The University of South Carolina approved a budget on Wednesday which raises the tuition for undergraduates and law school students on the Columbia campus by 2.9 percent for both in and out of state students. The budget also includes an increase in tuition for South Carolina residents in USC’s medical school, online courses and the campuses in Aiken, Beaufort and Upstate.
The new plan will support law enforcement and safety initiatives, IT network updates, teaching and research development and expansion of the Palmetto Pathway program to assist South Carolina residents in getting a bachelor’s degree at a lower cost.
Tuition is the University of South Carolina’s primary financial support, and the plan is expected to help increase the amount of money coming in from the state after past declines from the state budget.
“While there is still work to be done, it’s very encouraging that the leadership in the General Assembly recognizes that additional state investment has a direct and immediate impact on lessening the financial burden on South Carolina families,” said USC President Harris Pastides. “We look forward to more conversations with lawmakers on ways to ensure college remains affordable and accessible.”