University of Georgia
University of Georgia is a public university in Athens, GA ranked #72 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A, enrolling about 31,310 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 37.2%. Students most often pursue Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, 94.5% first-year retention, and 87.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $13,816, about $3,182 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 4.2%, roughly 81.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $57,565. That's about $13,877 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of Georgia Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Georgia graduates 87.2% of students within six years and keeps 94.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of Georgia's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $11,180 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,002 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,246 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,678 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $27,436 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 17.2% of University of Georgia students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,897 to $17,846 depending on family income. Use University of Georgia's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $17,447/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $17,846/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $57,565
- 10-Year Median Earnings $57,565
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $16,666
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.0%
- Employment Rate 89.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Georgia graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of Georgia vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Georgia's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Georgia's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Georgia graduates earn $57,565 median, the 4.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 590-690
- SAT Math 570-700
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 25-32
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 31,310
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 94.5%
- Graduation Rate 87.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 17:1
How to Get Into University of Georgia
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Georgia requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 37.2%, University of Georgia is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: University of Georgia accepts 37.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1390 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Georgia undergraduates. Finance and Financial Management Services, Biology, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Finance and Financial Management Services 7.1%
- Biology, General 6.4%
- Psychology, General 5.5%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 4.1%
- Marketing 3.9%
- Management Information Systems and Services 3.6%
See more majors
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 3.2%
- Computer Science 3.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $117,300
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $113,101
- 3. Management Information Systems and Services $111,592
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. International Business $110,872
- 5. Computer Science $100,784
- 6. Finance and Financial Management Services $95,338
- 7. Accounting and Related Services $91,429
- 8. Business/Managerial Economics $90,785
- 9. Insurance $89,304
- 10. Agricultural Engineering $89,250
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $156,018
- 2. Psychology, General (Doctoral Degree) $138,375
- 3. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $136,525
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degree) $129,370
- 5. Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degree) $122,677
- 6. Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (Master's Degree) $117,057
- 7. Law (First Professional Degree) $108,190
- 8. Marketing (Master's Degree) $107,611
- 9. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $103,935
- 10. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $102,892
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) grads earn $117,300—31% more than Agricultural Engineering ($89,250). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $156,018 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Georgia. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 608 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 546 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 473 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 348 graduates)
- Marketing (Bachelor's Degree, 338 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (98 programs)▼
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Marketing
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Insurance
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Public Health
- Journalism
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
- Communication and Media Studies
- Real Estate
- Fine and Studio Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- International Business
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Animal Sciences
- Nutrition Sciences
- History
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Sociology
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Business/Commerce, General
- Civil Engineering
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management
- Genetics
- Cognitive Science
- Music
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Social Work
- Geography and Cartography
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- Landscape Architecture
- Anthropology
- Housing and Human Environments
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Computer Engineering
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Biochemical Engineering
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Philosophy
- Forestry
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Plant Sciences
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Agricultural Public Services
- East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biotechnology
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Food Science and Technology
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Physics
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Agriculture, General
- Agricultural Engineering
- Soil Sciences
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Area Studies
- Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
- Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Dance
- Classical and Ancient Studies
- Hospitality Administration/Management
Online Master's Degrees (68 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Forestry
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Computer Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Plant Sciences
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies
- Statistics
- Music
- Marketing
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Animal Sciences
- Engineering, General
- Political Science and Government
- Landscape Architecture
- City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
- Psychology, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- History
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Geography and Cartography
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Mathematics
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biotechnology
- Apparel and Textiles
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Philosophy
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Physics
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Education, General
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Genetics
- Biological/Biosystems Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Sociology
- Applied Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Economics
Online Doctoral Degrees (64 programs)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Music
- Plant Sciences
- Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Psychology, General
- Engineering, General
- Education, General
- Veterinary Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Public Health
- Political Science and Government
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Statistics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Botany/Plant Biology
- Social Work
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Physics
- Forestry
- Computer Science
- Animal Sciences
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Molecular Medicine
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Geography and Cartography
- Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Food Science and Technology
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Mathematics
- Housing and Human Environments
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Zoology/Animal Biology
- History
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Agricultural Engineering
- Philosophy
- Nutrition Sciences
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Anthropology
- Public Administration
- Genetics
- Special Education and Teaching
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Sustainability Studies
- Materials Sciences
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Biology, General
- Environmental Design
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (30 programs)▼
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Education, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Health
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Geography and Cartography
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Homeland Security
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Area Studies
- Ocean Engineering
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Sustainability Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (32 programs)▼
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Sustainability Studies
- Computational Science
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- International/Global Studies
- Geography and Cartography
- Museology/Museum Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Archeology
- Public Health
- Agricultural Public Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- International Agriculture
- Area Studies
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
- Agricultural Production Operations
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Plant Sciences
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Online First Professional Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Veterinary Medicine
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 31,310
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 42.2%
- Female Students 57.8%
- Caucasian 67.0%
- Asian 12.8%
- Hispanic 7.6%
- Black 6.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 17.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Georgia's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Georgia's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Georgia support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Georgia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 17.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Georgia support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of Georgia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Ranking #72 nationally, University of Georgia combines competitive admissions with 4.2% ROI, positioning itself among America's stronger universities. The institution balances academic rigor with $57,565 in median post-graduation earnings.
Students complete degrees at 87.2% six-year rates, with 94.5% retention reflecting solid satisfaction. The $13,816 annual net price falls in the moderate range, though 167 institutions deliver comparable outcomes at lower costs.
Competitive Selective University: University of Georgia's Market Position
A grade | #72 of 6272 | 96.4/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)
Competitive Positioning: University of Georgia occupies the competitive selective tier—not elite enough for automatic career advantages, but strong enough to provide quality education and reasonable outcomes. The 4.2% ROI reflects this middle ground: better than most, but not top-tier.
Value for Money: $13,816 annually produces $57,565 median earnings—a reasonable but not exceptional return. Students choosing University of Georgia should evaluate whether the institution's specific programs, location, or campus culture justify costs versus higher-ROI alternatives.
Who Succeeds Here: Self-directed students who maximize campus resources (research, internships, networking) achieve outcomes rivaling higher-ranked schools. Students seeking specific programs or geographic locations find strong value. Those needing extensive hand-holding may struggle in larger university environments.
Final Assessment: University of Georgia's #72 ranking and A grade reflect solid performance across metrics. With 167 schools offering better ROI, value-focused students should compare carefully. However, for students who fit the institution's culture and programs, outcomes justify investment.
Key Takeaways
- 87.2% six-year graduation rate sits 24.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 94.5% first-year retention is 17.7 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 4.2% return on investment is 81.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $57,565 run about 32% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $13,816 is roughly $3,302 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 94.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.9% employment rate within three years sits 21.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 17.2% trails the national share by 21.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of Georgia, a public university in Athens, GA, secures a A grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #72 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion A, Support B+, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability B.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
94.5% of learners come back after year one while 87.2% complete the degree within six years. The reported ROI is 4.2%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $13,816 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $27,436.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $13,620 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $16,666 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 17.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $57,565 at the median. That sits about 32% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 89.9% of alumni working within three years.
EDsmart lists the ROI at 4.2%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
37.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of Georgia admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Athens, GA 30602
- Website www.uga.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$1.69B
- Transfer Enrollment Rate8.5%