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CHAPEL HILL -- College leaders are coming close to putting the final stamp on the deal that would raise tuition for students across the state next school year. The UNC System plans to raise tuition and fees by nearly $500 for in-state undergrads.

Thursday is part one of a two-day process expected to happen at the Spangler Center. Thursday, the Board of Governor's budget and finance committee plans to authorize raising tuition and fees by nearly nine percent. Friday, they plan to vote to make it official.

But, it's a cost many students say they can't afford.

In-state undergrads currently pay an average of about $5,300 in tuition and fees. The college board reports that's nearly $3,000 less than the national average.

Next year, students face close to $500 more. Many students are already working full or part-time jobs and say the additional tuition would make the cost of a college education too pricey.

"I know that I am turning in work that is less than my best because student doesn't get to be my number one job anymore," said Western Carolina student Alecia Page. "I have to find a way to pay to be a student before I can really focus on my education."

Campus leaders at the 17 universities in the UNC System contend they need to raise tuition to continue offering a high quality education, keep professors on staff and to add classes and sections.

The Board of Governors says the increase will also help offset the millions of dollars in tuition cuts the system has endured over the past several years

"I'm only responding to a bad economy that has driven the legislator to make pretty hard decisions themselves," said UNC Vice Chancellor Bruce Carney.

Students from across the state are organizing a protest at the Spangler Center Friday before the Board of Governors makes its final tuition and fees vote.