Senate study panel hears data and testimony calling for bigger need‑based aid and FAFSA outreach

A state Senate study committee on higher education affordability heard a daylong round of testimony arguing that Georgia’s current reliance on merit aid leaves a large affordability gap for low‑income students and that targeted need‑based funding and outreach could reduce stop‑outs and keep students in state.

Chancellor Sonny Perdue of the University System of Georgia told the committee the system’s tuition figures compare favorably nationally — average annual tuition and fees around $6,500 — and credited a roughly $230 million FY23 infusion for eliminating a special institution fee. He said state support for higher education has recovered in recent years to about 57% of the formula share after historic lows, but urged members to distinguish tuition and instructional costs from students’ living expenses, which drive much of total cost of attendance.

Speakers from the Technical College System of Georgia and private colleges described different parts of the affordability picture. Commissioner Greg Dozier said technical colleges operate a uniform tuition rate (about $107 per credit hour) and highlighted pathways that can cost as little as $2,400 for short certificates. Jenna Colvin, president of the Georgia Independent College Association, said sticker prices overstate costs at private institutions because institutional aid brings net prices down — she cited a GICA average cost of attendance of about $48,500 and a net price near $24,500 for first‑time full‑time students.

Two themes recurred: unmet need and FAFSA completion. Dr. Timothy Renick of Georgia State summarized detailed system data showing roughly 60% of undergraduates at his institution have unmet need averaging about $10,327; he said unmet need, even at modest levels, increases the odds that a student will stop out. Community organizations and scholarship providers reinforced that point. Dr. Cheryl Watson Harris of Achieve Atlanta and Jamecia Craig of College AIM described scholarship programs and advising that reduce borrowing and improve persistence, and both urged the state to close gaps that Pell, HOPE and institutional aid leave.

Committee members asked for follow‑up information, including peer‑state comparisons, the spreadsheet of IPEDS‑derived student cost data distributed to members, breakdowns of unmet need and Pell interaction, and how lottery reserve or other state funds might be used sustainably. The chair said staff will provide requested materials and confirmed the committee will reconvene for a meeting in Milledgeville for further review.

The committee did not take formal votes on policy during the session. Lawmakers and witnesses signaled broad interest in policy options ranging from increased FAFSA outreach and simplified application supports to targeted completion grants and a possible expansion of state need‑based aid, subject to sustainability concerns raised by the Office of Planning and Budget.