NC Colleges And Universities Weigh Pandemic Costs, Revenue Losses

Universities across the state are still tallying the cost of responding to the pandemic. Those costs also include millions of dollars spent to reopen campuses that are now reverting back to online classes for undergraduate students.

North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are among a number of colleges sending students home after COVID-19 clusters were confirmed on campus.

According to the News and Observer, the coronavirus pandemic is expected to cost the UNC System at least $220 million in lost revenue this semester.

A spokesperson with UNC-Chapel Hill says the university has spent more than $700,000 to help reopen the campus for in-person instruction and remote learning. That included things like public health signage, PPE, and hiring extra janitorial and house cleaning services.

N.C. State University has spent more than $1.9 million since July 1 for reopening preparations.

What the impact of switching to remote learning will be on enrollment for the semester is still a big question mark, but more information is expected after final headcounts are conducted.

Universities and the UNC System will seek reimbursement for COVID-19 related expenses from state and federal governments.

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