The University of South Carolina's president is asking South Carolina lawmakers to make a deal with him.
USC president Harris Pastidessays he'll freeze tuition for three years if the state gives USC more money to pay for the college's operating expenses.
During his annual state of the university address on Wednesday, USC president Harris Pastides outlined his new proposal.
"It's time to make a new compact with the state of South Carolina," Pastides says. "If we can, let's agree to stop the finger-pointing and to stop the blame game for escalating tuition. Let's agree to meet state government halfway. Let's find a formula for fairly funding a public baccalaureate education."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvvrJxHAxpY
Pastidessays he will stop asking the South Carolina General Assembly for money for special University projects and freeze tuition for three years if the state agrees to provide what he calls "fair and stable" funding. However, he did not give a number.
Pastides says the extra funding would cover increases in employee salaries, health insurance premiums and energy costs.
A USC spokesman says the 14-campus USC system received nearly $131 million in state funding this year.
A three-year tuition freeze would save USC students about $1,000.
Pastides says he will try to get other public colleges in the state on board with this plan. USC has its flagship campus in Columbia and 13 other campuses throughout the state.
University of South Carolina (2008-2013):
2013: $10,816
2012: $10,488
2011: $10,168
2010: $9,786
2009: $9,156
2008: $8,838
Source: USC Common Data Set Initiative
