CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some in-state students looking to go to North Carolina’s flagship university can do so practically for free in 2024.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Rahiem Brooks is a 45-year-old student at Central Piedmont Community College

  • The second-year CPCC student was accepted at the University of North Carolina

  • Based on his current salary, Brooks qualifies for free tuition at UNC

  • Brooks is a mystery novelist who returned to college during the pandemic

 

The University of North Carolina is offering free tuition for any family making under $80,000 a year for the class beginning next year. UNC made the move following the Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn affirmative action.

As UNC works to more broadly define what its acceptance policies entail for these qualifying applicants, some who have already been accepted are ecstatic at the thought of saving money over time.

It's especially true for Rahiem Brooks, who returned to school in his mid-40s.

“Being a 45-year-old college student is a lot like being an 18-year-old college student," Brooks said. 

Brooks is no ordinary student. He is in his final year at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Little did he know when he received his UNC acceptance it would lead to all of this. 

“My story is truly one of being dedicated to yourself,” he said.

The mystery of life is something Brooks is figuring out with every passing moment, which is fitting considering he is a mystery writer.

“Growing up I used to watch 'Matlock,' 'Perry Mason' and 'Murder, She Wrote' with my grandmother. I was always drawn to that particular genre,” Brooks said. “I never thought I was too old to come back to school.”

Neither does UNC, which is fortunate for him in more ways than one.

“UNC-Chapel Hill is the only school I applied to. I worked hard so that when I applied I would get accepted,” he said.“UNC-Chapel Hill is the only school I applied to. I worked hard so that when I applied I would get accepted,” he said.

The working father said he will be part of the UNC's first incoming 2024 class to be eligible for free tuition. 

“I realized almost immediately that I qualified for it,” he said.

Brooks juggles school, being a dad and working for Sompo International, where he insures buildings and car fleets for companies. 

The Philadelphia native made his way south to pursue his dreams of obtaining a math degree after the pandemic complicated his ability to sell his novels.

“I wanted something else. I know writing is always something that can be done. Lawyers write. Doctors write. Everyone can write and still have a profession. That’s where I was. I wanted to have a profession,” he said.

No matter what comes next, Brooks feels like his future is on solid ground.

“I never thought I was too old for my dreams,” he said.

Brooks plans to be a math major at UNC to hopefully become a teacher one day.