University of South Carolina freezes tuition for in-state students for 5th straight year

On Friday, June 23 the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a new annual budget.

The budget will keep in-state tuition flat at all system campuses for a fifth year in a row and will take effect July 1, providing resources for health sciences and workforce development programs, benefitting graduates and the state’s growing economy, according to a press release from the University of South Carolina.

Per-semester undergraduate tuition will remain $6,344 for resident students on the Columbia campus. Tuition for non-resident students on the campus will increase by 3 percent ($17,467).

Budgets highlights not only include freezing tuition for in-state students on all system campuses, but also include $4.5 million for the expansion of the University of Columbia’s student internship program, $30 million in one-time funds to establish a Brain Center Health Center in the upcoming Health Science Campus, and $5 million in recurring funds to support the Rural Brain Health Network.

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Twenty-nine million will be used for the renovation and construction of innovative learning spaces and classrooms in Science and Technology area on the Columbia campus, stated the press release. Over $4 million will go into South Carolina teacher recruitment and retention programs.

“We are grateful to members of the General Assembly for helping us keep attendance affordable for South Carolina families and for investing in the types of projects that will make the state healthier and more prosperous,” stated USC President Michael Amiridis.

Other highlights from Friday regard the USC’s Division of Development fundraising rising from last year’s $78 million to $112 million this year, a 44% year-over-year increase.

The Board of Trustees have also adopted a resolution that affirms the protection of the First Amendment and freedom of expression on campus while also embracing the core principles outlined in the University of Chicago’s “Report on the Freedom of Expression.”

Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com