We are extremely pleased that the S.C. House Ways and Means Committee has recommended a substantial increase for the Tuition Grants Program, which provides scholarships to S.C. resident undergraduate students attending private colleges and universities in South Carolina.
The committee included in its proposed state budget the governor’s executive budget recommendation for an additional $10 million in lottery proceeds for Tuition Grants, which would increase the maximum student grant from $3,600 to $4,380. The Ways and Means Committee’s proposed budget also provides significant increases for the Need-Based Program, which supports students attending public universities, and the Lottery Tuition Assistance Program, which benefits students at technical colleges and other two-year public and independent colleges.
Students representing all sectors of higher education made compelling cases for an increase of need-based aid during a press conference hosted by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and attended by Governor McMaster.
A highlight of the conference was Columbia College nursing major Zy’Keria Moultrie, who spoke on behalf of the 12,000 students who receive support from the South Carolina Tuition Grants Program and attend one of the 20 SCICU member colleges and universities.
“S.C. Tuition Grants allow me to focus on my future plans and worry less now about funding for college,“ said Zy’Keria.
The Ways and Means report now goes to the entire House for a vote. Upon its approval it moves to the Senate.