The University System of Georgia has policies that allow students from homeless situations to be eligible for in-state tuition.

Per Georgia Code § 20-3-66(4), a “student from a homeless situation” is a U.S. citizen who graduated from a Georgia high school (or an equivalent high school in another state) or who has received a HiSET or GED diploma awarded by the Technical College System of Georgia (or the equivalent in another state) and who meets all of the following:

1. Is under the age of 24;
2. Currently lacks, or during the previous academic year lacked, a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence as described under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;
3. Has not for any period within the last 12 consecutive months been incarcerated in a correctional institution, detention center, jail, or other similar facility after having been convicted of a crime

Students who meet these qualifications are eligible for in-state tuition if they can provide a letter of support or evidence of the homeless situation from one of the following:

• A local educational agency homeless liaison, as provided for under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act;
• The director, or his or her designee, of:
  • An emergency or transitional shelter, street outreach program, homeless youth drop-in center, or other such program serving homeless youth or families;
  • A program funded under part A of Title IV of the Social Security Act;
  • The state or tribal organization that administers a state plan under Part B or E of Title IV of the Social Security Act
• Staff of a university accredited under the laws of this state; or
• Such other similar professional, as deemed appropriate by the postsecondary educational institution such as the campus’ Embark Designated Point of Contact Representative 

If you meet these qualifications, please send your letter of support or other documentation of evidence to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. You can send this by email to admiss@westga.edu, by fax to 678-839-4747, or by mail to:

University of West Georgia
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
1601 Maple Street
Carrollton, GA 30118

For questions, please feel free to contact us.