The cheapest colleges in Georgia mostly favor residents of the state, as in-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition. However, you can still find low-tuition colleges that favor both residents and non-residents.
Continue reading if you’re looking for the best and most affordable colleges in Georgia. Here you will find low-tuition colleges in Georgia for both undergraduate and graduate programs, the cheapest online school programs, and ways to cut down the cost of your education.
How Much Does College Cost in Georgia?
College is relatively affordable in Georgia compared to other states. The 2020 to 2021 average in-state tuition for colleges in Georgia was $10,374. This is over $4,000 less than the national average, so it is quite affordable. It is important to note that the costs vary depending on the type of institution. Public universities are typically more affordable than private universities. It is also the same for nonprofit colleges and for-profit private colleges.
There are other fees associated with colleges in Georgia including additional fees, books, and supplies. Online programs are typically cheaper than in-person programs, so if you are looking for the cheapest colleges in Georgia, you should start there.
The cheapest online colleges in Georgia only require tuition and associated fees, such as technology fees. This means students in the program do not need to pay for accommodation or other costs that accompany in-person programs.
Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia: The Basics
| School | Location | Undergraduate Tuition | Graduate Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah State University | Savannah | $169.33/credit (in state); $616.07/credit (out of state) | $196/credit (in state); $726/credit (out of state) |
| Clayton State University | Morrow | $169.33/credit (in state); $616.07/credit (out of state) |
$200/credit (in state); $732/credit (out of state) |
| Columbus State University | Columbus | $182.13/credit (in state); $642.73/credit (out of state) |
$210/credit (in state); $817/credit (out of state) |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | $182.13/credit (in state); $642.73/credit (out of state) |
$277/credit (in state); $1,105/credit (out of state) |
| University of West Georgia | Carrollton | $284/credit (in state); $775/credit (out of state) | $182.13/credit (in state); $642.73/credit (out of state) |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta | $298.27/credit (in state); $932.87/credit (out of state) |
$398/credit (in state); $1,259/credit (out of state) |
| Georgia College & State University | Milledgeville | $2,588.50 (in state); $8,284.50 (out of state) | $21,100 |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | $3,424 (in state); $10,125 (out of state) |
$181/credit (in state); $672/credit (out of state) |
| University of Georgia | Athens | $9,790 (in state); $28,830 (out of state) |
$8,698 (in state); $24,676 (out of state) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | $10,258 (in state); $31,370 (out of state) |
$586/credit (in state); $1,215/credit (out of state) |
Cheapest Universities in Georgia: A Closer Look
The cheapest colleges in Georgia are mostly public colleges and universities, as seen in the table above. This section will shed more light on the cheapest colleges in Georgia to guide you in the decision-making process.
Cheapest Online Colleges in Georgia
| School | Online Tuition | Programs Available Online |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton State College | $106.80/credit | Bachelor’s |
| East Georgia State College | $159/credit | Associate, Bachelor’s |
| Georgia Highlands College | $95.00/credit | Associate, Bachelor’s |
| Gordon State College | $159/credit | Associate, Bachelor’s |
| Middle Georgia State University | $131/credit | Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s |
Cheapest Colleges in Georgia by In-State Tuition
- Savannah State University | $169.33/credit
- Clayton State University | $169.33/credit
- Columbus State University | $182.13/credit
- Georgia Southern University | $182.13/credit
- University of West Georgia | $284/credit
Cheapest Colleges in Georgia by Out-of-State Tuition
- Savannah State University | $616.07/credit
- Clayton State University | $616.07/credit
- Columbus State University | $642.73/credit
- Georgia Southern University | $642.73/credit
- University of West Georgia | $775/credit
Why Is College So Expensive?
College is so expensive due to reduced state funding, bloated student amenity packages, and the increasing cost of administrators. Aside from the main tuition costs, the accompanying costs don’t make it cheaper.
Housing and Food
Housing for students has recently skyrocketed because it is an income source for universities. Some students are mandated to stay on campus and may not be able to escape these costs. Even when they do, they have to deal with the cost of transportation to and from campus. On-campus food plans are also fairly expensive.
Fees
Aside from the tuition students pay, there are fees that come with each program. These fees vary and can drastically increase the overall cost of studying. Orientation fees, freshman fees, technology fees, lab fees, environmental fees, commencement fees, athletic fees, and health and wellness fees can bring up the total cost of schooling. While these fees may be seemingly affordable, they tend to add up to a large sum.
Books and Supplies
College books and supplies are also part of the factors that increase the overall cost. Some college books cost around $100, while others surpass $200. The costs associated with copyright increase the prices of books. The highly specialized material is also costly because it’s primarily students who buy textbooks.
Best Universities by State
[query_class_embed] best-universities-in-*state
How to Save Money in College
- Apply for financial aid yearly. You need to fill out the FAFSA form to qualify for and receive financial aid as a student. Make sure you apply every academic year as it changes based on your yearly income taxes.
- Apply for scholarships. Many universities in Georgia offer scholarships, and you can apply for them yearly. Be sure to apply for as many as possible. You can also consolidate smaller awards to cover some of your expenses.
