Higher education Coverage

Fact check: Do college graduates earn $1 million more over a lifetime than high school graduates?

State University of New York trustee Stanley S. Litow, a public policy professor and innovator in residence at Duke University, said: "Lifetime earnings of someone with a college degree is over a million dollars more than those entering the workforce without one."

Elizabeth Egan and Marnique O. Panepento, PolitiFact reporters

Governor says college degrees will not be required now for many state jobs

With over 1,400 job openings within the state, Governor Roy Cooper gave an executive order to allow state jobs to not require higher education degrees for openings. WRAL's Aaron Thomas spoke with officials and a person affected by this to learn what it means for the state.

Editorial: UNC trustees' new 'school' is affirmative action for the privileged

Friday, Feb. 17, 2023 -- While UNC-Chapel Hill Trustee Chair David Boliek and others would like to create a culture of victimhood - nothing could be further from the truth. More likely he and his allies are looking, at public expense, to provide a platform of indoctrination for their ideological bias and groom future generations to their point of view.

Controversy continues over proposed school at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

On Friday, a proposed resolution coming before the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Faculty Council argues against the creation of the School of Civic Life and Leadership.

Monica Casey, WRAL Durham reporter

Controversy continues over new proposed UNC school

On Friday, a proposed resolution coming before the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Faculty Council argues against the creation of the School of Civic Life and Leadership.

UNC Board of Trustees accelerating creation of new school

UNC Board of Trustees voted to accelerate the creation of "The School of Civic Life and Leadership" Monday.

Chris Lovingood, WRAL anchor/reporter

Governor's review of the way UNC system is run gets underway

Gov. Roy Cooper wants to change UNC system governance. The group he appointed to study it met for the first time Wednesday.

Travis Fain, WRAL state government reporter

DAVID RICE: Ross & Spellings aim to organize UNC System for success

Monday, Dec. 5, 2022 -- Two former Presidents of the UNC System who will lead a commission to assess the System's governing structure say the panel will examine models across the country and try to better define the roles of board members and organize for success.

'We are in a crisis': Parents, advocates calling for more mental health resources after 4th NC State suicide

Another North Carolina State University student died of an apparent suicide on Thursday, the fourth such death this semester, according to a university spokesman.

WRAL News

NC State cancels classes for Wednesday to help students with their mental health

North Carolina State University canceled class for all its students on Wednesday in response to recent student suicides.

Editorial: Supreme Court needs to follow the law, uphold UNC affirmative action in admissions

Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 -- Diversity and inclusion are critical to a well-rounded education that prepares students to effectively engage in a society that treats people with dignity and respect. It is fundamental to our democracy and the Supreme Court should not divert from that mission.

In a day away from the classroom, NC State students do hard work on wellness

There were no classes, assignments or exams at North Carolina State University on Thursday. Instead, students were encouraged to take a break, focus on their health or participate in free activities, including yoga classes, coloring, crafts, a guided walk, climbing, tea time, video games and more.

WRAL News

How can we heal from COVID? Symposium at NCSU to explore bringing joy to higher ed

For NCSU professor Joy Gaston Gayles, a potential key to creative solutions to complex problems facing higher education today involves cultivating joy.

FSU's chancellor focused on student success and access for all students

Fayetteville State University Chancellor Darrell Allison said although the school is 155 years old, his mission is the same as his predecessors.

Gilbert Baez, WRAL Fayetteville reporter

FSU's chancellor says mission for university remains the same

Fayetteville State University Chancellor Darrell Allison said although the school is 155 years old, his mission is the same as his predecessors.

College dorm and tuition insurance to consider for your student

On average, it costs more than $27,000 a year for a state school and more than $55,000 for a private university. That can leave leave some families wondering if there's any way to protect their money in case of emergency

Keely Arthur, WRAL 5 On Your Side reporter

What You Need to Know About Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness Plan

President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that the federal government would cancel up to $20,000 worth of federal student loans for millions of people. But not everyone with debt will qualify.

Ron Lieber and Tara Siegel Bernard, New York Times

Biden's student loan forgiveness plan sparks mixed reaction

More than 40 million Americans could see their student loan debt reduced -- and in many cases eliminated -- under the long-awaited forgiveness plan.

The sorority drama circling the University of Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When Marina Anderson was accused of recording herself inside a party and told she was being dismissed from rushing any sorority, she was so shocked that she offered to have her body searched for a microphone.

Madison Malone Kircher, New York Times

Fact check: Does Florida require college professors to 'register political views' with the state?

On July 6, author and "King of Horror" Stephen King warned his Twitter followers that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill "requiring Florida students, professors to register political views with (the) state." PolitiFact checks the tweet.

Grace Abels, PolitiFact reporter

New e-sports program introduced at William Peace University

At William Peace University, the new Esports and Gaming Administration program is giving students a chance to get in on this billion-dollar industry. Stemming from the school’s established Simulation and Game Design program, the esports degree also builds off of general support and incentives for infrastructure and tournaments across the state.

How a local HBCU prioritizes student success and wellness

Through personal, professional and financial support, Elizabeth City State University prioritizes student success on all levels.

How a local HBCU prioritizes student success and wellness

Through personal, professional and financial support, Elizabeth City State University prioritizes student success on all levels.

Abbey Slattery, WRAL Digital Solutions

TRESSIE McMILLAN COTTOM: America turned the greatest vehicle of social mobility into a debt machine

Sunday, May 22, 2022 -- No one drank enough beer in college for the last 30 years to deserve a student loan balance that increases even as the debtor attempts to pay down the principal. The message that some people don't deserve debt relief is a politics of grievance. If you cannot craft a political message that acknowledges that we turned the greatest vehicle of social mobility into a debt machine, then you are not good at messaging.

Group of university professors could sanction UNC system over 'violations of academic freedom'

A decision from the American Association of University Professors, could come in early summer, as AAUP leaders mull a 38-page report the group released Thursday claiming political interference in campus governance and alleged racism on North Carolina campuses.