Winthrop tuition rises 2.5 percent; 4 percent hike in room and board

Winthrop University’s Board of Trustees approved increases in undergraduate, graduate and summer school fees Friday.

The increases, which equate to 2.5 percent, raise tuition for in-state undergraduates $172 to $6,906 per semester and $13,369 for out-of-state students.

Graduate students will pay $6,648 per semester if they live in-state and $12,807 if they live outside South Carolina.

Per-credit hour fees for summer classes were increased $21 to $441.

We recognize the impact of tuition increases on our students and families who also want us to maintain the high quality educational experience they expect at Winthrop. We work to keep tuition costs as low as possible while still offering our students the living and learning experience for which we are nationally recognized,” said Vice President for Finance and Business J.P. McKee.

The increase, which takes effect for the 2015-16 academic year, accounts in part for rising energy costs as well as strategic initiatives that focus on student success and degree completion.

Winthrop room and board fees, which vary according to type of housing and meal plan chosen, will see a 4-percent increase, but remain below those of other universities.

“We encourage prospective students and families to assess all the costs of attending college as well as the financial aid available to them,” said McKee. “They will find the price of attending Winthrop is very competitive.”

Trustees will approve a 2015-16 budget when fall enrollment figures are better known nearer to the first day of fall classes.