# Most Affordable Colleges in Georgia by Net Price (2026)

> The 15 Georgia colleges with the lowest average net price after grants, with tuition and graduation rate. Verified federal cost data.

- Page: https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-georgia-by-net-price
- Category: Financial Aid
- Author: CollegesRef Editorial
- Published: 2026-11-03
- Updated: 2026-11-04
- Data guide: figures are built only from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data.

The Georgia colleges with the lowest average net price are Atlanta Technical College, Dalton State College, and West Georgia Technical College. Georgia is a comparatively affordable state: the median net price across its 46 qualifying colleges is $11,908, 13% less than the national median of $13,715. Graduation rates stay in a narrow band across the list (median 35%), so the savings at the top of the ranking do not come with a clear drop in completion.

## Georgia colleges with the lowest average net price

| # | College | City | Avg. net price | In-state tuition | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Atlanta Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/atlanta-technical-college-137) | Atlanta | $2,240 | $3,382 | 44% |
| 2 | [Dalton State College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/dalton-state-college-766) | Dalton | $2,353 | $3,376 | 29% |
| 3 | [West Georgia Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/west-georgia-technical-college-3205) | Waco | $2,469 | $3,410 | 32% |
| 4 | [Albany Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/albany-technical-college-26) | Albany | $2,966 | $3,364 | 40% |
| 5 | [Savannah Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/savannah-technical-college-2381) | Savannah | $3,457 | $3,330 | 43% |
| 6 | [Chattahoochee Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/chattahoochee-technical-college-518) | Marietta | $5,227 | $3,540 | 36% |
| 7 | [Georgia Highlands College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/georgia-highlands-college-1071) | Rome | $5,521 | $3,216 | 20% |
| 8 | [Wiregrass Georgia Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/wiregrass-georgia-technical-college-3295) | Valdosta | $6,030 | $3,480 | 33% |
| 9 | [Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/abraham-baldwin-agricultural-college-3) | Tifton | $6,874 | $3,268 | 40% |
| 10 | [Augusta Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/augusta-technical-college-144) | Augusta | $7,427 | $4,282 | 32% |
| 11 | [Savannah State University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/savannah-state-university-2380) | Savannah | $7,542 | $5,750 | 35% |
| 12 | [Columbus Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/columbus-technical-college-661) | Columbus | $7,638 | $4,052 | 22% |
| 13 | [Athens Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/athens-technical-college-134) | Athens | $7,929 | $3,390 | 46% |
| 14 | [Gordon State College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/gordon-state-college-1098) | Barnesville | $8,779 | $3,628 | 22% |
| 15 | [Clayton State University](https://www.collegesref.com/college/clayton-state-university-569) | Morrow | $8,868 | $5,240 | 38% |

## Georgia enrolls more Pell Grant students and has private colleges that stay costly after aid

46 Georgia colleges with at least 2,000 students report an average net price and a graduation rate: 38 public colleges, 7 private nonprofit, and 1 for-profit. These colleges serve more lower-income students than most: 46% of undergraduates at the median college receive Pell Grants, against 34% nationwide. Private colleges stay expensive after aid, at a median of $31,702 against $27,673 for private colleges nationwide. Former students of the median college earn $46,880 ten years after starting, behind the $52,768 national median.

| Measure | Georgia | Nationwide |
|---|---|---|
| Average net price after grants (median) | $11,908 | $13,715 |
| Cost of attendance before aid (median) | $21,276 | $24,202 |
| Cost of attendance minus net price (median) | $9,476 | $9,983 |
| Public share of colleges | 83% | 75% |
| Net price at public colleges (median) | $10,125 | $10,454 |
| Net price at private colleges (median) | $31,702 | $27,673 |
| In-state tuition at publics (median) | $4,282 | $6,034 |
| Out-of-state tuition at publics (median) | $11,128 | $12,515 |
| Nonresident tuition premium (median) | $7,512 | $7,950 |
| Undergraduates with Pell Grants (median) | 46% | 34% |
| Earnings ten years after entry (median) | $46,880 | $52,768 |
| Earnings as a multiple of yearly net price (median) | 4.6 times | 4.1 times |
| Six-year graduation rate (median) | 39% | 44% |

