Students will save almost $300 on tuition starting next semester after a USG decision to remove one fee.

The Fiscal Year 2023 budget allows The University System of Georgia to remove the Special Institutional Fee (SIF) from students’ tuition and increase HOPE Scholarships at some colleges which will go into effect July 1, 2022, according to GBPI. 

SIF, the largest fee, made up 40% of mandatory fees. Georgia Southern students will save $290 per semester once this goes into effect.

The SIF was put into place in 2009 in order to make up for revenue loss from state budget cuts. Students paid $230 million total to colleges and universities in this fee in 2021-2022.

Since 2011, HOPE Scholarships and Grants have covered partial tuition for students, but the percentage has differed. This budget includes changes to HOPE Scholarships and Grants, setting awards at 90% of tuition at Technical Colleges and Six USG Schools. 

The budget awaits the Governor’s signature to become law.