No increase in tuition, president says

President Dwaun J. Warmack talks with Panther reporters.

Do you have a fear of tuition being raised at Claflin University?

President Dwaun J. Warmack made it clear: “Tuition will not be raised this year.”

Speaking to Panther reporters, the new president said his focus is on recruitment and raising the retention rate to build more college success stories in South Carolina. Controlling college costs is a key component.

“Enrollment for me is probably the most important thing at this institution,” Warmack said.

With a budget based on full-time equivalents (students taking 12 hours or more), maintaining strong enrollment is vital, he said.

The president said he will focus on developing new enrollment strategies. “We’re looking at a robust enrollment-management plan.”

As to Claflin’s fiscal health, “We’re solid financially,” Warmack said.

The retention rate can be misleading, he said. It is based on the number of first-time, full-time freshmen re-enrolling for a sophomore year.

Claflin’s retention rate is down but remains higher than the national average, he said. Many reasons, including individual finances, can impact retention.