COLOMBIA – Facing a cumulative double-digit drop in enrollment and looking to an even darker future, South Carolina higher education leaders are supporting Governor Henry McMaster’s request for a multi-million dollar increase in student aid based on needs.
“South Carolina’s success in the future will depend on the actions we take today. Our colleges, universities and technical colleges must be accessible and accessible to the sons and daughters of South Carolina. At the moment, cost is the biggest obstacle, ”said McMaster on February 17 at the University of South Carolina’s Alumni Center, flanked by presidents. from colleges including Bob Caslen of USC, James Clark of South Carolina State University and Ronald Rhames of Midlands Technical College.
In his January State of the State address, McMaster asked lawmakers to allocate $ 80 million of lottery funds – $ 60 million for each student eligible for Pell Grant and $ 20 million for those attending private, independent and colleges and universities. historically black – in the next budget, saying the infusion of money would help to stabilize a system plundered by the coronavirus and to prepare a qualified workforce for companies that invest in the state.
“We must be sure that our young people are ready to accept these opportunities and succeed. The competition between states for jobs and investments is fierce, ”said McMaster.
Caslen said that expanding the funding available to students is not intended to enrich renowned schools.
“This is not an issue where one university will benefit at the expense of another. This initiative will make the cake bigger, ”he said.
Key House budget writers, including committee chairman Murrell Smith, said they share McMaster’s support for expanding need-based aid to students, but it is too early to say whether it will be for the $ 80 million that the governor want. Budget negotiations begin next month.
“The question is, how far can we go,” said House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee on Methods and Means. “We recognize the integral connection between business, economic development and education and we congratulate the governor for his efforts.”
During the fall semester, enrollment dropped 13% across the state’s higher education system.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major financial and psychological impact on students and families,” said Rusty Monhollon, president and executive director of the state Commission for Higher Education. “Responding to the governor’s request would go a long way toward easing part of that tax.”
Less than half of Southern Carolinians have post-secondary degrees or certificates, a rate below neighboring states, and the state’s total student debt is nearly $ 24 billion, McMaster said.
Hana Shurafa, a student at Midlands Tech who studies computer engineering, said the $ 5,000 in state support she received in the past two years gave her peace of mind.
“If I had not received this scholarship, I would have taken out a student loan and remained in debt for life. I am grateful that I did not fall into this situation, ”she said.
If lawmakers agree with McMaster’s request, it will almost triple the amount of money available to offset the costs of attending South Carolina colleges and universities, Monhollon said. The commission currently receives about $ 30 million in total for school aid.
Follow Adam Benson on Twitter @ AdamNewshound12.