On June 29, Coastal Carolina University's board of trustees officially approved a 3.29 percent increase in tuition for the 2016-2017 academic year. The new rate applies to in-state and out-of-state undergraduate and graduate students.

Tuition rates for in-state undergraduate students will increase $173 per semester, and rates for out-of-state undergraduates will increase $400 per semester. Tuition for in-state graduate students will increase $18 per credit hour, and $32 per credit hour for out-of-state graduate students.

There will be no increase in housing fees. The board approved meal plans at its last meeting in May, including a new meal option at no additional cost. Taking into consideration room, board and tuition, the overall cost increase for in-state students is 1.7 percent.

"Our board and administration have worked diligently to keep tuition costs down," said CCU President David A. DeCenzo. "However, in order to maintain the quality education our students and their parents have come to expect, and in view of the state's recent approval of a 3.25 percent increase in employee pay, we find it necessary to impose a nominal increase for the upcoming academic year."