Inside Georgia, the median private college costs $21,577 more a year after aid than the median public one ($31,702 against $10,125). Private grants explain much of that: the median private college's net price is $14,822 under its published cost, against $9,237 at publics. For Georgia residents, the lowest public net prices are at [Atlanta Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/atlanta-technical-college-137) ($2,240 net price), [Dalton State College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/dalton-state-college-766) ($2,353 net price), and [West Georgia Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/west-georgia-technical-college-3205) ($2,469 net price). For students from other states, the lowest out-of-state tuition at a public college here is at Savannah Technical College ($5,898), Albany Technical College ($5,932), and Atlanta Technical College ($5,950).

## Key takeaways

- Even this low-cost list covers a wide range: Clayton State University costs 4 times as much after aid as Atlanta Technical College ($8,868 against $2,240).
- Chattahoochee Technical College, a public school, is the largest campus here at about 8,727 students and ranks 6th, while the smallest school on the list enrolls about 2,029.
- The list spans 14 cities, with Savannah each hosting more than one school.
- Public colleges are over-represented, filling 15 of the 15 spots (100%) while making up 83% of the state pool.

## Which of Georgia's lowest-priced publics federal loans could cover

Four years of average net price, a rough total for a student who receives grants and finishes on time, comes to about $8,960 at Atlanta Technical College, $24,120 at the median school on this list, and $35,472 at Clayton State University; fewer than half of students finish within six years at the median school here (35%), so treat four years as a best case. A dependent student can borrow at most $27,000 in federal Direct Loans over four years ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized)); at Atlanta Technical College federal loans alone could cover the four-year net price, though borrowing the maximum is rarely the best plan, and 8 of the 15 schools in the table come in under that ceiling over four years.

| College | Four years at avg. net price | Four years of in-state tuition | Four years of out-of-state tuition | Pell Grant recipients | Median earnings (10 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Atlanta Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/atlanta-technical-college-137) | $8,960 | $13,528 | $23,800 | 63% | $37,957 |
| [Dalton State College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/dalton-state-college-766) | $9,412 | $13,504 | $43,552 | 54% | $46,083 |
| [West Georgia Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/west-georgia-technical-college-3205) | $9,876 | $13,640 | $23,912 | 47% | $41,700 |
| [Albany Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/albany-technical-college-26) | $11,864 | $13,456 | $23,728 | 59% | $34,861 |
| [Savannah Technical College](https://www.collegesref.com/college/savannah-technical-college-2381) | $13,828 | $13,320 | $23,592 | 54% | $38,126 |

Savannah State University has the largest share of Pell Grant recipients in the table (71% of undergraduates), so its average net price already reflects many lower-income students; the maximum Pell Grant for 2026-27 is $7,395 ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell)). Without grants, four years of tuition alone comes to $12,864 at Georgia Highlands College and $23,000 at Savannah State University, before housing, food, and books; those public prices assume Georgia residency, so run each school's net price calculator before assuming a family gets no grants. Nonresidents pay a median of $3,210 more a year in tuition at the public schools in the table; most schools in the table are public, so this affects nearly every option, and the widest gap is at Clayton State University, where four years of out-of-state tuition costs $46,656 more than Georgia residents pay. Set against earnings, Dalton State College stands out: its former students' median earnings of $46,083 ten years after entry are 4.9 times its four-year net price.

## Why Georgia's lowest-cost colleges show wide gaps in graduation rates

A low price tag loses its value if a student leaves college without a credential. While Georgia offers some of the most affordable public higher education in the country, the likelihood of finishing a program varies wildly from one campus to the next. Families must look beyond the yearly net price to see how many students actually reach the finish line.

According to CollegesRef data, the median graduation rate across the 15 lowest-priced Georgia colleges is 35%. This sits below the state's overall median graduation rate of 39%, which in turn lags the national median of 44% for colleges of similar size. An applicant looking at these institutions must weigh the immediate savings against the historical completion rates of past cohorts.

