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Do I Qualify for In-State Tuition?

Soar Beyond the Expected

Your college experience should be more than a continuation of high school—it should be a bold new beginning. At Georgia Southern University, we offer the best of both worlds: the affordability of in-state tuition with the excitement of a fresh start in a new place.

Here, you’ll find a welcoming community full of diverse perspectives, meaningful connections, and hands-on opportunities that push you to grow. Whether you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, exploring new interests, or preparing for a future you haven’t imagined yet, Georgia Southern is where it all takes flight.

This is your moment to rise, explore, and soar beyond what you thought possible—with the resources, support, and momentum to carry you forward.

Apply to Georgia Southern Complete the In-State Tuition Petition Form

In-State Tuition Eligibility

Choosing a college is about more than location. It’s about finding the right fit with the right support. At Georgia Southern, in-state students enjoy more than affordable tuition. They gain access to life-changing opportunities that make every dollar count.

If you’re a Georgia resident, live in a qualifying border state, or meet specific nonresident criteria, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates. That means you can experience a nationally respected education, vibrant student life, and meaningful mentorship without stretching your budget.

With three distinct campuses, dozens of degree programs, and a community that feels like home, Georgia Southern offers a smart investment in your future. Discover if you qualify and start soaring from the start.

Georgia Residents

In order to qualify for in-state tuition as a Georgia resident, you must demonstrate that you, your spouse, your parent or your court-appointed guardian is a legal resident of Georgia and has been for 12 months prior to your enrollment. This is established for most students when they complete their Application for Admission. But sometimes, errors are made that require further explanation or documentation.

Note: Establishing residency for tuition purposes, as defined by the Board of Regents, is different from establishing residency for voting, driver’s license, vehicle registration or tax purposes.

Tuition Classification Glossary of Terms Tuition Classification in the Catalog

Border State Residents

Georgia Southern’s Border State Waiver offers eligible students from neighboring states the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate education at in-state tuition rates. To qualify for the Border State Waiver, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Enrollment in an Undergraduate Degree-Seeking Program: Students must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate degree-seeking program of study at Georgia Southern. This waiver is specifically designed to assist students in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.
  • Residency in Eligible States: Students must currently reside in one of the qualifying states: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee. This program fosters academic collaboration and cultural exchange among students from these neighboring states.

By meeting these criteria, students can take advantage of the Border State Waiver to reduce the financial burden of out-of-state tuition fees and enjoy the benefits of attending Georgia Southern. Students are also eligible for financial aid and scholarships.

Nonresidents

Certain non-Georgia residents may apply for a Georgia Southern out-of-state tuition waiver to receive in-state tuition rates if they meet specific requirements.

If applying for an out-of-state tuition waiver, keep in mind:

  • Waiver approval will not change the out-of-state classification to an in-state classification; the student will remain coded out of state.
  • The waivers allow an out-of-state student to receive in-state tuition rates.
  • Undergraduate students with fully online course schedules are assessed the equivalent of in-state tuition rates automatically and will not generate out-of-state rates to be removed by a waiver.
  • When registered for in-person, on-campus classes or a mixed schedule of on-campus and online courses, you will see the out-of-state tuition rate, but the waiver will deduct those out-of-state amounts. If you have questions regarding the billing structure, contact the Bursar at bursar@georgiasouthern.edu.
  • Some out-of-state tuition waivers require annual recertification of eligibility, while others do not. The waivers that do not require recertification every semester or academic year are: Georgia National Guard & U.S. Reservist Waiver, Active Duty Military Waiver, Recently Separated Military Waiver, Nonresident Student Waiver, Senior Citizen Exemption Waiver, Border State Waiver and Border County Waiver.
  • For these, once approved, the waiver will roll forward each semester as long as the student remains continuously enrolled.*

*Continuous Enrollment: Enrollment without a break of more than one traditional academic semester. A student who is not enrolled for two or more consecutive traditional academic semesters is not considered continuously enrolled.

Note: Spring and fall are considered traditional academic semesters. Summer is not considered a traditional academic semester.

