But the percentage of black students decreased at the state's research universities: Clemson, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.
``We are making progress, although it is somewhat easier to make that progress in the high-growth and lower-cost institutions,'' said Gail Morrison, interim executive director of the state Commission on Higher Education.
``We have a tremendous need to help students coming from impoverished backgrounds,'' Morrison said. ``Unfortunately in South Carolina, poverty is often linked to race.''
That means those students likely will need scholarships.
Of $276.2 million in state scholarships and grants for the 2006-07 academic year, just $50.3 million were provided for need-based programs, according to state Commission on Higher Education figures. The remaining $225.9 million went to merit-based programs.
— Associated Press
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