Cooper is hopeful the federal stimulus package will give the school a boost and help it be more competitive once the economy improves.
“It gives us short-term opportunity for gain,” he said, noting that many of the aging buildings on campus are in need of repair. “My hope is that the state won't see it as another basis for cutting support to SC State because we're getting federal funds.''
About half the school's students come from homes where the family income is less than $20,000 yearly, so federal financial aid does not cover students' costs. Another priority for Cooper is raising money for more needs-based scholarships. He has set a goal of $2.6 million but acknowledged it is going slowly and that it's tough to make those calls to alumni during a recession.
In-state students -- which make up 87 percent of the campus -- pay about $14,000 yearly in tuition and fees. With state support shrinking, tuition increases are a possibility, Cooper said.
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