Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher?
Like most public universities, Georgia Tech charges more to non-residents because Georgia taxpayers help support the school’s operating budget. Out-of-state students typically need competitive scholarships, institutional aid, or specific waiver-based programs to close that gap.

Does Georgia Tech participate in WUE, ACM, or MSEP?
Georgia Tech does not list participation in broad tuition exchange programs like WUE, ACM, or MSEP as a standard way for non-residents to pay in-state rates.

Are there any out-of-state tuition waivers at all?
Not broadly — but there can be limited, competitive exceptions. For example, certain scholar programs may award an out-of-state tuition waiver to a small number of top non-resident students.

What’s the difference between “direct billed costs” and the full cost of attendance?
Direct billed costs are what you pay the university (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals). The full Cost of Attendance also includes indirect expenses like books, supplies, transportation, and personal costs — which matter for financial aid eligibility even if you don’t pay them to Georgia Tech.

Does the $13,289 net price apply to out-of-state students?
It’s a federal average across students who receive aid, so it’s useful as a baseline — but out-of-state families often see a higher net price unless the student earns significant scholarships or qualifies for strong institutional need-based aid.

Do mandatory fees matter when comparing offers?
Yes. Some schools advertise “tuition” only, but fees can add up quickly. In the table above, tuition and mandatory fees are combined so you can compare apples-to-apples with other colleges.

Does Georgia Tech offer automatic merit based on GPA or test scores?
No. Georgia Tech does not publish automatic merit thresholds tied to GPA or ACT/SAT scores. All institutional scholarships are competitive, even when students are automatically considered.

What does “automatic consideration” actually mean?
It means students are reviewed for certain scholarships after completing admission and financial aid steps, but funding is limited and not guaranteed.

Do test scores matter for scholarships?
Yes. Georgia Tech considers standardized test scores for both admission and scholarship review, and it superscores both the ACT and SAT.

Is the CSS Profile required for merit scholarships?
The CSS Profile is required for institutional need-based aid and some scholarship programs. Students who skip it may miss out on funding opportunities.

If there’s no automatic merit, where does big aid come from?
Large awards at Georgia Tech usually come from competitive programs like the Stamps President’s Scholarship or from need-based programs such as Tech Promise.

Are flagship scholarships automatic if my student has top scores?
No. Even students with perfect GPAs and test scores are not guaranteed flagship awards. Selection focuses on leadership, initiative, service, and long-term impact in addition to academics.

Do students need to apply separately for Stamps or Gold?
There is no separate initial application, but selected students must complete additional essays, interviews, and finalist events. Only a small fraction of Early Action applicants advance.

Is Early Action important for flagship scholarships?
Yes. Most flagship scholarship consideration begins with the Early Action applicant pool. Late applicants dramatically reduce their chances.

Do these scholarships stack with other merit awards?
Usually no. Flagship awards often replace other institutional scholarships and are designed to be the primary funding source.

Is leadership really that important?
Yes. Georgia Tech’s flagship programs look for students who lead, build, and contribute — not just those with top academic metrics.

Why don’t more families know about these scholarships?
Many are donor-restricted, department-specific, or awarded quietly through internal review.

Do hidden gem scholarships require perfect grades?
Not always. Fit matters more than raw numbers.

Can first-year students receive these awards?
Some yes, but many are awarded after enrollment.

Do these stack with Stamps?
Sometimes — smaller awards may stack, but flagship awards often replace other aid.

Is there an Honors College at Georgia Tech?
No. Georgia Tech uses scholar cohorts and the John H. Martinson Honors Program instead of a traditional Honors College.

Are honors programs the same as scholarships?
No. Some programs include major scholarships (like Stamps or Gold), while others focus on academics and enrichment without large financial awards.

Can students join honors without receiving a major scholarship?
Yes. JMHP is academic-focused and does not automatically include merit aid.

Can students apply to JMHP after enrolling?
Yes. Some students apply after their first year once they establish strong academic performance.

Is participation in honors guaranteed to lower costs?
No. Honors programs may enhance the academic experience, but cost reduction comes primarily from scholarships and grants.