 academic year. This legislation aims to address workforce challenges by potentially increasing postsecondary enrollment and helping students access more affordable higher education, particularly in response to employers' difficulties finding skilled workers.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H689