Slowing the tuition increase
Solid state commitment brings Clemson students smallest rise in several years

Published: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 - 2:00 am

Clemson University's in-state students this fall will see one of the smallest tuition increases in recent years, thanks to adequate funding allocated this year by state lawmakers. Tuition will rise by 5 percent for in-state students while nonresidents will have a 10 percent increase.

While the 5 percent increase is still well above inflation and wage growth, it at least represents one of the lowest tuition increases in the state and the lowest for Clemson University in several years. The in-state increase is approximately equal to the Higher Education Price Index, which measures the inflationary costs of running a university.

The relatively low tuition increase was possible because state lawmakers funded the university's entire request in this year's state budget. The increase brings tuition for the 2007-08 academic year to $4,935 per semester for state residents and $10,900 per semester for nonresidents. Clemson trustees also approved a $50 per semester library fee for all students except freshmen.

Compared to recent years, the 5 percent tuition hike is cause for celebration. Last year, Clemson tuition rose by 5.8 percent and in the two previous years, tuition rose by 12.4 percent and 13 percent. In addition to higher state investment, private funding plays a more significant role than perhaps ever before in helping universities make ends meet. The Legislature's threat of capping tuition also probably encouraged trustees to limit tuition increases.

New tuition revenue will go toward new faculty, faculty improvements, computer networks and $9 million to address inflation and mandated costs. The library fee will help fund additional computers, better seating and lighting. Money also will be used for new materials including periodicals, print and electronic materials.

While it's good to see tuition rising by only 5 percent, any tuition increase means that many families will struggle to pay for their children's tuition. Many students will take on crushing debt to get through college.

Tuition remains high here in South Carolina. It's a big burden to put on young people and their families in this relatively poor state. Meanwhile, per-pupil state funding is low compared to other states in the Southeast.

South Carolina students will get some additional help this year in the form of more scholarship money. Students who major in science, math and related majors particularly will benefit from the increase in state money allocated for scholarships this year.

The Palmetto Fellowship, the state's top scholarship, will increase from $6,700 to $7,500 but sophomores, juniors and seniors in science and math majors, including engineering, will receive $10,000 a year. Likewise, LIFE Scholarships will stay at $5,000 but math and science majors will get a 50 increase -- to $7,500 a year.

Those increases are a part of the state's drive to increase the number of college graduates in science, engineering, health care, computer technology and related disciplines as a part of boosting South Carolina's knowledge-based economy.

Affordable higher education is key to the future of the state and its young people. State leaders should continue to provide sufficient funding for universities and scholarships, and trustees should strive to hold the line on tuition increases.