Citadel approves tuition increase - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV)-- Cadets heading to the Citadel this fall will be paying a little more for their education.

The Board of Visitors have approved a tuition and fee increase for the 2012-2013 year.

Officials with the military school say the increase will support "advancing The Citadel's strategic plan, pay the college's share of state-mandated employee pay raises and a merit pay program, and increases in scholarship funding."

Rising food costs and the "final phase implementation of leadership program fees" are also cited as reasons for the increase.

"Our budget is consistent with our assumptions that support a multi–year plan for financial sustainability," said Thomas J. Elzey, executive vice president for finance, administration and operations. "With this budget The Citadel is moving forward to ensure our capacity to provide the high quality academic and leadership experience our students, families and alumni expect."

Tuition is affected as follows:

• In-state undergraduate Cadets: 3 percent increase totaling $307 more in tuition

• Out-of-state Undergraduate Cadets: 6.4 percent totaling $743 more in tuition

• Graduate students: 2 percent increase totaling $9 per credit hour for in-state students and $16 per credit hour for out-of-state students.

• Undergraduate Evening Program, in-state: 3 percent increase totaling $12 per credit hour

• Undergraduate Evening Program, out-of-state: 6.4 percent increase totaling $45 per credit hour

Bills for the 2012-2013 academic year are scheduled to be sent out in early July.