News Summary
The University System of Georgia has announced new tuition rates for the 2025-2026 academic year. In-state undergraduate students will see stable rates, while out-of-state students face a 2% increase. Most institutions have also adjusted mandatory fees, with some schools like Georgia College reducing fees, while others see small increases. Despite these changes, Georgia remains competitive with some of the lowest tuition rates in the region. A significant state funding boost aims to support affordability and accessibility in education for all students.
Exciting Changes in Tuition Rates for the University System of Georgia!
In an announcement that has college students and families buzzing, Atlanta is set to experience a shift in tuition for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. The University System of Georgia (USG) has unveiled new tuition rates that reflect its ongoing commitment to making education accessible, especially for in-state students!
Good News for In-State Students
First up, let’s talk about those in-state undergraduate students. For many Georgians attending college, the news couldn’t be better! The majority of in-state undergrads will see their tuition bills remain stable, marking the seventh time in the last ten years that rates have held steady. That’s right! With a typical cost sitting at around $6,466 for tuition and mandatory fees across two semesters, students can breathe a little easier knowing their financial burdens aren’t growing.
Out-of-State Rates on the Rise
However, if you’re coming from out of state, there’s a bit of a different story. Those out-of-state students will experience a 2% increase in tuition. That coupled with a 3% hike in fees for international students may come as a surprise to some. But hey, at least tuition rates still vary quite a bit depending on which college you choose, ranging from a modest $3,506 at East Georgia State College to a heftier $12,002 at Georgia Tech.
Fee Changes Across the Board
In addition to tuition adjustments, there have been some tweaks in mandatory fees at several institutions. Eight of the 26 USG schools approved changes, and while Georgia College and State University managed to offer its students a fee reduction (totaling a saving of $2), others, like the University of North Georgia, will witness a slight uptick of $3 in fees. Every little bit counts!
Specific Fee Adjustments
But it doesn’t stop there! Students at popular institutions see varied changes. For instance, UGA students are looking at an increase in overall fees from $708 to $729. Online learning? That comes with a higher fee too, shooting up to $422. Over at Georgia Tech, in-person tuition has actually decreased by $25, which is great news, yet online master’s students are facing a staggering fee jump from $107 to a jaw-dropping $440.
Meanwhile, Clayton State University students will see their fees rise from $502 to $532, and Fort Valley State students can expect increases leading overall fees to reach $690 and online rates to climb to $375.
Staying Competitive and Affordable
Despite fluctuations in fees and out-of-state tuition hikes, Georgia continues to boast some of the lowest tuition rates in the entire 16-state region surveyed by the Southern Regional Education Board. This is a testament to the USG’s dedication to keeping college affordable for Georgia families.
Support from the State
All of these changes come in the midst of a hefty $9 billion operational budget for the USG, with the state stepping in with an impressive $211 million funding boost for the upcoming fiscal year. This funding increase of 6.2% is just what the system needed to improve access and prioritize affordability for all students.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while some students will see minor increases in their fees and tuition, the commitment to affording college for in-state residents remains strong in the University System of Georgia. With a calculative approach to budgeting and prioritizing educational accessibility, the USG is setting the stage for a bright future for students across the Peach State.
Stay tuned for more updates as students prepare for another exciting year of learning!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Patch: 2025-26 GA College Tuition Rates Released
- Google Search: Georgia tuition rates 2025
- Atlanta News First: Tuition Fees Will Stay Mostly Flat
- Wikipedia: University System of Georgia
- Grice Connect: University System Holding the Line on Tuition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuition
- WSB TV: Updated Tuition Rates Announced
- Google Scholar: Georgia college tuition increase
- WRDW: In-State Tuition Won’t Rise
- Google News: 2025 Georgia tuition rates
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
