Grads get extra credit.

• Position: NCtrend - Higher education in North Carolina - Brief article - Statistical data

According to the Institute for College Access and Success, average tuition and fees at universities and colleges in North Carolina increased 65% from 200304 to 2011-12. So though more Tar Heels are attending and graduating from schools, they are leaving campus with more debt. Last year, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that combined student debt in the U.S. has reached nearly $1 trillion--twice that of 2007 and more than credit-card and car-loan debt, Tar Heels recently had one tuition tool taken from them, Tax deductions on contributions to 529 savings accounts for higher education expired at the end of 2013, a victim of tax-reform legislation passed by state lawmakers last year.

Higher education in North Carolina Full-time Bachelor's Average Average undergrads degree Full-year full-year recipients tuition total cost 2011-12 225,163 50,722 SI 2,854 $25,322 2010-11 225,740...