While the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees Friday agreed not to raise tuition on in-state residents for the coming academic year, the group did agree to charge each of the more than 38,000 students in the system $300, explaining that one of the purposes of the fee is to help offset operating costs for the athletic department.
That $300 charge for the full academic year will be on top of the $172 athletic fee each student was already paying annually, meaning each USC student, whether he or she ever attends a sporting event, is on the hook for $472 per year. According to The State, the athletic department will receive an extra $18 million as a result of these fees.
From the University release:
The approved budget also includes a new annual $300 athletics auxiliary fee designed to continue student access to athletics events/ticket lottery, address increased event/program operating costs, and enhance the student experience across multiple USC sporting venues. Enhancements will include student centered in game activity and promotions, facility upgrades and additional support for health/safety staffing at athletics events. The fee approved Friday will not be used for recently approved Williams-Brice stadium renovations, Name Image and Likeness or coaching contracts. “Access to world-class athletic events is one of the many reasons students are attracted to USC. In order to stay competitive in an evolving collegiate landscape, we have to create environments where students can have a great fan experience while cheering on the Gamecocks,” said USC Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati.
USC is not alone in adding an athletics “tax” to the cost of attendance for its students. Clemson got the jump on the Gamecocks last October by imposing an annual $300 fee for its students beginning this fall. Clemson AD Graham Neff explained the reason for the fee during a presentation to the Board of Trustees. “Solely for athletic operations expenses directly associated with student-athlete services and student experience.”
USC stated in its release that Florida, Georgia and Tennessee have also initiated student athletic fees.
USC and Clemson have opted in to the full $20.5 million dollar budget for paying athletes that will commence on July 1st, and it’s possible some portion of this new revenue stream could be used for paying the athletes.
Also Friday, the University announced that Colonial Life and the University of South Carolina have agreed to extend the Colonial Life Arena naming rights sponsorship. The renewed agreement, which runs Oct. 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, includes exterior and interior signage at the Colonial Life Arena as well as promotional packages with the Gamecock athletics program.