At Winthrop University, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a high-quality education that is both accessible and affordable. Over the past several years, we have carefully evaluated our tuition and fees structure to ensure that costs remain manageable for our students and their families. With the continued financial support of the State of South Carolina and through our Tuition Transparency Initiative, we are proud to maintain our tradition of affordability while delivering an exceptional academic experience.
Notably, for the past six years, Winthrop has held tuition and fees flat, with no annual increases, reinforcing our dedication to student success and financial sustainability. Last year, Winthrop University was the only public institution in the state of South Carolina to reduce tuition and fees. These commitments are guided by the priorities in our strategic plan - Winthrop, United in Excellence – by supporting timely degree attainment (Educate), boosting student retention and graduation (Enrich), and strengthening the institution’s financial resilience (Enhance).
Tuition Transparency Initiative (Year Two)
As part of the Tuition Transparency Initiative launched last year, we reduced tuition and mandatory fees for all full-time (12 or more credit hours) undergraduate in-state students and for out-of-state students. These reductions have provided welcome financial relief to students while also simplifying our tuition and fees structure. Additionally, we reduced the per-credit-hour rate for part-time undergraduate students (fewer than 12 credit hours), lowering rates for in-state and out-of-state students.
After evaluating the positive impact of these adjustments, we are excited to announce further refinements to our tuition and fees schedule for the 2025-2026 academic year, ensuring even greater clarity, affordability, and transparency.
2025-2026 Tuition and Fees
For the upcoming academic year, we are introducing a streamlined, tiered tuition model established on the previously reduced 2024-2025 tuition and fees rate. To further support academic progress, the tuition and fees for full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students (enrolled in 12-15 credit hours) will remain essentially unchanged. Undergraduate students enrolling in more than 15 credit hours will be assessed tuition and fees at the new discounted per-credit-hour rate.
Part-time students (enrolled in less than 12 credit hours) will be assessed tuition and fees at the current 2024-2025 rates - paying the same as they did for 2024-2025.
The complete 2025-2026 tuition and fees schedule is available online at the following link: https://www.winthrop.edu/tuitionandaid, including per-credit-hour rates for Undergraduate and Graduate students. This revised structure particularly benefits undergraduate students in academic programs that require a 15-credit-hour course load per semester, those maintaining eligibility for state scholarships, and students committed to timely graduation. Additionally, it aligns with our participation in the national “15 to Finish” initiative, which encourages students to complete their degrees in four years and enhances their long-term academic and career success.
Summer 2025 Tuition and Fees
To further support student academic progress, Summer 2025 tuition will be at the current 2024-2025 per-credit-hour regular semester tuition rate. Our goal is to provide an affordable summer session that allows students to accelerate their academic journey, catch up on required coursework, or maintain academic momentum.
Students can explore available summer course offerings and tuition details at our “Summer at Winthrop ’25” webpage.
Our Ongoing Commitment to Affordability and Excellence
We encourage you to review the updated tuition and fees schedules for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026, as well as for Summer 2025, at the following link: https://www.winthrop.edu/tuitionandaid. At Winthrop, we are committed to delivering a rigorous and robust academic experience while ensuring that affordability remains within reach for our students and their families.
A Questions and Answers (Q&A) section also is provided, where students can find helpful resources and/or reach out for assistance.
Joseph Miller, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing
Kevin Butler, Vice President for Business and Finance
