Colleges and universities across the state are looking at raising tuition. But one university in Raleigh is going against the grain. William Peace University has announced in a letter to students it's lowering tuition around 7.73 percent. That brings tuition to $23,700 for the 2012-2013 school year. Debra Townsley is the university president.
Debra Townsley: "In these economic times, we know that we need to work with our families and students to have a William Peace University education available to as many students as we can. I think this is a national discussion that's occurring. You've certainly heard it in the media, on the cost of higher education. And certainly our families and students are what are most important to us. This is a hard economy for everybody."
Another notable change recently is that the traditional women's college will accept men starting next fall. And its name was changed from Peace College to William Peace University earlier this year.
Townsley: "I think the trustees are looking to the future. And I will say this is not unique. Peace has been around 150-some years and the reason is because it's gone through many changes."
A spokeswoman says cost-cutting measures already taken mean students will get the same quality of education at a lower cost. She adds that student financial aid will continue.