Students at the University of South Carolina will be facing higher costs to attend athletic events starting in the 2025–26 academic year. As reported by Jordan Kaye of The State, the university is introducing a mandatory $300 “athletics auxiliary fee” for all students—on top of the existing $172 fee that grants access to all Gamecocks sporting events. Previously, only full-time students were charged $86 per semester ($172 annually) for this access.
The new fee will be split into two $150 payments per semester and is expected to generate over $11 million in new revenue. Although the announcement follows the recent House settlement, USC officials stated that none of the new funds will be used for settlement payouts, scholarships, or renovations to Williams-Brice Stadium.
Instead, the revenue will support ongoing student access to athletic events, cover rising operational costs, and enhance the student experience at sporting venues. Planned improvements include upgraded facilities, student-focused in-game activities and promotions, and increased staffing for health and safety at events.
USC isn’t alone in implementing such a fee—Clemson University approved a similar $300 athletics fee last year.
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