The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved a tuition freeze for the 2020-2021 academic year. The policy applies to all 26 USG institutions, including Columbus State University. Students will pay the same tuition rates for the 2020-2021 academic year as they do now for the current 2019-2020 academic year. In addition, online tuition at CSU will also be reduced.
 
“We are pleased to hear this good news from the USG, and we welcome the relief it will bring to families who are struggling right now,” said CSU President Chris Markwood. “As we all navigate this challenging time, we invite current and prospective students to create their next steps forward at Columbus State University.”
 
The University System has had limited tuition increases among USG institutions to an average 0.9% annually for the past five years, well below the rate of inflation. This is the third time in five years there has been no tuition increase across the University System.
 
 “One of the University System of Georgia’s top priorities is affordability, and that has never been more important than now for our students and their families,” USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. “We are all trying to navigate an extraordinary time. It is more critical than ever for our institutions to provide a quality education while maintaining the affordability and accessibility that helps more Georgians attain a college degree and find success in the workforce.”  
 
No increase in tuition allows USG to continue to offer some of the lowest tuition rates among peer public higher education systems. Out of the 16 states that make up the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), USG has the fourth lowest in-state tuition and fees for undergraduates at four-year institutions.
 
In addition to helping our students manage tuition costs, the USG also adjusted e-Tuition rates for undergraduate tuition to match in-state tuition rates, and for Summer semester 2020, all mandatory fees, except the technology and special institution fee, will be eliminated.
 
“USG continues to do all we can to ensure the cost of our colleges and universities remains among the lowest of our peers, while keeping a sharp focus on providing students with a high-quality, affordable and accessible experience,” Chairman Sachin Shailendra said. “I support the recommendation of Chancellor Wrigley and know that the Board will support and approve it at our meeting on Tuesday.”