According to Ty Tagami's recent report for Capitol Beat, the USG will be increasing tuition by 1% for Georgia students attending one of the state’s public colleges or universities. The Regents are also increasing tuition 3% for out-of-state students attending one of the University System of Georgia campuses. “With enrollment at record levels, we’re focused on limiting new financial hurdles and delivering real value on every campus,” Chancellor Sonny Perdue said in a statement. “T[hi]s decision reinforces that commitment.” As Tagami reports, tuition covers only a portion of instructional costs, with the state paying for 57%, according to the USG. It said students pay, on average, less in tuition now than in 2017 when adjusted for inflation. The system also said the Georgia General Assembly’s new budget for fiscal year 2027 includes a $34.2 million “reduction” in enrollment-driven state funding. The budget, which awaits the signature of Gov. Brian Kemp, increased the state funding for teaching to $3.5 billion, up nearly $229.5 million from the budget approved last year. The Senate initially sought to roll that back by $123.5 million, but settled on a $34.2 million reduction in negotiations with the state House. Tagami reports that the Senate’s reduction was aimed at online courses, which leaders in that chamber said should cost the state less than in-person classes. Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said on the Senate floor on April 2 that the Senate’s move had been framed publicly as a cutback. “Only in government can more money next year than this year be called a cut,” he said.
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