News Summary
In a recent meeting, the Francis Marion University Board of Trustees decided to freeze tuition and fees for the upcoming school year, marking the eighth consecutive year of stable costs. The decision was supported by increased funding from the General Assembly and donations. Key initiatives were also approved, including improvements to infrastructure, faculty compensation, and new academic programs. This proactive approach seeks to enhance the university environment and maintain affordability for students.
Florence, South Carolina — The Francis Marion University (FMU) Board of Trustees took a significant step during their quarterly meeting on June 12, 2025, by unanimously voting to freeze tuition and fees for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. This decision marks the eighth consecutive year that FMU has maintained stable tuition costs, allowing students to pursue their education with reduced financial worry.
FMU President Fred Carter attributed the tuition freeze to crucial funding from the General Assembly and the generous support of alumni and other donors. The approved budget will facilitate several key initiatives aimed at improving the university environment and academic programs. It includes $2.28 million specifically designated for tuition mitigation, a $310,000 nursing pay supplement, and $320,888 allocated for upgrading technology across campus.
Infrastructure Developments and Safety Enhancements
Significant infrastructure improvements are planned with nearly $9 million earmarked for building renovations and the addition of crosswalks to enhance student safety on campus roads. Notably, the South Carolina General Assembly has allocated $5 million toward renovations of the Hyman Fine Arts Center, alongside $2 million for upgrades to the McNair Science Building and Leatherman Science Facility. Additionally, $750,000 will be invested to construct new crosswalks across Highway 327, ensuring safer passage for students.
Support for Faculty and Staff
As part of its commitment to its employees, FMU plans to increase compensation for full-time faculty and staff. State employees will receive a 2% raise due to budget provisions, and FMU will add an additional 1% increase on top of that, reinforcing the university’s dedication to investing in human resources.
Financial Health and Fundraising Efforts
FMU’s Education Foundation boasts a robust endowment of $57.9 million and has successfully raised over $124 million in private funding since its inception in January 1999. This financial strength not only supports operational stability but also allows for continued growth and enhancement of the university’s educational offerings.
Recognition of Contributions
In a recognition of significant contributions to the university and the community, the board has announced the naming of the Folly Carter Freshwater Ecology Conference Center. This facility honors Folly Carter, FMU’s First Lady, for her extensive efforts in enhancing campus community bonds and contributing to the beautification of the university’s grounds through landscaping.
Expanding Academic Opportunities
FMU continues to expand its academic programs, highlighting a commitment to educational excellence. The university recently received approval to introduce a third doctoral degree program in psychology, set to commence in January 2026. Such advancements in academic offerings cater to the growing student population, which currently exceeds 4,200, with around 96% of students being residents of South Carolina.
Conclusion
President Carter underscores the importance of investing in higher education, stating that such efforts are crucial for the benefits they provide students and the university’s long-term sustainability. The proactive measures undertaken by FMU reflect a steadfast commitment to affordability, safety, and academic quality as the university navigates the evolving landscape of higher education.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: FMU Freezes Tuition
- WPDE: FMU Board Freezes Tuition
- WBTW: NC Students In-State Tuition
- The State: FMU Tuition News
- WPDE: FMU Raises Tuition
- Wikipedia: Francis Marion University
- Google Search: Francis Marion University
- Google Scholar: Francis Marion University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Francis Marion University
- Google News: Francis Marion University Tuition
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
