SC college cuts tuition in half for students in nearby counties

Students who live in the northeast part of South Carolina may have a new, more affordable option to attend college.

Coker University, a private four-year college in Hartsville formerly known as Coker College, will be offering certain incoming students from seven counties at least 50 percent off tuition, the school announced Wednesday.

In order to be eligible for the discount, a student must:

1. be a resident of Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Kershaw, Lee or Marlboro counties,
2. be a first-time, full-time student
3. have a high school GPA of 3.0

Both students who commute and students who live on campus will be eligible for the discount, which the school calls “Coker Within Reach,” according to a press release.

“We want our regional students to know that a private college education at Coker University is well within reach financially,” Coker’s executive vice president Tracy Parkinson said in a press release.

Coker University’s annual, full-price tuition is $29,976, according to its website. However, like many schools, very few students pay that full rate because they receive scholarships, grants or other forms of aid, according to the website.

Coker’s tuition cut brings it near the $15,000-range, which is comparable to Clemson University, the University of South Carollina, Winthrop University and other public universities in South Carolina.