No Tuition Increase Likely For GA Colleges 2020-21: Coronavirus

GEORGIA — The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia will meet Tuesday, and will be asked to approve a recommendation of no tuition increase for the 2020-2021 academic year.

If approved, there will be no increase for any University System of Georgia student. Students will pay the same tuition rates at all 26 University System of Georgia institutions for the 2020-2021 academic year as they do now for the current 2019-2020 academic year.

“One of the University System of Georgia’s top priorities is affordability, and that has never been more important than now for our students and their families,” University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “We are all trying to navigate an extraordinary time. It is more critical than ever for our institutions to provide a quality education while maintaining the affordability and accessibility that helps more Georgians attain a college degree and find success in the workforce.”

If approved, the University System would have limited tuition increases among University System of Georgia institutions to an average 0.9 percent annually for the past five years, well below the rate of inflation. This would be the third time in five years there has been no tuition increase across the university system.

No increase in tuition would also allow University System of Georgia to continue to offer some of the lowest tuition rates among peer public higher education systems. Out of the 16 states that make up the Southern Regional Education Board, University System of Georgia has the fourth lowest in-state tuition and fees for undergraduates at four-year institutions.

Additionally, only a minimal number of fees will be considered for approval and will be related to debt payments or contractual obligations.

“University System of Georgia continues to do all we can to ensure the cost of our colleges and universities remains among the lowest of our peers, while keeping a sharp focus on providing students with a high-quality, affordable and accessible experience,” Chairman Sachin Shailendra said. “I support the recommendation of Chancellor Wrigley and know that the Board will support and approve it at our meeting on Tuesday.”

Tuition rates for each institution may be found here.

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