WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT
ST. AUG HAS LOST ITS
ACCREDITATION APPEAL?
By Cash Michaels
Contributing writer
St. Augustine’s University (SAU) is now truly on the ropes.
Last week, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) denied the HBCU’s appeal of its probation to regain full accreditation.
Without full accreditation or even temporary status, the school cannot qualify for federal financial aid assistance.
SAU officials assure their supporters that the small, private Episcopalian university will remain open and operating so that May 2025 graduates receive their diplomas. In the wake of the stunning SACSCOC decision, SAU is pursing a 90-day arbitration.
What happens after that, is the big question.
Alumni of the school, as well as supporters, all chimed in to express dismay at the SACSCOC vote, and hope for SAU’s future.
“I started my career at St, Aug with the help and guidance of major mentors like Dr. Wiley Davis, Dr. Prezell Robinson, Dr. Holloway, Dr. Frank Godfrey, and so many others,” wrote David K. Mitchell on Facebook social media.
“I traveled to countless big cities and small towns recruiting students to this institute, and would brag about how great St. Aug was. It is so sad that St. Aug was once the center of the Raleigh community, with a Community Theatre, (St. Agnes) Hospital, (WAUG-AM ) Radio and (WAUG) Television Station, summer basketball league and banquet facility for area gatherings like wedding receptions and concerts.”
Mitchell continued, “This institution has molded countless young BLACK minds that have become major societal contributors. Unfortunately, it may soon become a relic of what once was.”
“I pray that the God restores St. Aug. to its former greatness and beyond.”
Another social media poster, and former instructor at SAU, expressed similar sentiments.
“I had the privilege of teaching at Saint Augustine’s for one year as an adjunct professor,” wrote Drew Wofford III, “...and it is a year that I treasure. Saint Augustine’s is a special university, with a mission of student support and student success. “
“It would be a terrible loss should Saint Augustine’s cease to exist.”
It appears the reason why SAU lost its accreditation appeal centers around its alleged failure at fiscal management. The school owed millions to vendors and the federal government, not to mention was still facing several lawsuits from former employees.
SAU officials took out $7 million loan, but the 26% interest rate and other terms were criticized as being too prohibitive. The school then entered into a 99-year land lease deal with a Florida developer, but the terms of that deal, which required approval by the NC Attorney General’s Office because SAU is a nonprofit institution, also raised “serious concerns.” The AG’s office refused to approve it without changes.
Now SAU says it has secured a $70 million loan, though it won’t cite the source, and hopes that it can continue to operate into the future.
“We have made substantial progress and are confident that our strengthened financial position and governance will ensure a positive outcome,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware. “SAU is resilient, and we are resolute in our commitment to academic excellence.”
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FOR THE 9TH CONSECUTIVE
YEAR, UNC SYSTEM IN-STATE
TUITION REMAINS FLAT
By Cash Michaels
Contributing writer
By vote of the UNC Board of Governors, for the ninth consecutive year, in-state basic undergraduate tuition at all 16 UNC system campuses ( without fees) for the 2025-26 term will remain flat.
UNC System undergraduates have not had to pay a tuition increase since 2016, according to system officials.
That’s good news, especially for undergrads attending UNC System HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities) like N.C. A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina Central University in Durham, Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, and Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem.
And its also good news for students attending UNC at Chapel Hill, N.C. State University in Raleigh, East Carolina University, UNC-Asheville, UNC-Charlotte, UNC-Greensboro, UNC-Wilmington, UNC-Pembroke, Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University and UNC School of the Arts.
So, for regular full time undergraduate students attending Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Western Carolina University or UNC-Pembroke for the 2025-26 school year, the tuition will remain $1,000.00.
If you’re attending NC A&T University, tuition remains $3,540.00; N.C. Central University - $3,728.00; Winston-Salem Salem State University - $3,401.00.
And if you’r attending UNC - Chapel Hill University, your 2025-26 flat tuition remains 7,019.00; Appalachian State university - $4,242.00; - N.C. State University - $6,535.00; East Carolina University - $4,452.00; UNC-Asheville - $4,122.00; UNC-Charlotte - $3,812.00; UNC Greensboro - $4,422.00; UNC-Wilmington - $4,443.00 and the UNC School of the Arts - $6497.00.
Out-of state undergraduate student fees at all UNC System schools will also remain flat for the 2025-26 school year.
In-state graduate student tuition will remain flat at some, but not all UNC system schools. The same for graduate student tuition at some UNC System schools.
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