With the number of out-of-state students in S.C universities exploding over the last decade, some are concerned if state taxpayers are footing the bill. While out-of-state students provide a significant source of revenue for higher education, the majority do not stay in-state, (read: become S.C taxpayers,) after graduation.
From 2009-2010, a total of 13,594 out-of-state students graduated from a South Carolina institution, and only 35% were still living in S.C a year later. A more recent study by Erica Von Nessen, found that now 50% stay in S.C after graduation, compared to 79.2% of in-state students. Although, the research has its flaws – it doesn’t account for military jobs, graduate students, + more.
While UofSC has given over $515 million dollars in out-of-state tuition cuts over the last 10 years, they argue these students contribute billions in revenue for S.C over their 4+ years in the state. But the Commission on Higher Education chairman, Tim Hofferth, is concerned the near doubling of out-of-state students is detracting from the State’s mission of educating South Carolinians. Hofferth claims S.C universities are focusing on bolstering rankings, not on providing for the state.
