Campbell University Announces Free Tuition Program for Harnett County Students Beginning Fall 2026

Buies Creek, NC — Campbell University has unveiled a landmark initiative that will provide free undergraduate tuition for eligible first-year students who are permanent residents of Harnett County, beginning in the Fall 2026 semester. University leaders describe the program as a significant investment in local students, designed to expand access to higher education and strengthen pathways to four-year degrees within the community.

A New Tuition Guarantee for Local Students
The free tuition program applies to first-time, full-time undergraduate students who enroll in Campbell’s traditional on-campus programs and reside on the university’s main campus. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA. While tuition will be fully covered, families should note that the initiative does not include housing, meal plans, books, transportation, summer coursework, or special course fees.

Campbell officials emphasize that the initiative reflects a long-term commitment to supporting Harnett County youth and preparing future generations for careers in education, healthcare, business, public service, and other fields vital to the region’s growth.

Announcement Arrives During Statewide Tuition Discussions
The rollout of Campbell’s tuition initiative comes amid ongoing conversations in North Carolina about rising college costs. Several UNC System campuses are evaluating budget changes and potential tuition adjustments, leaving many families seeking more affordable pathways to four-year degrees.

Cumberland County Students Continue to Benefit from NC Promise
Meanwhile, Cumberland County residents continue to have access to the NC Promise Tuition Plan through Fayetteville State University. Under this statewide affordability program, in-state undergraduate tuition at Fayetteville State remains $500 per semester, making it one of the most cost-effective four-year universities in the state.

FSU also offers the Military Tuition Scholarship, which supports active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and many military spouses and dependents connected to Fort Bragg. When combined with federal education benefits, many qualifying students can receive full tuition coverage.

A Regional Push Toward Educational Affordability
Taken together, these programs signal a growing movement across the Sandhills toward expanding educational access and reducing financial barriers. Harnett County students will soon have a free-tuition pathway at Campbell University, Cumberland County families retain access to NC Promise’s low-cost tuition at FSU, and military-connected students continue to benefit from robust scholarship opportunities.

Each initiative serves a different segment of the local population, but all share a common goal: opening doors to higher education and strengthening the future of communities across the region.

Kres Thomas, FayToday News