Georgia tuition increase approved as 'student loan doctor' offers tips

The Board of Regents approved a tuition increase for 2026-27 — 1% for in-state and 3% for out-of-state undergraduates — and Sonia Lewis, CEO of "The Student Loan Doctor," suggested strategies to help families manage the higher costs.

The Board of Regents has approved a tuition increase for the 2026-2027 academic year. In-state undergraduates will see a 1% rise and out-of-state students a 3% rise, officials said. The board described the move as a measured approach to address a reported $34 million gap in state funding and noted that state support for instructional costs has fallen from about 75% to roughly 57%. The vote also changed mandatory fees at several campuses, with most schools facing increases and a few seeing decreases. Details: - In-state undergraduate tuition will increase by 1% for 2026-27. - Out-of-state undergraduate tuition will increase by 3%. - Mandatory fees will increase at 13 of Georgia's 25 public colleges and universities; Kennesaw State and Georgia Southern will see decreases in some mandatory fees. - Board officials said the adjustments aim to close a $34 million funding gap and characterized the approach as "measured." - Students quoted in the article expressed concern about added financial strain, and one out-of-state student said she may pursue more scholarships. Summary: The approved increases will raise costs for many students and come alongside rising everyday expenses such as gas, parking and supplies. Sonia Lewis, CEO of "The Student Loan Doctor," suggested several strategies to help families manage the changes, though the article did not list specific tactics. Undetermined at this time.