### The high-performing bargains on the list

Several of the most affordable colleges in the state also post the strongest completion numbers. Athens Technical College leads the 15 listed schools with a 46% graduation rate, while maintaining an average net price of $7,929. This combination of a near-median price and above-average completion makes it a strong benchmark for comparison.

Even more striking is Atlanta Technical College, which ranks first for affordability with an average net price of $2,240 and graduates 44% of its students. Savannah Technical College follows a similar pattern, posting a 43% graduation rate alongside an average net price of $3,457. These three institutions demonstrate that families do not have to accept rock-bottom graduation rates to secure a low net price. For a student choosing between local options, these campuses represent the most efficient use of tuition dollars based on historical outcomes.

### Where low prices meet low completion rates

Conversely, some low-cost options in Georgia show much lower completion trends. Georgia Highlands College has the lowest graduation rate on the list at 20%, yet its average net price of $5,521 is more than double what a student pays at Atlanta Technical College. Columbus Technical College presents a similar challenge, graduating just 22% of its students while charging an average net price of $7,638.

Gordon State College also graduates 22% of its cohort, but it carries an average net price of $8,779, making it the second-most expensive school on this specific list. When a student enrolls at a campus where only one in five classmates finishes, the risk of accumulating debt without earning a degree increases. If a student needs more than four years to graduate due to limited course availability or academic hurdles, the true cost of that degree will quickly surpass the estimated net price.

An applicant comparing these institutions should ask the admissions office about specific retention initiatives. A family should look at whether a low graduation rate is driven by students transferring to four-year universities or by students dropping out entirely. In Georgia's public system, many students start at two-year technical colleges with the intention of transferring to larger state universities. If those transfer students are not counted as graduates in the official IPEDS data, the published graduation rate may understate the actual success of the student body. Families should request transfer-out rates directly from the financial aid or institutional research office before making a final decision.

## Private college aid gaps and public alternatives in Georgia

Private colleges in Georgia rarely compete on price with the state's public institutions. While the median net price at public colleges in Georgia is $10,125, the median net price at private colleges in the state climbs to $31,702. This difference of $21,577 per year means a student choosing a private institution in Georgia will often face more than triple the annual net cost of a public option.

### The limits of private institutional discounting

Private colleges often highlight their institutional aid packages to convince families that their actual costs will match public tuition. In Georgia, the median cost of attendance minus net price is $9,476. This figure represents the average discount a student receives through grants and scholarships. Nationally, the median discount is slightly higher at $9,983.

Despite these discounts, Georgia's private colleges remain exceptionally expensive for the average student. The state's median private net price of $31,702 is significantly higher than the national private median of $27,673. Because the initial sticker price at these private institutions is so high, a discount of roughly $9,500 does not lower the final bill enough to compete with public alternatives.

This reality is reflected in the rankings of the state's most affordable schools. None of the 15 colleges on the list of lowest average net prices in Georgia is private. Every single spot is held by a public institution, ranging from Atlanta Technical College at a net price of $2,240 to Clayton State University at $8,868.

### When a private college might cost less

A private college in Georgia is unlikely to cost less than a public college unless a student qualifies for specialized, need-based institutional aid or significant merit scholarships. Families must look at the net price calculator on each college's financial aid website rather than relying on published tuition rates.

For a student from a low-income household, some highly selective private colleges with massive endowments practice need-blind admissions and pledge to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans. In those specific cases, the institutional grant awarded by a private college can exceed the federal Pell Grant limit, which is capped at $7,395 for the 2026-27 award year according to studentaid.gov. When these large institutional grants are applied, the net price at a private college can occasionally drop below the cost of a public university that lacks the resources to offer institutional aid.

However, for the average applicant in Georgia, public colleges remain the most reliable path to an affordable degree. The median public net price of $10,125 in Georgia is even lower than the national public median of $10,454. This makes Georgia's public system highly competitive on a national scale.

