The cost of attending Clemson University will increase for the upcoming school year.

The Clemson Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a tuition increase of 7.5 percent for in-state students–that’s $415 per semester–and an increase of 8 percent for out-of-state residents. Graduate school tuition will increase by 2.2 percent. In addition to that, room and board on the school’s campus will increase by 3.9 percent. That means the overall cost to attend the school this fall will increase an average of 6 percent. Clemson has suffered a loss of state-funding totaling $75 million over the last two years and has so far cut 450 jobs and implemented furloughs for remaining employees.

President James Barker says the increase combined with reallocations will ensure that the university can provide course sections students need to graduate, and allow it to honor committments for scolarships and faculty start-up packages, and restart construction of an Academic Success Center and life sciences center. Construction was halted in 2008 due to cuts.

FROM PRESS RELEASE:

CLEMSON — The cost to attend Clemson University this fall will increase an average of 6 percent for South Carolina undergraduate students, based on new tuition, room and board fees approved Thursday by the Clemson board of trustees. Non-state residents will see the average cost of attendance increase by about 7 percent.

The board approved a 7.5 percent tuition increase for South Carolina residents and an 8 percent increase for non-state residents, and also approved raising room and board fees an average of 3.9 percent.

Clemson President James F. Barker said, “This plan allows us to manage significant state funding cuts, continue to provide a top-quality education for our students and maintain our commitment to drive economic development and create jobs for South Carolina,” he said.

The tuition increase — which adds $415 per semester for in-state students and $1,016 per semester for out-of-state students — will partially offset known and anticipated state funding cuts of more than $27 million in the current and next fiscal year.

Internal budget cuts and reallocations will be used to cover the shortfall and help fund strategic priorities, such as faculty hires and economic development initiatives.

Clemson’s permanent base state appropriation for both academics and public service activities has been slashed by approximately $75 million since June 2008, partially backfilled for one year with nearly $19 million in federal stimulus funds. State support now accounts for about 12 percent of Clemson’s total revenues.

The additional cost of on-campus housing will range from zero to $85 per semester depending on the residence hall chosen, with new revenues going to offset inflation and fund renovations. All new revenues from meal plans are earmarked for construction of a new dining facility. Student housing and dining services are auxiliary enterprises, which by state law must be self-supporting.

Graduate program fees will increase by 2.2 percent, and a differential fee of $200 per credit hour was approved for a new cardiovascular technology concentration in public health.