Out-of-State Tuition Waiver Process and Forms

Military Mandatory Fee-Only Waivers

Certain Georgia and non-Georgia military students may apply for a fee-only waiver given the specific conditions below:

  • Military Mandatory Fee Waiver. Students who are currently serving full time on active duty in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or serving members of the Military Reserves or National Guard (Titles 10 or 32) are eligible to request an exemption from Mandatory Fees at Georgia Southern University. If the military student is utilizing Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) or paying their own way, they can be approved to receive the waiver. Students utilizing Veterans Education benefits do not qualify for the Military Mandatory Fee Waiver.
Tuition Classification & Petitioning for In-State Tuition Review In-State & Out-of-State Rates

Out-of-State Tuition

Soar Beyond State Lines

Choosing to go out of state for college isn’t just about changing your address—it’s about expanding your world. At Georgia Southern, we embrace your bold move and match it with a community that helps you rise even higher.

Here, you’ll find more than a classroom—you’ll find connection, purpose, and momentum. From game-day energy and campus traditions to hands-on research and personal mentorship, Georgia Southern offers the best of a large university with the heart of a close-knit community. Our faculty know your name, and our support systems are built to help you succeed—academically, professionally, and personally.

Wherever you’re from, this is your place to soar beyond expectations.

One of the biggest challenges for out-of-state students is the cost of tuition. However, Georgia Southern offers a number of scholarships and financial aid opportunities to help make college more affordable. In fact, the average out-of-state student receives over $10,000 in financial aid.  The average cost of attending Georgia Southern is around $32,000 per year including tuition as well as an estimated costs for books, residence hall and meals. Fees vary by campus and residence hall. These costs are lower than many other U.S. universities of comparable size and facilities. To see a breakdown of fees, visit Georgia Southern’s NetPrice Calculator.

If you’ve completed college courses previously, you might have the opportunity to transfer those credits to Georgia Southern University. This could potentially save you both time and money on your degree. You can utilize our Transfer Course Equivalencies tool to explore which course credits are eligible for transfer.

Georgia Southern has an engaging student life that is certain to attract students from across the nation. We provide an extensive variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities, ensuring you’ll discover something that captures your interest. Additionally, our three picturesque campuses are situated in the heart of the South, ensuring constant prospects for exploration and excitement!

Explore Our Campuses

As the largest comprehensive university in South Georgia, Georgia Southern offers 70+ undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs, certificates and endorsements designed to help you rise—and keep rising. Whether you’re just starting your journey or planning your next steps, you’ll find the path that fits your passion and potential. Earn both degrees here and become part of our proud Double Eagle Society—where your success takes flight twice.

Explore Our Programs

Verification of Lawful Presence

In accordance with Board of Regents policy, all applicants who are accepted for admission or readmission to Georgia Southern must provide validation of lawful presence in the United States in order to receive in-state tuition or other state benefits. This includes Georgia residents and students receiving any out-of-state tuition waiver, such as the Presidential Waiver for academics and athletics.

Failure to confirm legal presence by the first day of classes will result in an out-of-state residency classification, and out-of-state fees will be assessed. Most students complete this process by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). If you don’t complete a FAFSA®, you may:

  • Log into your application status check and navigate to “Upload Materials.” Choose “Lawful Presence Documentation” from the dropdown menu and then select a file to upload.
  • Complete the Verification of Lawful Presence form. Make clear and legible photocopies of at least one of the applicable materials listed (some require you to provide a certified original) and submit to the office where you submitted your Georgia Southern application.

  • Current ID or driver’s license issued by the state of Georgia after Jan. 1, 2008. Other states with acceptable driver’s licenses are: Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin. Limited term or temporary licenses are not acceptable.
  • Certified U.S. Birth Certificate showing that the student was born in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. Students may obtain a certified copy through the Health Department in the county in which they were born.
  • U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
  • Current U.S. Passport
  • Current Military ID (service member only, not dependent). A photocopy is not acceptable. The original card can be presented in person at the office where you submitted your application.
  • Current, valid Permanent Resident Card

International students are validated for lawful presence by the Office of International Student Admissions and Programs. The student does not need to take any action.

Already Admitted?

If you have been admitted to Georgia Southern as a border state or out-of-state student and plan to enroll, you can submit a petition for in-state tuition or an out-of-state waiver. If you have questions, email residency@georgiasouthern.edu.

Complete the Petition Form