The University System of Georgia (USG) is the organizational body that includes all public institutions of higher learning in Georgia. The System is governed by the Georgia Board of Regents. It sets goals and dictates general policy to educational institutions as well as administering Public Library Service of the state which includes 58 public library systems. The USG also dispenses public funds (allocated by the state's legislature) to the institutions but not the lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship.

As of 2006, the $5 billion annual budget of the USG is used in the instruction of 253,000 students and employment of 35,000 faculty and staff.