Clemson trustees approve lowest tuition increase in 20 years for 2017-18 academic year

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CLEMSON — Consistent with its ongoing commitment to providing a world-class college education at an affordable cost, Clemson University’s board of trustees Thursday approved the smallest percentage tuition increase for South Carolina resident students in two decades for the academic year that begins in August.
The trustees approved a 2.75 percent tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students, or $197 per semester for a full time-student. Out-of-state undergraduate tuition will increase by 4.25 percent, or $727 per semester. Starting in the fall of 2017, posted tuition and fees for full-time South Carolina residents will be $7,356 per semester and $17,827 for non-resident students.
While much attention is given to the “sticker price” of a college education, Clemson students, on whole, pay far less than full tuition due to significant financial assistance offered by the university and the state of South Carolina, among other sources. As a result, 51 percent of Clemson students graduate without debt, compared to only 31 percent of college graduates nationally.
Additionally, the average out-of-pocket cost for an in-state freshman is 36 percent of the university’s posted price for tuition and fees and 99 percent of Clemson freshmen receive some sort of scholarship assistance from the state of South Carolina. More than two-thirds of Clemson’s undergraduate students are from South Carolina.
“Clemson University was founded to fulfill Thomas Green Clemson’s vision of a high seminary of learning and to provide an affordable, high-quality university to serve the citizens of South Carolina,” President James P. Clements said. “That commitment remains unwavering today as demonstrated by our trustees’ decision to approve small increases in tuition for the upcoming year.
“This increase will allow the university to continue to provide the high-quality education for which Clemson has become widely known while ensuring affordability and accessibility to our students.”
Students will see modest increases in the cost of housing and dining services in the upcoming year. The university offers a ...

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