Tuition FAQ
Tuition FAQ
GENERAL
- Is tuition increasing this fall?
- Is there an institutional fee?
- Why is the fee being extended?
- My insurance company requires that I be enrolled as a full-time student. I am taking 12 hours. Am I still considered a full-time student?
- Does the Institutional Fee apply to fall, spring and summer semesters?
- Who sets the Institute's tuition rate?
- How much are the new tuition and fees?
- How will the money from the tuition increase be used?
- Why is Georgia Tech's tuition more expensive than any other state university?
- Where can I get assistance to help manage my academic schedule?
GUARANTEED TUITION PLAN ("FIXED FOR FOUR")
- Is the Guaranteed Tuition Plan being discontinued?
- What about students who enrolled prior to the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?
- I am on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan and want to transfer to Tech. What rate will I pay?
- Will students in the Guaranteed Tuition Plan have to pay additional tuition if they take any credit hours above 12?
- I am on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan but it expires next term. What will I pay the following semester?
FLAT TUITION PLAN
- Why did the Board of Regents decide to set a flat tuition rate in lieu of the fixed for four plan?
- What does it mean that students enrolled at Georgia Tech will pay a "flat tuition rate?"
- What led to this change?
- Will the new flat tuition rate apply to students who enrolled prior to fall 2006 and who are not on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?
- What about students who opt for a study abroad program?
- This new tuition model only impacts Georgia Tech and UGA. Why do research universities cost more?
FINANCIAL AID
- If I have received a financial aid award letter, will I get a new award letter?
- What if I am unable to afford the new tuition rate?
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP (for Georgia residents)
- Will HOPE continue to cover my tuition?
- Is the Institutional Fee covered by HOPE?
- Will HOPE cover my tuition if I take fewer than 15 hours per semester?
GENERAL
Is tuition increasing this fall?
The Board of Regents (BOR) in general sets tuition each April for the upcoming academic year that begins in the Fall. Any increase slated by the BOR will impact students unless they are still on a guaranteed tuition plan. Those guarantees (for first time freshmen entering the University System beginning Fall 2006 through Spring 2009) will remain in place for those students until expired, which is after 12 consecutive academic terms. All other students will pay the prevailing rates set by the BOR for the term attended.
Is there an Institutional Fee?
Yes. All students will pay an institutional fee per term for the upcoming academic year.
Why is the fee being extended?
The fee was originally set in December 2008 for the spring 2009 semester. The temporary fee was part of the USG Board of Regents' plan to offset state budget reductions. Now that we have a much clearer picture of the state's declining revenues, the regents have decided that a special institutional fee must be part of the overall strategy to ensure access and academic excellence for students.
My insurance company requires that I be enrolled as a full-time student. I am taking 12 hours. Am I still considered a full-time student?
Yes, for financial aid and verification of enrollment purposes, 12 hours is still considered full-time.
Does the Institutional Fee apply to fall, spring and summer semesters?
The institutional fee applies to all three semesters. You must pay the USG Institution Fee each semester that you are enrolled.
Who sets the Institute's tuition rate?
The University System of Georgia's Board of Regents sets tuition rates for each of the state’s 35 public colleges and universities annually.
How much are the new tuition and fees?
A complete listing of tuition and mandatory fees can be found on this chart provided by the Georgia Tech Bursar’s Office.
How will the money from the tuition increase be used?
Tuition and fees provide funds for classroom and lab instruction as well as academic support services that exist outside the classroom. Examples of offices that provide academic support include advising, Professional Practice (co-op), International Education (study abroad), tutoring, and Student Affairs. Tuition does not go toward building construction, travel or athletic scholarships.
Why is Georgia Tech's tuition more expensive than any other state university?
Georgia Tech is a research institution. Degree programs in science and technology are space-intensive, equipment-intensive, and energy-intensive. These requirements are more costly compared to universities with different academic priorities. In addition, the expense associated with attracting and retaining premier faculty in science and engineering increases the cost of educating students who pursue a degree from Georgia Tech.
Where can I get assistance to help manage my academic schedule?
There are numerous resources and services available for students seeking academic support:
- Advising at Tech: Meet with your advisor, a mentor, or a trusted faculty member at least once a semester to map out your goals and classes. Your advisor may also point you to some useful tutoring programs within your department.
- Success Programs: Offers mentorship and one-on-one tutoring to help strengthen your knowledge on a given subject.
