Understanding University of Georgia In-State Tuition
The University of Georgia (UGA), like other state-supported institutions, offers preferential tuition rates to students who can demonstrate residency in Georgia. This article breaks down the complexities surrounding in-state tuition at UGA, covering eligibility, recent tuition decisions, and financial aid opportunities.
The Significance of Residency
Since the University of Georgia is a state-supported institution, students must show documented proof of Georgia residency and the duration of their residency in order to qualify for in-state tuition. The following general descriptions are by no means all-inclusive, nor do they supersede existing regulations concerning in-state residency. This should only be used as an explanatory guide for Georgia residency. Detailed official guidelines are listed in both the UGA Bulletin and in the codes of the University System of Georgia.
Defining Residency for Tuition Purposes
Establishing residency isn't always straightforward. UGA considers several factors when determining whether a student qualifies for in-state tuition. Key considerations include:
- Dependent vs. Independent Students: If a student is listed as a dependent on their parent of legal guardian’s previous year’s tax returns or receives more than 50% of their financial support from a parent or guardian, they are considered a dependent student.
- Current UGA Students: Current UGA students may have their residency status changed to in-state but they must show detailed evidence that they are an actual resident of Georgia, and they would have lived in Georgia even if they had not been in college. Current students should work with the Registrar’s Office if they have more questions.
- Students at Other Georgia Institutions: Transfer applicants, if you are currently considered a resident at your Georgia institution, then have your current institution send us a letter from their Registrar’s Office indicating your residency status.
- Military Dependents: Dependents of active military personnel who are residents of other states but are stationed in Georgia can receive a waiver of the out-of-state tuition difference, provided the parent(s) submit documentation to the Registrar’s Office showing the military posting.
- Immigration Status: Immigration and Naturalization Service or have been granted a visa in an eligible category.
Petitioning for Residency Reclassification
If you have already applied and have been classified as a non-resident, you may petition to change your residency classification in one of two ways. Please select the option below that applies to your situation. I indicated at the time of my application that I was not a resident, but feel I will meet the criteria above at the time of enrollment. (Most Common) To have any residency adjustments made, you will have to submit the Petition for Classification as an Instate for Tuition Purposes. Special Situations Involving Residency ClassificationThere is also a good deal of confusion as to how UGA interprets different circumstances concerning residency.
Tuition Costs: In-State vs. Out-of-State
University of Georgia's tuition is $11,492 for in-state and $32,336 for out-of-state students. Compared with the national average cost of in-state tuition of $12,436, University of Georgia is cheaper. For students coming from out of state, the tuition is more expensive than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $29,815. These figures include both tuition and fees, also referred to as the sticker price. At University of Georgia, the total cost is $28,862 for in-state students and $49,100 for out-of-state students.
Read also: University of Georgia Sorority Guide
To provide a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of specific undergraduate and graduate rates:
Undergraduate Rates (Tuition does not include fees):
| 6 hrs or less | More than 6 hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $2,982 | $5,017 |
| Out-of-State | $9,163 | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $9,429 | $15,887 |
- Bachelor of Science in Forest Resources (BSFR)
| 6 hrs or less | More than 6 hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $3,279 | $5,517 |
| Out-of-State | $10,479 | $17,658 |
| Out-of-Country | $10,784 | $18,171 |
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA)
| 6 hrs or less | More than 6 hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $3,279 | $5,541 |
| Out-of-State | $9,807 | $16,742 |
| Out-of-Country | $10,092 | $17,228 |
Graduate Rates (Tuition does not include fees):
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $418/hr | $5,017 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Social Work (MSW)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $418/hr | $5,017 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $427/hr | $5,125 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $447/hr | $5,361 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Historic Preservation (MHP)
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| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $447/hr | $5,361 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Urban Planning and Design (M.U.P.D.)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $447/hr | $5,361 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Public Health (MPH)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $418/hr | $5,017 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Doctor of Public Health (DRPH)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $439/hr | $5,256 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Master of Accountancy (MACC)
| 1-11 credit hrs | 12 or more credit hrs | |
|---|---|---|
| In-State (Resident) | $542/hr | $6,497 |
| Out-of-State | $1,287/hr | $15,439 |
| Out-of-Country | $1,324/hr | $15,887 |
Recent Tuition Decisions by the Board of Regents
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) plays a crucial role in determining tuition rates for all public colleges and universities in the state, including UGA.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Tuition Freeze and Exceptions
The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) voted to approve tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year at USG’s 26 public colleges and universities. There will be no tuition increase for most in-state undergraduates, while out-of-state tuition will increase by 2%, and out-of-country tuition will rise by 3%. This will be the seventh time in 10 years that the Board has approved keeping overall tuition costs flat for Georgia students across most institutions in the university system. USG’s strong commitment to keeping college affordable has meant average tuition increases for an undergraduate, in-state Georgia student over the past decade have been less than 1%, well below the rate of inflation.
