Georgia Technical Colleges to Increase Tuition in 2013

The cost of classes is set to go up at technical colleges in the state of Georgia, including .

The board that oversees the Technical College System of Georgia approved a $10 per credit hour increase set to go into effect starting with the spring 2013 semester. Students will now pay $85 per credit hour. Tuition for a 15-hour course load will go up by $150 to $1,275 in January.

“A tuition and fee increase was made necessary by the rising expenses to deliver our programs and lower state appropriations,” said TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson in a release. “A state technical college education remains an excellent value compared to the cost, yet we fully understand the impact that any additional expense has on our students.

"The colleges will do all that they can to provide sources of financial assistance to those who need it most."

Hope Scholars will also have to pay more out of pocket. As of now, the Hope Scholarship pays $60.75 per credit hour. These students will have to make up the difference.

The TCSG board also approved a $50 institutional fee starting in the spring of 2013 and a $50 fee for online classes starting in the fall. This means students will pay an average of $223 in fees statewide.

Will the tuition increase affect you or your student?