- Office of Minority Education: All students are welcome to take advantage of tutoring programs through OMED.
GUARANTEED TUITION PLAN ("FIXED FOR FOUR")
Is the Guaranteed Tuition Plan being discontinued?
Students who enrolled under a Guaranteed Tuition Plan (GTP) have their tuition fixed for up to 12 consecutive terms. After their GTP expires, the student will pay the prevailing flat rates for each term they are enrolled.
What about students who enrolled prior to the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?
Students not currently on a Guaranteed Tuition Plan will pay the prevailing flat rates as set by the BOR for each term enrolled.
I am on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan and want to transfer to Tech. What rate will I pay?
Students who are on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan and who elect to transfer to another institution will continue to pay the GT guaranteed tuition rate for their entering class until the time on their plan expires. This includes students on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan who transfer to Tech. Tuition changes do not affect any student who is covered by a Guaranteed Tuition Plan, including those who transfer from one USG institution to another.
Will students in the Guaranteed Tuition Plan have to pay additional tuition if they take any credit hours above 12?
No, the flat tuition rates do not affect students on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan. Students that remain on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan will see no change in their tuition rate.
I am on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan but it expires soon. What will I pay the following semester?
Students enrolled under the Guaranteed Tuition Plan have a fixed rate for 12 semesters. Once the guarantee expires, continuing students will then pay the prevailing rate under the Flat Tuition Plan.
FLAT TUITION PLAN
Why did the Board of Regents decide to set a flat tuition rate in lieu of the fixed for four plan?
Unforeseen economic circumstances coupled with substantial budget reductions compromised the long-term viability of a fixed tuition model. Academically competitive colleges and universities must maintain an equally competitive tuition rate. Despite this change, Georgia Tech's tuition rate remains one of the lowest when compared with its peer institutions while maintaining a top-tier national and international ranking.
What does it mean that students enrolled at Georgia Tech will pay a "flat tuition rate?"
New in-state students will pay one of two rates: a flat rate per semester for 6 hours or fewer or a different higher rate for more than 6 hours. Out-of-state students will also pay flat rates at the same tiers. Current rates can be found at www.bursar.gatech.edu/tuiandfee.php. Students will not pay an additional rate for taking more than 15 hours in a single semester.
What led to this change?
Historically, tuition has been based upon 12 credit hours, with no additional charge for more hours. The average number of credit hours carried by Georgia Tech students, however, is higher than that figure. Given the current budget picture, it is difficult to maintain academic quality and provide classes for free. Therefore, the tuition calculation has been revised to more accurately reflect the cost associated with these extra credits.
Will the new flat tuition rate apply to students who enrolled prior to fall 2006 and who are not on the Guaranteed Tuition Plan?
Yes, any undergraduate student not covered by a Guaranteed Tuition Plan will pay the flat tuition rates.
What about students who opt for a study abroad program?
These rates are outlined on this chart.
This new tuition model only impacts Georgia Tech and UGA. Why do research universities cost more?
Degree programs in science and technology are space-intensive, equipment-intensive, and energy-intensive. These requirements are fundamentally larger and more costly compared to universities with different academic priorities. In addition, the cost associated with attracting premier faculty increases the cost to educate students who pursue a degree at Georgia Tech.
FINANCIAL AID
If I have received a financial aid award letter, will I get a new award letter?
The Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid has updated its records to reflect current tuition and fees. You will receive a new award letter if the amounts of any of your awards are impacted by these changes. You can e-mail your advisor with any specific questions.
What if I am unable to afford the new tuition rate?
Georgia Tech is committed to working with students and families to find resources to help fund their education. For information regarding loans or scholarship assistance, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Students may also inquire with their academic department about scholarship opportunities. Tech also offers a robust co-op and internship programs to help students earn money, gain real world experience, and complete their degrees.
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP (for Georgia residents)
The HOPE Scholarship program is currently under review by the state legislature. More information regarding any changes will be posted as it becomes available.
For more information
| Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid | Georgia Tech Housing |
|---|---|
| http://www.finaid.gatech.edu | http://www.housing.gatech.edu |
| finaid@gatech.edu | 404-894-2470 |
| 404-894-4160 | |
| Success Programs | |
| Bursar's Office | A Division of Student Affairs |
| http://www.bursar.gatech.edu | http://www.successprograms.gatech.edu |
| 404-894-4618 | 404-894-1945 |