CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - It's going to cost more to send your children to college in North Carolina.
The University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted Friday to increase tuition at all 16 universities in the UNC system.
Donell Beaty wasn't thrilled to hear about the new tuition increase.
"I don't like it, but it's something that I have to go along with," said Beaty, a student at UNC Charlotte.
But not all students are as understanding.
Today, hundreds of them rallied in Chapel Hill to protest the decision that will increase tuition by as much as 9 percent at all 16 universities in the UNC system.
At UNC Charlotte, the increase amounts to around $400 a year. Other universities will see an increase of up to $900.
For some students who are already struggling, the tuition hike means having to scrape up money they don't have.
"A lot of our sisters pay for their own school, we've had couple that have had to leave school and go to community colleges," said Amanda Sutherland, a UNC Charlotte student.
Some students question what the extra money is for?
Student body President Dave Craven says UNC Charlotte lost $34 million dollars in state budget cuts last year, the new increase will help ensure that students graduate on time.
"To make sure in the future you can go to a classroom and it's not overbooked, and we've got enough professors for our students here," said Craven.
The new tuition hike will go into affect for the 2012-2013 school year.
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