North Carolina’s new $34.4 billion state budget includes a major investment in higher education, with Fayetteville State University (FSU) set to receive $16.5 million to expand opportunities for students.
For the second-oldest historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the state, the funding represents more than just dollars, university leaders say. They believe it will help keep college affordable, attract more students and boost the local economy.
“It makes me excited because it means that our university is going to continue to grow,” said Joshua Scales, a pre-law student.
Scales, who chose FSU three years ago for its affordability and sense of belonging, said the state’s investment proves students like him truly matter. “As I came from a Tier one county, that was something that was very imperative to make sure that I was going somewhere that my parents could afford.”
Under the new budget, FSU will receive
- $6 million to grow enrollment
- $5.5 million to expand the H.L. Cook Building, a center for military-connected students
- $3 million to build its reserve fund
- $2 million to continue its 30-60-90 summer program, which helps students stay on track to graduate
For nursing student Brooklyn Edwards, who is from out of state, the summer program helps ease some of the financial pressure. “I’m an out-of-state student so my cost to come here is a little bit more expensive and I’m not awarded as much through financial aid and fastpass. So for me, the money that is given to take free summer courses is so beneficial because otherwise I will be paying out of pocket.”
FSU’s Chief Financial Officer Kenny Spayd called the 30-60-90 program a signature initiative for the university. “That’s sort of our signature program. And for those who don’t know, that’s free summer school up to seven credit hours for our students here at FSU. And we’ve had that in place since about 2022. And it takes roughly $2 million of scholarships each year.”
Spayd said the investment is also about helping students graduate on time and with less debt. “The faster that we can get students, you know, through the pipeline, graduate in 4 years or less, keeping debt low, keeping a degree affordable. It really provides a great return on investment for not only this region, but North Carolina.”
For Alecea OKelly, a psychology student from Charlotte who plans to stay in Fayetteville after graduation, the new funding is an investment in the community’s future. “To know that the state leaders continue to invest and push forward and give us the trust to have this funding. It means a lot.”
University leaders say the funding will also allow FSU to add about 20 faculty positions. They are working to double nursing enrollment from 150 to 300 students to help meet the growing demand for healthcare workers in the region.
