University of West Georgia students will pay the same tuition for the 2018-19 academic year as the current year, with tuition rates set for next year at a zero percent increase.

The University System of Georgia Board of Regents voted last Tuesday to keep next year’s tuition rates at the same level as this school year. Enrollment costs will remain the same for all 26 public colleges and universities in the state.

In-state tuition for full-time UWG students (those who enroll in 15 or more credit hours) per semester will continue at $2,665 — $177.67 per credit hour — for the 2018-19 year.

“Our mission has been, and will continue to be, to provide students with a transformational college experience at a reasonable cost,” UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero said. “The decision by the University System and the Board of Regents supports our goal of providing accessible, high-quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our community. This also ensures UWG remains a cost-competitive option for students interested in attending a top-tier Regional Comprehensive University.”

Steve Wrigley, chancellor of the USG Board of Regents, thanked Gov. Nathan Deal and the General Assembly for support of public higher education in Georgia.

“We recognize the critical need to keep our institutions affordable for students while providing a quality education,” Wrigley said. “The board’s decision maintains our commitment to keeping tuition increases to a minimum.”

The University System has been able to limit tuition increases to an average of 1.8 percent annually over the last five years and continues to offer some of the lowest tuition rates among peer public higher education systems. Out of the 16 states that make up the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), the USG remains the sixth-lowest in tuition and fees for four-year institutions.

Tuition for graduate students will also remain the same at UWG, holding steady at $2,724 per semester for full-time graduate students.

The board also continues to ensure fees charged by USG institutions are kept to a minimum. UWG has added to this commitment by further limiting student fee increases for UWG students over the past five years.

For the 2018-2019 academic year, UWG student fees will increase by $31 per semester — from $981 to $1,012 — for full-time, in-state undergraduate students. Student fees support a host of student resources and services provided to students during their learning experience at UWG.

“In 2016, a state audit report found that tuition and fees in the University System averaged 25 percent less than what institutions in peer states charged,” said Shelley Nickel, executive vice chancellor for strategy and fiscal affairs for USG. “In 2018, we remain focused on giving students an affordable, accessible and high-quality experience that we hope ultimately results in their success.”