When comparing award letters, families must look at the line showing the net price, which is the total cost of attendance minus all gift aid like grants and scholarships. Do not confuse student loans with actual aid. A federal Direct Loan, which is capped at $5,500 for a dependent first-year student according to studentaid.gov, must be paid back with interest and does not lower the net price of the college. If the net price on a private college award letter exceeds the public option by tens of thousands of dollars, the student will have to cover that gap through personal savings, private loans, or parent borrowing.

## How Georgia graduate earnings compare to low college net prices

A student looking at college costs must also look at what comes after graduation. In Georgia, the relationship between what you pay and what you earn ten years later looks different than the national average. According to CollegesRef data, the median earnings for students ten years after entering college stand at $46,880 in Georgia, which falls below the national median of $52,768.

However, because Georgia colleges are comparatively inexpensive, the return on the initial investment is high. The median earnings in Georgia represent 4.6 times the yearly net price of college, compared to a national median of 4.1 times. This means a student in Georgia generally recovers their college costs faster than the average U.S. student.

### Where earnings most exceed the annual cost of attendance

At the very top of the affordability list, the ratio of earnings to net price becomes exceptionally high. Dalton State College leads the state on this measure. Ten years after starting, former students of Dalton State College earn a median of $46,083, which is 19.6 times the school's average annual net price of $2,353.

Two technical colleges follow closely behind with identical ratios. Atlanta Technical College, which has the lowest net price on the list at $2,240, yields median earnings of $37,957 ten years after entry. This represents 16.9 times the annual net price. West Georgia Technical College also reaches a 16.9 ratio, with former students earning a median of $41,700 against an average net price of $2,469.

For an applicant, these numbers show that the lowest-priced options in the state do not trap graduates in low-paying fields. A student who pays less than $2,500 a year after grants can still expect to earn a typical middle-class salary in the years following enrollment.

### Understanding the lower ratios on the affordable list

Not every low-cost college in Georgia offers the same financial return relative to its price. Several schools on the list have much lower earnings-to-price ratios, though they still exceed the national median of 4.1 times.

Athens Technical College, Augusta Technical College, and Columbus Technical College all sit at the bottom of this specific measure among the featured schools. Former students of Athens Technical College earn a median of $40,154 ten years after entry, which is 5.1 times its net price of $7,929. At Augusta Technical College, graduates earn a median of $37,887, also 5.1 times the annual net price of $7,427. Columbus Technical College matches this 5.1 ratio exactly, with median earnings of $39,157 against an average net price of $7,638.

While these three schools still represent a solid financial decision, a family should note that they cost roughly three times as much per year as the top three schools on the list while yielding similar or slightly lower median earnings. When comparing financial aid award letters, look closely at the line for net cost after grants. If two schools offer similar programs but one has a net price that is several thousand dollars higher, the earnings data suggests that the more expensive option may not pay off in the form of a larger paycheck down the road. Families should use these ratios to weigh whether the specific campus culture, location, or program offerings of a slightly more expensive technical college justify the extra annual cost.

## How non-tuition costs and grants shape Georgia college bills

A student looking at college costs must look past the tuition line. The true cost of attendance includes housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. In Georgia, these non-tuition costs make up the largest share of what a family must cover before financial aid is applied.

### The gap between tuition and full attendance costs

At public colleges in Georgia, the published in-state tuition is often a small fraction of the total cost of attendance. For example, Columbus Technical College charges $4,052 for in-state tuition, but its full cost of attendance is $18,552. This leaves $14,500 in expenses beyond tuition. Similarly, Athens Technical College has an in-state tuition of $3,390, yet the full cost of attendance reaches $16,672.

This pattern holds across the state's affordable public options. Clayton State University lists in-state tuition at $5,240, but the total cost of attendance is $18,397. At Augusta Technical College, the total cost of attendance is $17,010 compared to $4,282 for tuition. Gordon State College has a tuition of $3,628 and a total cost of $15,728. Albany Technical College has a tuition of $3,364 and a total cost of $14,799.

