CLEMSON, S.C. (WSPA) — Clemson University is adding an athletic fee to student tuition.
The university’s Board of Trustees recently approved a $150 athletic fee per semester for students. It will be implemented in fall 2025.
According to the university, the fee will be used to support athletic teams and maintain facilities and intramural fields. It is expected to generate millions of dollars for the university.
When asked about the new fee, Clemson students were split on if they support it.
“I think an extra $300 [per year] is a lot of money,” Tairiq Mansfield said. “Tuition is already a lot, especially if you have to pay your rent for your apartment and other things that it takes to be a college student.”
“I think it’s kind of ridiculous, but there comes a point when we have good enough sports teams that it’s kind of valid,” Sam Gault said.
“I think as long as we get into the natty (national championship) we’ll be fine,” Griffin Tolar said.
Clemson University provided the following statement about the athletic fee:
The first pillar of the University’s strategic plan, Clemson Elevate, highlights the overarching goal to provide the Nation’s #1 Student Experience. Athletics plays an important role in that experience, not only from intercollegiate athletics successes but also through the maintenance of intramural fields and access to athletics facilities for major events. The communal experience and shared memories at athletics events and venues remain a priority for our University.
Clemson has long been one of the only national universities to not derive financial support to athletics through its student population – either through a fee or ticket expense – and is one of the few to offer free admission to students at every athletic event. Seven other NCAA Division I South Carolina public universities charge an athletic fee, averaging $1,082 per semester.
The $150-per-semester athletic fee, which will go into effect next academic year (2025-26), will reflect the institution’s commitment to a healthy and vibrant varsity athletic program and an investment in the student experience.
Our athletics department continues to aggressively explore all available options for generating revenue, both short and long-term. This includes record-breaking fundraising efforts and innovative business strategies to help even the financial playing field of intercollegiate athletics and support all 21 varsity sports and 600 student athletes.
Clemson University
The University of South Carolina charges an optional athletic fee of $86 per semester.
