RALEIGH - Bucking the trend of higher education costs, William Peace University in Raleigh has lowered tuition beginning in the fall of 2012. The move is aimed at attracting more middle income students.

For the 2012-13 school year, tuition will drop to $23,700 while dormitory charges will remain flat at $6,186, and food charges will rise $120 to $2,814.

"This adjustment will make William Peace University one of the most affordable, private schools for tuition in the country," said William Peace President, Debra Townsley. "We recognize that students and families are struggling to pay higher education costs, and our primary motive is to do what we can to help students in this down economy afford tuition at a private university and obtain the best education possible despite economic conditions."

Townsley set about cutting costs soon after she arrived at Peace last year. Some faculty took buyouts or were let go as part of an academic reorganization.  The school, previously known as Peace College also changed it name this year and announced it would become co-ed next year.

Public universities plan increases next year in the aftermath of state budget cuts. Both NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill are pursuing healthy tuition increases for next year.