University of Georgia logo

University of Georgia

Athens-Clarke County, GA Public ยท Urban Est. 1785 www.uga.edu
Accept Rate
37.2%
Grad Rate
87.6%
Enrollment
31,310
Avg SAT
1301
Tuition
$11,180
Median Salary
$68,726
Overall Grade
B
A+
Academics
A-
Value
B-
Admissions
C+
Diversity
A
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Georgia pulses with a vibrant, spirited energy, blending the excitement of a major SEC football school with the creative charm of the historic Athens music scene. It feels like being part of a massive, supportive family where school pride is palpable, yet there's a strong focus on individual growth and research.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

37.2%
Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 130175th Pctl
11601390
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3175th Pctl
2532
1122436

Admissions Tips

As a selective public university, aim for an SAT score above 1300 and a strong GPA, particularly in core academic subjects. Demonstrate genuine interest in UGA's specific programs and highlight your extracurricular involvement, as the admissions committee looks for well-rounded students who contribute to campus life.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1301
40080012001600
School range: 1160โ€“1390

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UGA is a powerhouse in business, communications, and journalism, supported by the renowned Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The university offers exceptional research opportunities through programs like the Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO), providing hands-on experience with faculty across diverse fields from ecology to engineering.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
28.1%
Communications
9.2%
Biology & Biomedical
9%
Social Sciences
7.9%
Psychology
6%
Engineering
4.7%
Multidisciplinary Studies
4.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.3%
Computer Science
3.2%
Health Professions
3.1%
Family & Consumer Science
2.9%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

87.6%
Graduation Rate
94.5%
Retention Rate
31,310
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$11,180
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$13,816
After financial aid
Total Cost
$27,436
Cost of attendance/year
17.2%
Receive Pell Grants
21.6%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Athens-Clarke County

Athens is a quintessential college town celebrated for its legendary independent music scene, vibrant arts community, and eclectic downtown boutiques and restaurants. Students enjoy exploring the historic North Campus, cheering on the Bulldogs, and relaxing at local breweries or on the trails of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia.

Local Rent Check

$1,041 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Athens-Clarke County
Explore Athens-Clarke County

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$44,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $44,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($68,726):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with a visible police presence and well-lit pathways, though standard urban awareness is advised. The surrounding Athens-Clarke County area has typical city crime, but the university provides extensive safety resources like a 24/7 escort service and emergency alert systems.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Excellent ROI for in-state students with high post-graduation earnings.
  • โœ“ Powerhouse in specific majors like Business, Journalism, and Agricultural Sciences.
  • โœ“ Vibrant college town atmosphere with a legendary music and arts scene.
  • โœ“ Massive and active alumni network, especially strong in the Southeast.

Cons

  • โœ— Highly competitive admissions, especially for out-of-state applicants.
  • โœ— Large class sizes in introductory courses can feel impersonal.
  • โœ— Football culture dominates campus life and can overshadow other activities.

Notable Alumni

Ryan Seacrest
Emmy Award-winning television host and producer, known for hosting 'American Idol' and 'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve'.
Herschel Walker
Heisman Trophy-winning running back and former NFL star, now a successful businessman and philanthropist.
DeForest Kelley
Beloved actor best known for his role as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the 'Star Trek' franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions

UGA is famously the first state-chartered university in the United States. It is nationally renowned for its programs in Business (Terry College of Business), Journalism and Mass Communications (Grady College), and Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, as well as for its passionate SEC football culture.

Yes, UGA is a selective public university. With an acceptance rate of 37.2%, it is moderately competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1220 and 1380 and a strong high school GPA, with most successful applicants taking rigorous AP or IB courses.

Campus life is energetic and deeply rooted in tradition, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. Students can get involved in hundreds of student organizations, enjoy the scenic North Campus, and participate in the lively downtown Athens scene, which is famous for its music venues and local culture.

For in-state students, UGA offers outstanding value, with a relatively low tuition and strong average mid-career earnings of $68,726. The combination of reputable academics, a powerful alumni network, and a high graduation rate makes it a worthwhile investment, particularly for those pursuing high-demand fields like business and engineering.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

The Home Depot Deloitte Southern Company Amazon Piedmont Healthcare
Smart Start Score
84

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded 1785
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 33,422
  • In-State Tuition $11,180
  • Out-of-State $30,220
  • Zip Code 30602

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 42.2% โ™€ 57.8%

The Money Talk

With a significantly lower in-state tuition and a strong return on investment, the degree is an excellent value for Georgia residents. For out-of-state students, the higher cost is balanced by a high median graduate salary of nearly $69k, making it a competitive investment among top public universities.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $11,180
Housing (12 mo) $12,492
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $30,872
With avg financial aid:
$13,816/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.