By Anna Mitchell

Thursday, May 12, 2011

CLEMSON — Trustees of Clemson University voted unanimously Thursday to increase tuition for in-state and out-of-state students by 3.8 percent.

The increase was the smallest in a decade, officials said, and adds $450 to annual tuition for in-state students. Out-of-state students will pay an additional $1,042 a year.

Reading from a prepared statement, Clemson President Jim Barker said the smaller size of the increase was possible after three years of aggressive cost-cutting measures, internal reallocations and pursuit of new revenue from private sources. He said the additional tuition revenue will help pay for academic facilities and technology as well as “student-engagement opportunities.”

The meeting of the Clemson Board of Trustees, which convened at 4:05 p.m., was over by 4:15 p.m.

University spokeswoman Cathy Sams said it’s too early to know for sure how much additional revenue the tuition increases will bring the university, but a rough estimate is $6 million. High school seniors are still sending in deposits, but the university is not planning to increase the size of the freshman class in 2011, she said.

The fee recommendation was the result of planning, cost-cutting efforts and market research, Barker said. The primary use of the new revenue, he said, will be funding student-focused priorities and offsetting state budget cuts to the university’s operating sand general budget.

The proposed state budget has cut the university’s general budget — not including its extension and Public Service Activities — about $3.8 million.

The tuition change includes an average 1 percent increase for graduate programs. Board Chairman David Wilkins said the increase reflects sensitivity to economic conditions facing the state’s families “balanced against our commitment to maintain academic quality.”

In a second unanimous vote, the trustees raised room and board costs 4 percent on average, varying slightly by residence hall and dining plans. Housing funds will help pay for dorm renovations — in particular, Barnett and Clemson House — and enhanced residential security.

“In sum we believe these fees are reasonable and fair,” Barker said, adding that he believes the fees will add value and benefit students directly while keeping Clemson affordable and competitive in the marketplace.

Trustee J.J. Britton said the administration should be complimented. “The lowest tuition in the decade is quite a feat,” he said.

“The folks behind me deserve credit,” Barker said, referring to the administrative team of vice presidents, administrators and financial officers.

Wilkins said the cost-cutting measures at the university since 2008 have allowed Clemson to do more with less.

“The unanimous vote shows the support, Mr. President, we have for you and your administration,” Wilkins said.

Five trustees were present, and the rest of the nine members were available by conference call.

The trustees had gathered at the Madren Center for the called meeting, announced Wednesday, on the eve of spring graduation.