The University System of Georgia (USG) is increasing tuition rates for all of its undergraduate and graduate programs.
Last week, the Board of Regents approved a 2.5 percent hike for undergraduate programs and a 2 percent increase for graduate programs across the 26 institutions within the system. Students will also see a $4 increase in the health fee.
“Limiting tuition increases to 2.5 percent will help enable institutions to balance the critical needs of affordability and quality for students and families,” Chancellor Steve Wrigley said.
A recent report by Georgia’s auditor noted that tuition rates charged by USG institutions averaged 25 percent less than rates charged by peer institutions in other states.
The system has allowed eleven of USG’s 26 institutions to limit fee increases ranging from $4 to $50 per semester for a full-time, in-state undergraduate student for the upcoming academic year.
Through its ‘Affordable Learning Georgia initiative’, the system also currently provides free, open-source, online textbooks, which saves students $19 million each year.
Last year, the system launched its ‘Momentum Year initiative’ to increase students’ successful degree completion and on-time graduation, along with its ‘Know More, Borrow Less’ initiative to reduce student borrowing through increased understanding of debt.
“USG will continue building upon systemwide initiatives to ensure on-time college completion, increase student access to free textbooks and reduce student borrowing,” Wrigley said.
“USG institutions are advancing our priorities of affordability, efficiency and degree attainment while continuing to provide students with a high-quality education,” he added.
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