Perdue proposed the College Promise program which would get 5th graders to sign graduation contracts and pair them with mentors to help students graduate from high school and attend college. (Perdue Feels Called to Serve, The Daily Tar Heel, February 19, 2008.)

McCrory is against the expansion of the current EARN grant program and said that he will not offer free community college tuition for high school graduates. He said that “Nothing is free.” (McCrory, Perdue Signal New Campaign, New Rules, Charlotte Observer, May 8, 2008)

Through the College Promise program, Perdue will expand the state’s EARN scholarship program from two years into four years for university students. (Claims Department: Perdue on Moore Attack, News & Observer, March 25, 2008)

Lt. Gov. Perdue favors free tuition for community colleges but says it's a long-term goal. (Charlotte Observer, September 20, 2008)

McCrory favors repealing the North Carolina Education Lottery, which would, among other things, cut college scholarships for students who qualify for the federal Pell Grant. (North Carolina Family Policy Council Questionnaire, recorded September 26, 2008; North Carolina Education Lottery Website, “Where the Money Goes,” recorded September 26, 2008)

McCrory opposes free tuition for community colleges because, he said, the state is "broke" and all students should pay something for higher education. (Charlotte Observer, September 20, 2008)