For a student living at home, some of these off-campus costs like housing and food may already be covered by the household budget. For a student moving to campus, these expenses require actual cash or loans. Families must plan for these indirect costs when comparing financial aid award letters.

### How financial aid lowers the bottom line

Grants and scholarships reduce these total costs significantly. Across Georgia, the median cost of attendance before aid is $21,276, which is lower than the national median of $24,202. After federal, state, and institutional grants are applied, the median average net price in Georgia drops to $11,908. This is lower than the national median net price of $13,715.

The amount of aid a student receives varies by institution. At Albany Technical College, grants take $11,833 off the $14,799 cost of attendance, leaving an average net price of $2,966. Savannah Technical College has a cost of attendance of $14,737 and an average net price of $3,457, meaning grants cover $11,280 of the expenses. Atlanta Technical College has a cost of attendance of $13,195, and grants reduce the average net price to $2,240.

At other institutions, the remaining net price is higher because grants cover a smaller portion of the total. Columbus Technical College has a cost of attendance of $18,552 and an average net price of $7,638. Chattahoochee Technical College has a cost of attendance of $14,968 and an average net price of $5,227. Augusta Technical College has a cost of attendance of $17,010 and an average net price of $7,427.

An applicant must check the net price calculator on each college's financial aid website. This tool provides an estimate of what a specific household will pay based on income and assets. Comparing the estimated net price rather than the sticker price helps families find the most affordable option.

## How Georgia Net Prices Compare to National College Costs

The actual amount a family pays for higher education in Georgia is often much lower than the national average. According to CollegesRef data, the median average net price across 46 qualifying Georgia colleges is $11,908, which sits 13% below the national median of $13,715. This state-level discount means that families looking at Georgia institutions start with a lower baseline cost than applicants in most other parts of the country.

The state's most affordable options drive these averages down even further. At the very top of the state ranking, Atlanta Technical College leads with an average net price of $2,240, followed closely by Dalton State College at $2,353 and West Georgia Technical College at $2,469. These figures represent the actual out-of-pocket cost, or the total cost of attendance minus all federal, state, and institutional grant aid. For a student qualifying for need-based aid, these institutions offer a path to a degree that requires minimal borrowing.

### The Cost Spread Across the Top Fifteen

Even among the fifteen most affordable colleges in the state, the amount a student pays varies significantly. The median net price of the listed colleges is $6,030, which is represented by Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. However, a student attending Clayton State University faces an average net price of $8,868, the highest on this specific list. This is nearly four times the net price of Atlanta Technical College.

Other schools at the higher end of this low-cost list include Gordon State College at $8,779 and Athens Technical College at $7,929. When comparing these options, families must look closely at the financial aid award letters to see how much of the cost is covered by state programs like the HOPE Scholarship or federal Pell Grants. A student who does not qualify for state residency or specific need-based grants may find that their personal net price at Clayton State University or Gordon State College climbs much closer to the published sticker price.

### What This Means for Your College Budget

When planning how to finance these programs, families should compare the net price of these local options against national benchmarks. CollegesRef data shows that the national median average net price for public colleges is $10,437, while private nonprofit colleges sit at $27,167. Even the most expensive school on Georgia's top-fifteen list, Clayton State University, remains cheaper than the national public college median.

An applicant deciding between a local Georgia public college and an out-of-state option must calculate the nonresident tuition premium. At Georgia public colleges, the median out-of-state tuition is $11,128, compared to an in-state median of $4,282. This difference of nearly $7,000 a year can quickly wipe out the savings of a low-cost public degree if the student does not qualify for in-state status.

Families should use each school's net price calculator, which is required by federal law to be on the college's financial aid website. This tool uses the family's income, assets, and household size to estimate the actual grant aid the student will receive. Relying on the published tuition rate alone can lead to poor decisions, as a school with a higher sticker price might offer larger institutional grants that bring the final bill below that of a cheaper public alternative.

