Georgia University System Raises Tuition by 1%

Out-of-state students to see 3% increase as enrollment hits record levels

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:07pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, colorful lights and shapes, evoking the atmosphere of a college campus.As Georgia's public universities grapple with rising costs and declining state support, the system seeks to balance affordability and educational quality for students.Atlanta Today

The Georgia Board of Regents has approved a 1% tuition increase for in-state students attending public colleges and universities in the state. Out-of-state students will see a 3% rise in tuition. The move comes as the University System of Georgia reports record enrollment levels.

Why it matters

Tuition hikes, even modest ones, can impact college affordability and access, particularly for lower-income and first-generation students. However, the university system says the increases are necessary to offset reductions in state funding and maintain educational quality.

The details

The 1% tuition increase for in-state students and 3% hike for out-of-state students was approved by the Georgia Board of Regents on Tuesday. University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue stated the move is focused on 'limiting new financial hurdles and delivering real value on every campus.' While tuition only covers a portion of instructional costs, with the state paying 57%, the system says students are still paying less on average than in 2017 when adjusted for inflation.

  • The tuition increases were approved by the Georgia Board of Regents on April 15, 2026.
  • The new state budget for fiscal year 2027, which includes a $34.2 million 'reduction' in enrollment-driven state funding, awaits the signature of Gov. Brian Kemp.

The players

Sonny Perdue

Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Brian Kemp

Governor of Georgia.

Blake Tillery

Republican state senator and chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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What they’re saying

“With enrollment at record levels, we're focused on limiting new financial hurdles and delivering real value on every campus.”

— Sonny Perdue, Chancellor, University System of Georgia

“Only in government can more money next year than this year be called a cut.”

— Blake Tillery, State Senator, Chairman of Senate Appropriations Committee

What’s next

The new state budget, which includes the $34.2 million reduction in enrollment-driven funding, awaits the signature of Gov. Brian Kemp.

The takeaway

While modest, the tuition increases highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing college affordability and funding quality public higher education as state support declines. The university system is seeking to limit financial burdens on students while maintaining educational value.