News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina is experiencing a notable increase in out-of-state enrollment at its universities, coinciding with a tuition freeze for in-state students. The University of South Carolina reports that out-of-state students make up about 43% of its population, reflecting a total increase of 333% over the past 25 years. Despite plans to raise out-of-state tuition, in-state rates have remained stable, aided by state funding. Critics express concern about affordability for local students, prompting discussions around capping out-of-state admissions.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s universities are witnessing a significant surge in out-of-state enrollment, coinciding with a tuition freeze for in-state students that has remained in place for the past six years. The University of South Carolina (USC) has reported that its current out-of-state student population stands at roughly 43%, driven by a 333% increase in enrollment over the last 25 years.
In contrast, USC maintains an undergraduate tuition rate of $12,688 per year for in-state students while preparing to implement a 3% increase in out-of-state tuition, raising it to $37,388 annually. This freeze for in-state students is largely supported by $65 million received in “tuition mitigation” funds from the state legislature, which has enabled the institution to keep costs stable for local residents despite rising operational expenses.
Overall, South Carolina’s three major research universities have witnessed a rise in out-of-state student enrollment from 24% in 1999 to 42% in 2024. This broader trend indicates that the state reached an all-time high of 38% out-of-state enrollment within its 102,600 total students. Some universities, such as Coastal Carolina University and the College of Charleston, have even higher percentages of out-of-state students, at 61% and 52% respectively, having surpassed the 50% mark in the previous year.
Supporters of the surge in out-of-state students argue that they contribute significantly to the universities’ revenue and bring diversity to the student body. However, critics assert that the rising number of out-of-state students challenges the mission of public colleges to provide affordable education primarily for local residents. A lawmaker suggested implementing a 30% cap on out-of-state admissions to address these concerns, but this proposal failed to progress out of committee.
This shift in enrollment dynamics occurs as South Carolina’s funding for higher education surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 2024, indicating a renewed investment by the South Carolina General Assembly after years of declining financial support since the 1980s. Notably, the increase in out-of-state enrollment has not replaced in-state enrollment; since 1999, in-state undergraduate enrollment has also seen a growth of 25%, while out-of-state enrollment has skyrocketed by 137%.
At USC specifically, data shows the university awarded $114 million in tuition abatement to out-of-state students in 2023, helping to attract new talent while keeping costs in check for local students. Meanwhile, USC’s average housing costs are set to rise by $660, and meal plans will see an increase of $96 for the upcoming year, despite the unchanged tuition rates for in-state students.
As universities in South Carolina navigate these complex dynamics of tuition, finances, and enrollment, they must balance the growing need for operational support with their mission to provide affordable education for residents. The ongoing enrollment trends reveal significant challenges and opportunities ahead for South Carolina’s higher education system as it adapts to shifting landscapes both economically and demographically.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Brookland-Cayce High School Faces Potential Sanctions
Newberry College Offers Support Following Limestone University’s Closure Announcement
New Sports Training Program for Youth in Chapin, SC
Columbia City Council Proposes Ban on Private Student Housing
Lexington County Implements New Housing Review Process
Lexington-Richland Schools Honored with National Merit Awards
Gray Collegiate Academy Plans New Campus in Irmo
Subtext to Bring Elevated Student Living to the University of South Carolina with VERVE Columbia
Valdosta Resident Named to USC Sumter President’s List
USC’s Board of Trustees Approve Budget with Tuition Freeze for In-State Students
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Out-of-State Enrollment SC Colleges
- Wikipedia: Higher Education in South Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette: SC Colleges Continue Tuition Freezes
- Google Search: Tuition Freezes in Higher Education
- The State: Local Education News
- Google Scholar: Tuition Trends in South Carolina
- Greenville Business Mag: College of Charleston Votes to Keep Tuition Constant
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- Count On 2: College of Charleston to Freeze Tuition
- Google News: Tuition Freeze South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
