Georgia State University's published cost of attendance is $26,535 per year, including $8,478 in-state tuition, $16,328 for room and board, and $2,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $23,709 in tuition, significantly higher than the in-state rate.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,241 |
| Tuition and Fees | $24,840 |
| Room and Board | $13,392 |
| Books and Supplies | $2,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,310 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,931 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,787 |
| $30–48k | $14,430 |
| $48–75k | $16,656 |
| $75–110k | $19,390 |
| $110k+ | $20,305 |
Georgia State University's published cost of attendance is $26,535 per year, including $8,478 in-state tuition, $16,328 for room and board, and $2,000 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $23,709 in tuition, significantly higher than the in-state rate. However, the average student pays just $15,931 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,604 from the sticker price.
This net price falls slightly below the peer median of $15,590, indicating competitive affordability relative to similar institutions. The university demonstrates commitment to affordability through substantial financial aid that reduces costs for most students. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $13,552 for families earning under $30,000 to $20,338 for those earning over $110,000.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Georgia State University graduates carry median debt of $20,903, representing a manageable burden relative to their post-graduation earnings. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in borrowing patterns across the student population.
Compared to the peer median debt of $20,000, Georgia State graduates borrow slightly more, with a difference of $903 above typical levels. This debt level produces a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44, indicating that annual loan payments represent a reasonable proportion of graduate incomes.
Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $13,962 with monthly payments of approximately $184, representing additional family borrowing for college costs. The combination of student and family borrowing reflects the institution's diverse student population and varied financing approaches.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Georgia State University represents strong educational value through exceptional earnings beyond expectations performance combined with controlled costs and manageable debt levels. Graduates earn $13,899 beyond predicted levels based on their demographics, ranking at the 89.9th percentile nationally well above average on this critical value-added measure.
This exceptional performance indicates the university adds substantial value through its educational programs, career services, and support systems. While median earnings of $47,384 fall below the peer median of $60,543 by $13,159, the value-added performance demonstrates the university's effectiveness in serving its mission population.
Student debt of $20,903 compares favorably to earnings with a 0.44 debt-to-earnings ratio, supporting manageable loan repayment. The net price of $15,931 provides good value relative to outcomes, particularly given the institution's success in generating earnings uplift for students who might not achieve similar results elsewhere.
Georgia State University serves a predominantly lower-income student population, with 50.1% of students receiving Pell grants compared to typical rates around 35% nationally. This high Pell share indicates significant financial need among enrolled students and institutional commitment to educational access regardless of economic background.
The substantial gap between sticker price ($26,535) and average net price ($15,931) demonstrates meaningful financial aid distribution that makes college affordable for diverse income levels. Aid appears concentrated toward students with greatest need, as evidenced by the progressive net pricing structure where lowest-income families pay roughly $7,000 less than highest-income families.
The university's financial aid approach aligns with its access mission, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent qualified students from enrolling. This aid targeting particularly benefits first-generation students, who comprise 32.3% of enrollment and often come from families with limited college financing experience.