## Planning Your Georgia Applications Around Real Costs and Graduation Rates

A student can build a strong list of options by targeting Georgia colleges that beat the state's median net price of $11,908 while maintaining solid completion rates. Four schools on this list offer that exact combination. Atlanta Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Albany Technical College, and Chattahoochee Technical College all land at or below the state median net price and above the median graduation rate for this group.

Starting your search with these institutions provides a baseline of affordability. For example, Atlanta Technical College has an average net price of $2,240 and graduates 44% of its students. Savannah Technical College costs $3,457 after grants and has a 43% graduation rate. These figures represent a much safer starting point than schools where low prices accompany very low completion rates.

### Mapping Federal Loans to Georgia Net Prices

When you transition from choosing colleges to planning your budget, look closely at how much of the net price you must cover out of pocket. A dependent undergraduate can borrow a maximum of $27,000 in federal Direct Loans over four years, according to studentaid.gov. In Georgia, eight of the fifteen listed colleges have a four-year average net price that fits entirely within this $27,000 federal loan limit.

Relying solely on federal student loans to fund your degree is possible at these eight institutions, though avoiding debt entirely is always the safer path. At Clayton State University, the four-year net price rises to $35,472, which exceeds the federal limit for dependent students. For any school above the $27,000 threshold, a family must find other sources, such as savings, part-time work, or parent loans, to cover the remaining balance.

### Evaluating the Risk of Low Graduation Rates

Many affordable public options in Georgia carry a significant risk of delayed graduation. Dalton State College has a 29% graduation rate, West Georgia Technical College sits at 32%, and Georgia Highlands College graduates just 20% of its students. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has a 33% graduation rate, while Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College reaches 40%.

If you enroll at a college where fewer than 40% of students graduate within six years, you face a higher statistical risk of leaving without a degree or spending five to six years paying tuition. Extra semesters quickly erase any initial savings from a low annual net price.

### Comparing Your Financial Aid Award Letters

Once you submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), colleges will send you financial aid award letters. Do not let a low initial sticker price mislead you. You must compare the actual net price of each offer by subtracting only grants and scholarships from the total cost of attendance.

Keep the massive gap between sectors in mind during this step. The median net price at Georgia public colleges is $10,125, while the median net price at Georgia private colleges is $31,702. If a private college in Georgia offers you a large merit scholarship, check the final line of the award letter. Even after a generous grant, the remaining net price at a private college in this state is often double or triple the cost of a local public option. Look for the net price line on each letter, compare it to the federal loan limits, and calculate your true out-of-pocket cost before signing an enrollment agreement.

## How this list was built

The 15 colleges here have the lowest average net price out of 46 published Georgia institutions that enroll at least 2,000 students and report both an average net price and a graduation rate. One more Georgia college of that size is left out because a figure is missing. Figures are unadjusted IPEDS and College Scorecard values ([definitions](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology#definitions), [inclusion rules](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology#inclusion)). National figures apply the same rules to 1,389 colleges. Four-year totals are one year's figure times four, and aid limits are 2026-27 studentaid.gov amounts.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the cheapest college in Georgia?

Atlanta Technical College, a public college, has the lowest average net price among Georgia colleges with at least 2,000 students, at $2,240 a year after grants, or $9,668 under the state median. It also graduates 44% of students, better than most schools on this list.

### Are colleges in Georgia cheaper than the national average?

Generally, yes. The median average net price across 46 qualifying Georgia colleges is $11,908, about $1,808 below the national median of $13,715.

## Keep researching

- [Colleges in Georgia](https://www.collegesref.com/state/georgia)
- [Easiest colleges to get into in Georgia](https://www.collegesref.com/blog/easiest-colleges-to-get-into-in-georgia)
- [Net price gap by state](https://www.collegesref.com/data/net-price-gap-by-state)
- [How CollegesRef matches similar colleges](https://www.collegesref.com/methodology)

## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard
- U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid ([studentaid.gov](https://studentaid.gov/))

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Source: CollegesRef, https://www.collegesref.com/blog/most-affordable-colleges-in-georgia-by-net-price. When citing a figure, include the data year stated next to it.