Tuition Classification
Tuition Classification Details
All University System of Georgia (USG) institutions are required to classify each student as in-state, out- of-state, or out-of-country. Decisions regarding tuition classification are based on Board of Regents Policy 04.03.02 Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes.
Students’ tuition classification is based on the information on their admission application. If the student does not agree with their initial tuition classification, they can submit a petition, along with supporting documentation, to the tuition classification coordinator.
Please note that any communication regarding our tuition classification will be sent to your GGC email.
Students under the age of 24 are considered dependent students, and therefore their tuition classification is based on their parents' or the US Court-appointed legal guardian’s domicile in Georgia.
- A person’s domicile is defined as the state where they intend to live indefinitely. This includes where they work, file taxes as a resident, hold a driver's license/state ID card, have their vehicle registered, etc.
- Georgia law deems that a person moving to the state of Georgia to establish residency must change their license/state ID and vehicle registration to Georgia within 30 days of moving here.
- A student cannot be classified as a resident if they moved to Georgia for the sole purpose of attending school.
Since GGC is a public university, a large share of the cost of attendance for an in-state student is borne by Georgia taxpayers. Failure to file taxes as a resident of Georgia can result in a student not being eligible for resident tuition status.
U.S. citizens under the age of 24 who are considered homeless under the definition of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act may qualify for in-state tuition if they can provide documentation permitted under Georgia Code 20-3-66(4).
Independent students are those age 24 and older OR those under the age of 24 who can prove they are financially independent from their parents/guardians.
- A student under the age of 24 whose parents/guardians do not reside in Georgia cannot be classified as an in-state student unless they can prove they are financially independent from their parents/guardians’ support. Extenuating circumstances outside of these parameters can be discussed with the tuition classification coordinator for consideration.
- A person’s domicile is defined as the state where it is their true fixed and permanent home for 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of the term. This includes where they work, file taxes as a resident, hold a driver's license/state ID card, have their vehicle registered, etc. This is the state they intend to live indefinitely.
- Georgia law deems that a person moving to the state of Georgia to establish residency must change their license/state ID and vehicle registration to Georgia within 30 days of moving here.
- A student cannot be classified as a resident if they moved to Georgia for the sole purpose of attending school.
Since GGC is a public university, a large share of the cost of attendance for an in-state student is borne by Georgia taxpayers. Failure to file taxes as a resident of Georgia can result in a student not being eligible for resident tuition status.
Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees or other eligible non-residents, as defined by federal Title IV regulations, may be extended the same consideration as citizens of the United States in determining whether they qualify for in-state classification.
Out-of-State and Out-of-Country Waivers
In some circumstances, students may qualify for an out-of-state and out-of-country waiver, which allows eligible students to pay a reduced tuition rate. Eligibility requirements vary.
Students classified as out-of-state who feel they meet the in-state classification requirements outlined in Board Policy 04.03.02 may submit a petition. The deadline to petition for a reclassification for an active term is 30 days following the start of that term. No requests will be accepted after that period.
Summer 2026 Deadlines
- March 1: begin submitting documents
- May 15: Documents due for consideration prior to payment deadline
- May 21: Payment deadline
- May 26: Summer 2026 classes begin
- June 26: Last day to apply for reclassification or waiver
Fall 2026 Deadlines
- March 1: Begin submitting documents
- July 15: Documents due for consideration prior to payment deadline
- July 30: Payment deadline
- Aug. 10: Summer 2026 classes begin
- Sept. 10: Last day to apply for reclassification or waiver
NOTE: All documentation MUST be submitted through the links sent to students' GGC email. NO documentation will be accepted via email, mail or dropped off at GGC.