While tuition overall will remain flat for most in-state undergraduates, the Board approved exceptions for the University of North Georgia (UNG) and Albany State University (ASU). Both are set to begin the first in a three-year plan to bring undergraduate tuition into alignment across all programs at each institution. This means increases ranging from $21 per credit hour at ASU to $24 per credit hour at UNG for any undergraduates currently paying less than the prevailing tuition rate.
Mandatory Fees
The Board today additionally approved changes to mandatory fees at eight of USG’s 26 institutions. Among the eight institutions, fee changes at two of those institutions will result in reduced fees for students.
The Impact of Financial Aid
Financial aid plays a significant role in offsetting the cost of tuition.
HOPE Scholarship
As you’re comparing costs of different institutions, also consider the total cost and the net price. The total cost is the sticker price, plus the cost of food and housing, books and supplies, and transportation and personal expenses.
The Georgia Student Finance Commission and the HOPE Program make residency decisions and qualifications concerning the state-sponsored HOPE Scholarship program.
USG institutions are providing services at lower costs to in-state students than their peers. In fact, the audit found that increases in HOPE Scholarship award amounts have further reduced the net cost of attendance for the in-state students receiving HOPE by 43%.
Additional Financial Aid Information
Financial aid can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study jobs. Financial aid packages vary depending on your financial need. Most colleges determine financial need based on your FAFSA.
Financial Aid Dates
| || :-------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- || Application Due | Not availableThe last day to apply for financial aid or turn in related paperwork. || Priority Application | Not availableApplications received prior to this date will be given the strongest consideration. Still apply for financial aid if you don’t make this due date. || Notification Date | Not availableWhen students receive a letter with the amount and types of aid the college is offering. || Response Due | Not availableThe deadline for students to respond to the college’s aid offer. || Next Steps | Financial Aid Office Phone NumberNote: College profiles are based primarily on information supplied by the colleges themselves through participation in College Board's BigFuture College Profiles |
Affordability and Value
USG and the Board of Regents remain focused on keeping college affordable for Georgia families to ensure higher education stays within reach across the state. As more students than ever enroll on our campuses, we continue to prioritize reducing financial barriers and offering excellent value. Coupled with today’s decision, USG is making a real investment in Georgia’s future - ensuring that a college degree can help more Georgians unlock opportunities for personal prosperity and contribute to the state’s growth.
Building on these cost-reduction efforts, an independent performance audit released Dec. 18, 2024, by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts found that USG tuition declined by more than 24% after adjusting for inflation. This means students today are paying, on average, less in tuition than they were in 2017 when adjusted for inflation.
This and other efforts have solidified USG’s standing as one of the most affordable university systems in the South and nationally. Among the 16 Southern Regional Education Board states, Georgia is third lowest in average undergraduate tuition and required fees compared to its public peers, according to national data from the College Board.
Net Price
Average Net Price$17,180 per year Your net price is a college’s cost of attendance minus the grants and scholarships you receive. The net price you pay for a particular college is specific to you because it’s based on your personal circumstances and the college’s financial aid policies. Use the college’s Net Price calculator for the most accurate estimate of your net price.
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