Coastal Carolina discusses impact of funding changes on student scholarships

The House Education and Public Works Committee's Higher Education Subcommittee meeting on February 26, 2025, highlighted significant discussions regarding funding and scholarship opportunities for South Carolina's colleges. A key focus was the impact of federal funding uncertainties on institutions like Coastal Carolina University, as expressed by Dr. Benson, the university's president. He emphasized that while financial aid programs such as Pell grants and Stafford loans remain intact, the institution is navigating challenges related to scholarship funding.

Dr. Benson reported a slight decline in first-year student enrollment attributed to complications with the FAFSA application process, which affected many schools statewide. However, he assured committee members that Coastal Carolina is committed to maintaining its financial aid packages and will continue to support students through institutional and federal scholarships.

The meeting also addressed the unique scholarship program at Coastal Carolina, which offers automatic admission to its honors college for students from households earning under $80,000 and ranking in the top 10 of their class. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and attract deserving students, a point that received commendation from committee members.

Additionally, the Technical College System's president, Tim Hardy, noted a successful transfer agreement with four-year institutions, allowing students who complete 30 credit hours at technical colleges to transfer seamlessly to universities. This partnership, initiated by Coastal Carolina, has set a precedent for making higher education more accessible and affordable across the state.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment to enhancing educational access and addressing funding challenges was clear. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration among institutions to ensure that students continue to receive the support they need to succeed in their academic pursuits. The committee's ongoing efforts will be crucial in shaping the future of higher education in South Carolina.