Overview: 2027 Fiscal Year Budget for Higher Education - Georgia Budget and Policy Institute

February 7, 2026 - 03:19

The proposed state budget for the 2027 fiscal year outlines continued investment in Georgia's public colleges and universities, though the increases are modest and signal a strategic shift in how financial aid is distributed. The plan, now under consideration by lawmakers, focuses on maintaining operational stability across the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia.

For the University System, the governor's proposal includes new funding to cover enrollment growth and a slight increase in the base budget for operations. The Technical College System would see similar adjustments for enrollment, alongside targeted funds for specific high-demand workforce programs. These allocations are designed to keep tuition relatively stable and support core institutional functions.

A notable element of the budget is the evolving approach to state financial aid. Proposals indicate a move toward need-based scholarships, potentially altering the landscape of the longstanding, merit-based HOPE Scholarship program. This shift aims to direct more assistance to students with the greatest financial need, addressing concerns about college affordability and access.

The budget also outlines adjustments for the current 2026 fiscal year, primarily focused on aligning existing appropriations with actual agency expenditures. The Georgia Student Finance Commission, which administers lottery-funded programs, would see its budget reflect updated projections for HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship costs. The final budget will be shaped by legislative debate in the coming months, determining the precise level of support for Georgia's higher education institutions and students.