H259 - 2023 Appropriations Act. (SL 2023-134)

Session Year 2023

Overview: Section 8.3 of S.L. 2023-134 requires the Board of Governors of The University of North Carolina (BOG) to create a Completion Assistance Program (Program) at the following constituent institutions for the 2023-2025 fiscal biennium:

  • Elizabeth City State University.
  • Fayetteville State University.
  • North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
  • North Carolina Central University.
  • The University of North Carolina at Asheville.
  • The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
  • The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.
  • Winston-Salem State University.

Students enrolled in a Program can receive up to $1,000 per academic year to pay for the costs of continuing attendance and earning necessary credit hours at the constituent institution. A student who meets at least the following requirements is eligible to receive funds:

  • Needs financial assistance to remain enrolled at the eligible constituent institution and earn credits necessary to graduate on time.
  • Is a resident for tuition purposes.
  • Meets satisfactory academic progress, as determined by the Board.
  • Has completed or is on track to complete at least 60 academic credit hours by the end of the semester in which the funds are provided.
  • Has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year in which the funds are provided.
  • Has an unpaid balance with the eligible constituent institution. This can include an unpaid balance for tuition, fees, room, board, or other expenses of attendance.

The BOG must report on each Program to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee by March 15, 2025. The report must include an analysis of the impact of each Program on on-time graduation rates and student debt at graduation.

From the nonrecurring funds appropriated for the Programs, the BOG must allocate funds to each eligible constituent institution proportional to the number of undergraduate students enrolled at each eligible constituent institution who are residents of North Carolina and recipients of a federal Pell Grant.

This section became effective July 1, 2023.

Additional Information: