Expenses are bound to rise, but how much is always a question because costs should never break the limit. However, it seems that students at the University of South Carolina may have to stretch their budgets beyond that limit, all in the name of supporting athletics.
The university is set to implement a dramatic increase in annual college fees starting next semester. This will hit students’ wallets hard, but the college will generate roughly $18 million annually. However, the burden on students does not seem feasible at all.
South Carolina Students Hit With $472 Annual Fee to Fund Athletics
South Carolina is adding a new $300 annual “athletics auxiliary fee” on top of the existing $172 athletics fee, bringing the total to $472 per student per year. This change will generate more than $18 million annually for the school’s athletic department.
Jordan Kaye of The State reported the change at first, clarifying that the $300 is not replacing the old one but will become an addition. It will be an extra charge that all full-time students must pay, regardless of whether they attend athletic events, in-game promotions, facility upgrades, or health and safety staffing.
Just got clarification from South Carolina.
The $300 annual “athletics auxiliary fee” is ***in addition*** to the $172 athletics fee.
So students will now pay a total of $472 annually in mandatory athletics fees. That’s over $18 million a year for USC https://t.co/lVcNXkulAT
— Jordan Kaye (@jordankaye_23) June 20, 2025
This last part will hit many students hard. The money, however, won’t go to athlete scholarships, stadium upgrades, or settlement payments like some expected initially. Instead, it will cover things like student access to athletic events, in-game shows, facility improvements, and safety staff at games.
So why now? It’s all linked to the House v. NCAA settlement, which allows schools to share up to $20.5 million a year with student-athletes. So, indirectly, the settlement is creating pressure for institutions like USC to find fresh revenue streams.
This rise is genuinely concerning. Previously, students only had to pay $172 annually, which was divided between two semesters. Kaye wrote, “Also, in the past, the $172 athletics fee has only been optional for part-time students. And full-time student at South Carolina has already been paying the $172 annual fee for years.”
As expected, reactions on social media have been mixed. One fan wrote, “Not a fan of the increase I’ll be paying, but this is reality now to be competitive in college sports. If you don’t have money, you’ll fall behind. It’s a great time in Willy B when the team is winning, the stadium is swaying & the light show is going, but that stuff ain’t free.”
Not a fan of the increase I’ll be paying, but this is reality now to be competitive in college sports. If you don’t have $, you’ll fall behind. It’s a great time in Willy B when the team is winning, the stadium is swaying & the light show is going, but that stuff ain’t free.
— Matt Carlson (@MattCarlson18) June 21, 2025
Meanwhile, another X user criticized the university, stating, “It is gross how the universities take advantage of the students, most of whom are taking out loans.” Still, some fans appear to support the hike. @Mike1Moran wrote, “That’s fair. We need the revenue and the students want to win too. It’s a great deal for all the tickets and access.”
it is gross how the universities take advantage of the students, most of whom are taking out loans
— SaltyRooster (@SaltyRoosterStl) June 21, 2025
That’s fair. We need the revenue and the students want to win too. It’s a great deal for all the tickets and access.
— Mike Moran (@Mike1Moran) June 22, 2025
It will be interesting to see how students react because increasing the fee from $172 to nearly $500 annually is not a feasible decision, no matter how much you talk about giving a better experience. After all, the price they are demanding is almost triple.