Students choose less expensive option by attending HBCU's

With the cost of tuition increasing over the years, Historically Black Colleges and Universities have become a less expensive alternatives.

There are 11 HBCU's in North Carolina. According to blackcollegesearch.com, five are public and six are private.

 Three of the HBCU's are in the Triangle:  NC Central, Shaw University, and St. Augustine's College. 

Three HBCU's in the Triad: Winston-Salem State, NC A&T State University and Bennett College. 

 What makes the HBCU's in the Triad and Triangle easier on your pockets?

Tuition for in-state students during the 2011-2012 school year NCCU was the least expensive --with a yearly tuition of $3,244, according nccu.edu. WSSU tuition is in second place [$5,051]; third place NC A&T [$5,569], fourth place Shaw University [$10,440], fifth place St. Augustine's College [$12,364], and sixth place Bennett College for Women [$14,150]. 

"Even though NCCU's tuition is cheaper than WSSU's, the facilities and environment at [WSSU]are more upscale so it is a better option to me," said, Charles Chavis, senior psychology, major from Charlotte.

The HBCU with the most affordable tuition in the Triad and Triangle for out-of-state students is WSSU. With tuition costs of $5,978.

In second place is Shaw University [$9,438] a private institution; third is St. Augustine's College [$12,364] also private. Fourth is NC A&T [$13,605], followed by NCCU [$13,817]. Bennett College [$14,150] is the most expensive. 

 "I chose to come to North Carolina because I hated South Carolina," said Alex Spry, junior elementary education major, from Manning, S.C. 

"I wanted to get away from the norm and try something new."

According to get-tuition.com, tuition and fees rise as the inflation rate increases. 

Starting next year UNC schools WSSU and NC A&T will see an increase in tuition. 

According to get-tuition.com, with a larger overhead cost required to keep the schools operational, university's would have to increase the student fees to be able to make up for all the expenses that they spent for the year. 

"I don't necessarily believe that tuition increases are good or beneficial to the students, but I do believe it is a necessary action for institutions to employ due to the maintenance of buildings and facilities," Chavis said. 

"It is necessary for schools to increase tuition especially during the present time where our economy is currently and continuously suffering from inflation."