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Bill would expand Tuition Equalization Grant eligibility; state official says funds likely sufficient
Summary
Senate Bill 149 would expand the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) to allow an additional category of four-year institutions to participate; state fiscal staff told the committee the change appears to require a first-year appropriation of about $1.7 million and, to their knowledge, only one institution would meet the bill’s new parameters.
Senator Heckman presented Senate Bill 149, which would alter eligibility rules for Georgia’s Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) so that certain newly qualified four-year private institutions could receive TEG awards.
"This is Georgia tuition equalization grant program and that program encourages Georgia residents to attend eligible private colleges in Georgia by aiding towards educational costs," Senator Heckman said, noting the program was created in 1971 and currently provides $550 per semester and $367 per quarter to eligible students.
Heckman said the bill would retain rigorous institutional standards while allowing more students to participate as workforce needs change. He noted the sponsor had consulted with the Georgia Student Finance Commission and that the governor’s office had indicated support for the bill in its present form.
Committee members asked how many additional institutions would become eligible and whether existing appropriations could cover any increased demand. Representative Richard Clark asked for a count of newly eligible institutions; Heckman said he did not know the exact number. Lynn Riley of the Georgia Student Finance Commission explained the commission’s fiscal estimate: "To our knowledge, there is only 1 institution that would apply to all of these parameters in this bill as it is before you today. We have done a fiscal estimate on this bill, and for tuition equalization grants, we estimate a first year need of $1,700,000. We believe we have sufficient funds that have been contemplated in the FY26 bill to provide for that without concern."
Representatives pressed about accreditation requirements. The bill as presented requires an institution to be accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level-6 institution; committee members noted past complications with accreditation language and asked whether other accrediting agencies could be considered. Senator Heckman said the governor’s office prefers the bill remain as drafted.
Cosmetology-sector representatives, including Tiffany Walker of Style Mob University, asked the committee to consider amending the bill to include nationally accredited private cosmetology schools. Walker argued privately accredited cosmetology and barber schools meet state requirements and produce workforce outcomes but are excluded under the bill’s current criteria. The sponsor and staff said they would work with interested parties after the hearing.
The committee conducted this item as a hearing only and did not vote on final passage. Questions about the number of additional institutions, accreditation eligibility, and potential longer-term funding impacts were left for further review.
