Students engaging in activities on a Georgia university campus.
The Georgia Board of Regents has announced that in-state tuition will remain steady at Augusta University and most public colleges for the 2025-2026 academic year. This marks the seventh consecutive time tuition costs have not increased. While out-of-state tuition will experience a 2% hike, the focus remains on affordability and support for struggling students, including application fee waivers and a proposed bill for need-based tuition grants. Overall, these changes aim to enhance accessibility to higher education across the state.
In the bustling city of Atlanta, the Georgia Board of Regents has made some significant announcements regarding tuition rates and university consolidations that will affect students in the state for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students will be pleased to hear that in-state tuition is staying steady at Augusta University and most other public colleges in Georgia. This decision marks the seventh time in the last decade that tuition costs have remained unchanged for students pursuing in-state education.
The Board of Regents has taken a bold step by voting to maintain tuition rates at 18 out of the 26 schools in the university system. For in-state undergraduates, the typical cost for tuition and mandatory fees will be approximately $6,466. While the base tuition will remain flat, some universities will see slight increases due to mandatory fees, with institutions like Clayton State University and the University of Georgia being affected. However, it’s important to note that students are actually paying less than they did back in 2022 thanks to the elimination of an additional tuition fee.
On the other hand, out-of-state tuition is set to rise by 2%, and tuition for international students will see a growth of 3%. This means that out-of-state students will now be paying more than three times what in-state students pay for their education. Even though tuition rates have increased, some institutions do occasionally waive out-of-state tuition fees, providing an opportunity for relief.
Tuition rates can vary greatly from one institution to another. For instance, while students at East Georgia State College can expect to pay around $3,506, those attending Georgia Tech will face a higher price tag of $12,002. Additionally, there are plans in place for Albany State University and the University of North Georgia to begin raising their tuition rates for two-year associate degrees to match those of four-year degrees, making the educational landscape even more competitive.
The Regents have emphasized their commitment to affordability, efficiency, and increasing graduation rates when establishing these tuition rates. Students benefiting from lottery-funded HOPE Scholarships will still have their tuition costs covered, although they will need to take care of mandatory fees themselves. Additionally, students from the 42 Richmond County schools identified as the lowest performing in Georgia will have new opportunities with the Georgia’s Promise Scholarship Program available to them.
In bolstering support for students, the Georgia Student Finance Commission has announced application fee waivers for various Georgia colleges, making it easier for students to apply. Moreover, new legislation in the Georgia House aims to provide essential need-based tuition grants of up to $2,500 for students who have completed a significant portion of their degrees (80% or more). This bill is designed to assist those facing financial hurdles, particularly among marginalized groups—many of whom experience disproportionately high dropout rates.
Georgia has been facing a concerning trend with dropout rates, notably among Black students, who report a staggering 54% dropout rate. Institutions like Augusta Technical College highlight the serious need for financial assistance, with over 50% of its students receiving some kind of need-based financial aid. As we navigate these changes, it’s evident that the focus is on ensuring that every student has access to higher education without financial strain.
In a nutshell, while some students will see increases in their tuition rates, many in-state students can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their costs are remaining steady. As we look toward the future, it’s crucial for the Board of Regents to continue working to make education more accessible and affordable for all students across Georgia.
Tuition Rates Set for Georgia’s Public Universities
Tuition Rate Changes for the University System of Georgia
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