Technical College System of Georgia presents enrollment gains and low tuition rates; details on HOPE/HOPE Career grants

Greg Dozier, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia, told the Senate study committee that the state’s technical colleges have one of the lowest tuition rates in the nation and that the system is seeing strong enrollment rebounds since COVID.

Dozier told senators TCSG maintains a standard tuition rate across its 22 colleges—“a $107 per credit hour” figure he said is one of the lowest public costs nationwide—and described program pathways that include short certificates, one‑year diplomas and two‑year associate degrees. He said cost to complete varies by credential: certificates can range roughly $2,400 to $7,300, diplomas about $7,900 to $12,200 and two‑year pathways about $12,260 (figures presented by the commissioner).

Why it matters: TCSG serves a high share of working and lower‑income students, and Commissioner Dozier told the committee roughly 76.9% of TCSG students receive some form of financial aid; about 41,637 students across the system receive HOPE awards in various forms. He highlighted that HOPE grants can fully cover tuition for many certificate pathways and that additional career grants cover books and fees for qualifying high‑demand programs.

Key points from the presentation and Q&A: - Uniform tuition and affordability: Commissioner Dozier said the system’s single tuition rate is $107 per credit hour and noted tuition has risen from $88 over the last decade after two increases. He emphasized that many TCSG credentials are lower cost than four‑year pathways. - Enrollment rebound: Dozier reported steep post‑COVID recovery—credit hour increases of 3% (2023), 10.6% (2024), and projected 9.4% for 2025 on the formula funding calculation—with system headcount growth and expanding workforce training tied to employer needs. - Financial aid mix and usage: Dozier said about 41,637 students across the system were on HOPE (scholarship, grant, Zell Miller categories combined) and that roughly 76.9% of students use some form of aid. He noted about 5,700 students are Pell recipients. He also explained six colleges offer student loan programs locally, with outstanding loan balances varying by campus. - HOPE grants and career grants: Dozier described the HOPE grant (for technical certificates, 2.0 GPA requirement) and the HOPE Career Grant (for certain high‑demand pathways, covering tuition or books/fees), and he provided counts for awards and graduates in the 18 high‑demand pathways.

Senators asked how technical colleges connect to workforce needs, about Pell eligibility and student loan availability, and whether certificate students can transition to associate degrees. Dozier said transitions are possible and praised dual enrollment and Georgia Match as contributors to application spikes.

Provenance: The TCSG presentation begins when the committee called Commissioner Greg Dozier to the table and runs through the conclusion of his remarks and questions from senators.