CLEMSON — Clemson University’s board of trustees has approved a general tuition increase of 5.5 percent for in-state students — $271 per semester — and 7.5 percent for out-of-state students, which adds $816 per semester.

Even with the fee increase, Clemson will have to implement internal budget cuts, reallocations and efficiency measures totaling nearly $12 million to help offset state funding cuts, support economic development initiatives and absorb rising energy bills and other mandatory cost increases, the university has said.

Clemson’s educational and general budget lost more than $13 million to a 3 percent state budget cut, inflation, mandatory state pay raises and fringe benefit increases.

The board also approved a student request to restructure the university’s current information technology fee. The $50 per semester fee will be eliminated for freshmen, who have the added cost of purchasing a laptop computer, and raised to $115 per semester for other students.

Clemson officials said the fee increase will provide additional technology services and support.

The tuition increase will generate about $10.9 million, which will help offset several costs, including information technology and facilities — including an on-campus information technology support center and a life sciences complex.

“This is a very challenging year, but we intend to continue to increase academic quality and provide exceptional value to our students and the state,” Clemson President James F. Barker said. “We believe that this strategy is sensitive to affordability and ensures the level of quality that families expect from Clemson.”

In other action, the trustees heard an update on the seat-equity plan from senior associate athletics director Bill D’Andrea.