C of C approves 7.5 percent tuition hike for in-state students

COLUMBIA — College of Charleston students will pay 7.5 percent more in tuition and fees next year after the school's Board of Trustees today approved the jump.

In-state undergraduate students who attend full time will pay $7,778 next year, up $544 from this year's rate.

The board also approved an 11.5 percent jump in tuition for out-of-state students who will pay $18,732 next year. That's $1,932 more than this year's rate.

Stephen Osborne, senior vice president for business affairs, told board members that many out-of-state students are interested in attending the college so he doesn't think the larger tuition increase will reduce the number of out-of-state students who enroll.

The tuition increases will cover most of the additional $11.2 million the college needs for next year, according to board chairman Bobby Marlowe.

College president George Benson said the school shaved $5.3 million from its original list of additional needs to keep tuition increases as low as possible.

Osborne said cost-of-living increases for employees represent the largest increases in the college's budget.

Benson, took over as leader of the college in February, said the school has included $1 million to implement programs in a new strategic plan that officials are working on now.

According to the state's Commission on Higher Education, tuition at the College of Charleston this year ranks seventh among the state's public colleges and universities.

The Citadel, the University of South Carolina in Columbia and Clemson University will announce next year's tuition at meetings later this month.