Georgia: Top 20 States for Student Living Costs

Georgia Ranks Among Top 20 States for Student Living Costs, Study Finds

ATLANTA, Ga. — A new nationwide study has found that Georgia ranks among the top 20 most expensive states for student living costs, with many college students paying more for housing, utilities, and study expenses than for tuition itself.

Study Highlights High Cost of Living for Georgia Students

The report, released by Studocu, analyzed data from the U.S. Census, IPEDS, and state utility averages to determine how much students spend each month across the United States. The findings reveal that Georgia ranks 21st out of 50 states for on-campus affordability, placing it in the upper tier of states where student living costs are among the highest.

On average, Georgia students pay less than the national on-campus average of $4,576 per month, but costs still vary widely across the state.

  • On-campus housing averages $4,284 per month, ranging from $2,664 at Shorter University in Rome to $7,149 at Piedmont University in Demorest.
  • Off-campus housing, including utilities, averages $1,275 per month, with rents spanning from $382 in Toccoa Falls to $1,626 in Kennesaw.
  • Students spend roughly $1,412 annually on books and supplies, higher than the national average of $1,224 per year.

Private vs. Public Tuition Disparity

The study also highlights a major tuition gap between private and public institutions.
At private colleges like Agnes Scott College in Decatur, tuition averages over $45,000 per year, while at public universities such as Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, in-state tuition averages closer to $10,000 annually.

Analysts noted that for many Georgia students, the combined costs of housing, food, and study materials often exceed tuition — particularly for those studying in metro areas like Atlanta and Kennesaw.

Rising Costs Strain College Budgets

With inflation and housing demand continuing to drive up costs, students and families are finding it increasingly difficult to manage expenses outside tuition.
Financial aid experts urge students to budget carefully, consider on-campus housing options, and take advantage of student discount programs and institutional grants to offset the growing financial burden.

The Saluda Standard-Sentinel encourages readers to share how college affordability has affected their educational decisions and family budgets. Visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com to join the discussion and explore more economic news from across the Southeast.

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