ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – The Winthrop University Board of Trustees approved a ½ percent tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students for the
2019-20 academic year, a move that reflected members’ effort to balance affordability
and academic needs.
In-state undergraduate students will pay $38 more in the fall as tuition rises from $7,615 per semester to $7,653. Out-of-state students will pay $14,818 this fall semester -- $75 more than a year ago.
Trustees also approved a 1-percent tuition increase for campus-based Graduate School programs.
"The Board of Trustees remains focused on striking the right balance of maintaining affordability while ensuring a quality education for our Winthrop students. Winthrop is committed to the development of the total student – academically, ethically, and socially. Our goal is to prepare students for productive careers, responsible citizenship, and community leadership,” said Justin Oates, vice president for finance and business affairs/CFO, after the June 28 quarterly meeting.
The percentage increase comes in under the cap set by the state legislature in return for providing increased funding for public higher education institutions. Winthrop will receive $2 million in new funding from the state to keep tuition increases for in-state students to a minimum and another approximately $700,000 to partially cover state-mandated increases for health insurance, pension plan costs, and a 2 percent salary increase and $600 bonuses for some employees.
In addition, Winthrop received another $7.5 million in one-time funding from the state for strategic risk management to support the university’s facilities infrastructure.
Based on the cost of attendance after the application of financial aid, this increase will likely keep the total cost for students — tuition, fees, room, and board - in the middle range for S.C. public universities.
Winthrop room fees, which vary according to the type of housing, will see a 2 percent increase, while board rates will rise by 3 percent. The housing increase will fund a majority of the 2 percent state-mandated salary and benefits increase for those in auxiliary positions.
The Board of Trustees will consider the university’s budget at its August meeting.
More information on tuition and fees is available on the Cashier's Office website or contact Judy Longshaw, news and media services manager, at 803/323-2404 or e-mail longshawj@winthrop.edu.