- Save money on textbooks. Textbooks can be quite expensive, so it helps to save money in this regard. The best way to do this is to buy pre-owned books or rent them, if possible. There are websites dedicated to renting out and selling new and used physical and digital textbooks at reduced costs.
- Cook your own food. Cooking for yourself can save you a lot of money compared to buying food. Buying groceries is much cheaper than buying on-campus dining plans. Many universities also provide food assistance to qualifying students.
- Use student discounts. Students are often offered discounts for software or computers for their education. Before buying a new laptop, be sure to check if the company offers discounts to students. Some notable companies that offer discounts include Adobe, Microsoft, and Apple.
How to Apply for Financial Aid in Georgia
- Meet the requirements. To apply for financial aid, you must be a US citizen or legal resident. You also need to be accepted into the institution and have satisfactory grades from high school.
- Fill out the FAFSA form. Completing this form can give you an opportunity to get financial aid from the federal Pell Grant, HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and Federal Work-Study Program.
- Finalize the application. After filling out the form, you may need to submit extra documents to the school. The required documents are often emailed to applicants. Failing to send these documents can reduce the chances of your application getting through.
- Receive financial aid. If your application is successful and you receive the Pell Grant after paying tuition, you can use the credit for books and other supplies.
Scholarships for Students in Georgia
| Scholarship Title | Provider | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| The “547” John E. McGlamry Memorial Scholarship | North Georgia Community Foundation | $2,500 | For graduating high school seniors who are a child of active or retired Georgia State Troopers |
| The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship | United Health Foundation | $2,500 – $20,000 | Applicants must be of Asian or Pacific Islander ethnicity, and a citizen or legal resident of the United States |
| Terry Jarvis Memorial Scholarship | AWS Foundation | $2,500 annually | Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent |
| Jerry Baker Scholarship | AWS Foundation | $2,500 annual | Applicants must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent |
| Scholarship for Agriculture | The Georgia Foundation | $3,000 scholarship and seven $1,500 scholarships annually | Applicants must be Georgia residents and major in agriculture and environmental sciences |
| Georgia Mining Foundation Scholarship | Georgia Mining Foundation | $500 | Applicant must be accepted to an accredited college or university in Georgia |
| GED Grant | Georgia’s HOPE | $500 | The grant must be used within 24 months of the date the student receives their GED |
| J.D. Archbold Memorial Hospital Scholarship | Archbold Memorial Hospital | $6,000 | The applicant must work at the Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville |
| Gault Education Scholarship | Judge Richard S. (Stan) | $2,500 | A non-traditional Forsyth County student pursuing a degree |
How to Choose a Cheap College in Georgia
If you’re wondering how to choose a cheap college in Georgia, there are some helpful tips to consider. They include choosing a school with many scholarship opportunities, a low cost of living, and online degree programs.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships reduce your expenses, so you should always consider the scholarship opportunities offered by your potential college in Georgia. Scholarships can either partially or fully cover tuition. Additionally, there is no limit to how many scholarships you can receive, so apply for as many as you can.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Low Cost of Living
The city your school is situated in also matters because it will determine how much you will spend on non-school-related expenses. The cost of food, transportation, and entertainment can increase your overall expenses. In a low-cost city, you would be able to save more.
Consider Online Learning
Online programs are generally less expensive because they can be taken from the comfort of your home. Colleges also do not charge as much because you are responsible for your accommodation. It can save you a lot, especially if you’re far away from Georgia.
Best Community Colleges by State
[query_class_embed] best-community-colleges-in-*city/state
Highest-Paying Jobs for College Graduates in Georgia
| Job Title | Average Salary in Georgia | Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians and Surgeons | $259,450 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Airline and Commercial Pilots | $205,610 | Bachelor’s degree in any field, including transportation, engineering, or business |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $177,960 | Master’s degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $157,290 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $150,010 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Podiatrists | $136,030 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Physicists and Astronomers | $121,010 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| General and Operations Managers | $102,190 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Judges and Hearing Officers | $80,440 | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Dentists | $73,140 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Best Jobs for College Grads in Georgia: Explained
Accredited Online Colleges by State
[query_class_embed] accredited-online-colleges-in-*state
Is a Cheap College in Georgia Worth It?
A cheap college in Georgia is worth it because it reduces the burden of repaying student loan debt for years to come. You can attend school and learn about your passion without worrying about how to cover your college expenses.
Cheapest Colleges in Georgia FAQ
No, Georgia does not have free colleges. However, the Amendment 23 program in Georgia allows legal residents of the state who are over 62 years of age to take free classes for undergraduate degrees. Senior citizens can enroll in classes based on availability with free tuition, but may still need to pay other fees.
The cheapest university in Georgia is Savannah State University which costs less than $200 per credit hour for in-state students. Even though other fees can increase the overall cost of this university, it is still considerably cheaper than others in the country.
You cannot go to school for free in Georgia, but there are financial aid options that may cover the cost. For example, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities with different eligibility requirements. Some of these requirements include being a US citizen or legal resident, having a certain minimum GPA, and demonstrating financial need.
Yes, Georgia is cheap to study inc compared to many other states. Georgia has one of the lowest tuition costs. Many students spend around $1,500 to $3,000 per year on their undergraduate degree, for regular and professional programs alike.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
