USC raises tuition nearly 6 percent

USC reported a 5.9 percent tuition increase in its new budget in hopes of providing an approximate $11.5 million to offset state cuts and provide for several new initiatives.

From the school's press release:
Tuition and fees for all undergraduates on the Columbia campus will rise by 5.9 percent and are expected to generate approximately $11.5 million in new university revenue, which will be used to offset a portion of the state cut and to fund the following initiatives:

-The continuation of a six-year faculty-hiring program, entering its fifth year, to enhance the quality of instruction and allow the university to recruit additional faculty for disciplines and programs that support the university’s strategic priorities;
-Inflationary increases to cover the increased cost of fuel for Law Enforcement & Safety and facilities;
Support for student-affairs initiatives, including enrollment management, the Gamecock Guarantee operations and increased planning and compliance;
-The third year of funding for the Office of Facilities to support wages for maintenance and custodial staff and continued enhancement of apprenticeship and training programs for trades workers;
An increase to the funding for debt service to support deferred maintenance;
-A new Global Competitiveness Initiative that establishes an office to provide oversight of all the university’s international activities. The office will be responsible for consolidating and integrating global initiatives, including academic programs, student exchange and study abroad, and international support for faculty and staff;
-A portion of the 1-percent state pay package for employees.

Tuition plus fees for undergraduates at the main campus will be $8,838 ($22,908 for out of state). Read more on the new fees for their other programs on their site.

Many other area college and universities have recently announced tuition hikes; view more coverage on tuition hikes.

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