Admit rate has ranged 37%–48% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
The University of Georgia isn't just a flagship; it's a powerhouse with a distinct Southern swagger, where rigorous academics in a sprawling 142-major curriculum collide with a legendary SEC social scene in the vibrant college town of Athens. It's a place where you can pursue top-tier research in genetics or business, then join 30,000 fans between the hedges at Sanford Stadium, all while benefiting from a state-school price tag that delivers exceptional outcomes. This is a university that confidently blends tradition with ambition, producing graduates who are as prepared for a corporate boardroom as they are for a tailgate.
Admission requirements
Test scores required
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
College-prep program
Considered (not required)
TOEFL (non-native English)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
32,137
In-state tuition
$11,450
Out-of-state tuition
$31,688
Graduation Rate
90%
In-State EA Rate
~45%
On-Campus Housing
66% of undergraduates
Career Outcomes Rate
93% (Class of 2025)
Classes <20 Students
45.2%
Out-of-State EA Rate
~22%
Demonstrated Interest
Considered
Student-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Median Earnings (10yr)
$68,726
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$68,726
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
4.9×
Median debt at graduation
$18,500
Graduation rate
90%
First-year retention
94%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
68%
Pell (lower-income) share
17%
First-gen share (among federal-aid recipients)
18%
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Computer Science$70,456
Management Information Systems and Services$68,778
Computer Engineering$67,164
Agricultural Engineering$64,791
Biochemical Engineering$59,417
International Business$57,920
Applicants here also applied to
The schools that most often appear alongside Georgia on applicants’ lists, from our self-reported outcomes corpus.
Co-application frequency from self-reported results — directional peer discovery, not a recommendation.
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
12
Per 1,000 students
0.28
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
104
Summer high
88°F
Winter low
39°F
Annual rain
54.6"
Annual snow
0.8"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Low
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
862
Scholarly works
141,519
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Future-scholar output
Science & engineering PhDstop 50 nationally
Humanities & social-science PhDstop 15 nationally
Share of this school’s graduates who go on to earn research doctorates (2010–20), by national rank and per-capita yield (NSF institutional-yield ratio). A signal of a research-oriented student culture — not a causal promise, since it partly reflects who enrolls. Only top producers appear. Source: NSF NCSES, Baccalaureate Origins of U.S. Research Doctorate Recipients.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at University of Georgia?
University of Georgia's acceptance rate is approximately 38% (Athens, GA), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for University of Georgia?
Admitted students at University of Georgia typically score 1270–1480 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does University of Georgia cost?
At University of Georgia, the average net price (after aid) is about $13,936 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend University of Georgia?
University of Georgia enrolls approximately 32,137 undergraduate students.
Where is University of Georgia located?
University of Georgia is located in Athens, GA.
Admissions
Getting into UGA has become increasingly competitive, with the university reporting a significant rise in applications and a corresponding dip in . For the Class of 2030, over 34,280 early action applications were received, resulting in an overall early action admission rate of around 30-32%, with a stark disparity between in-state (approximately 45%) and out-of-state/international (approximately 22%) applicants. The university does not have an open admission policy. The admitted student profile is academically strong: the middle 50% of admitted students for recent classes had an SAT score range of 1300-1470 and an ACT range of 30-34, with a weighted core GPA typically between 4.08 and 4.35. These students have typically taken a rigorous course load, including 8 to 14 Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Dual Enrollment (DE) courses. According to the framework, the university considers academic factors like rigor of secondary school record, class rank, GPA, and standardized test scores as very important in admissions decisions. Demonstrated interest is listed as "considered," but is not rated as "very important" or "important." The university offers Early Action (non-binding), not Early Decision.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Finance and Financial Management Services
$57,907
Insurance$56,528
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
UGA operates as a comprehensive public research university, offering a vast academic landscape through 17 colleges and schools. Students can choose from over 142 majors, creating an environment where interdisciplinary study is the norm rather than the exception. The most popular majors reflect a blend of pre-professional and liberal arts interests, consistently including Psychology, Biology/Biological Sciences, Finance, and Marketing. The student-faculty ratio is 17:1, and about 45.2% of classes have fewer than 20 students, though introductory lectures in popular fields can be large. The academic culture is defined by access to real-world experience; the university heavily promotes internships, undergraduate research opportunities, and study abroad programs as integral parts of the curriculum. This is not a suitcase school—the academic offerings are deep and designed to connect classroom learning directly to career paths and graduate study.
Life at UGA is a quintessential, high-energy American college experience, deeply intertwined with its location in Athens, Georgia—a city famed for its music scene and vibrant downtown. The campus is a hive of activity, with students reporting that "there is some sort of event almost every day." A significant 66% of undergraduates live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, creating a dense, engaged residential community. The social fabric is woven with strong threads of Greek life, a massive array of student clubs and organizations, and the overwhelming presence of Division I SEC athletics, particularly football. Beyond the classic large-school activities, there is a concerted effort to foster inclusive communities. The Center for Global and Cultural Student Engagement and numerous cultural groups, like the Hispanic Student Association and African Student Union, provide vital spaces for students to find belonging and redefine their college experience. The result is a dynamic environment where the thrill of game day coexists with meaningful cultural exploration and personal connection.
A UGA degree is a launchpad with impressive thrust. The university reports a stellar career outcomes rate of 93% for the Class of 2025, meaning the vast majority of graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. This rate has historically been strong, with reports indicating it soars 11.7 percent higher than the national average. The university's overall graduation rate is high, placing it in the top tier nationally. Alumni earnings data shows strong post-graduate financial growth, with average earnings increasing steadily in the years following graduation. These outcomes underscore UGA's success in preparing students not just for their first job, but for sustained career advancement, supported by a robust career center and a powerful alumni network.
As a public institution, UGA offers a significant value proposition, especially for Georgia residents. The total includes tuition, fees, and living expenses. Financial aid is a critical component for many families; approximately 29.58% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $16,335. This aid comes in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. It's important to note that UGA's financial aid policies are not described in the provided sources as meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, nor do they have a universal "no-loan" policy where loans are eliminated from packages for low-income students. The university acknowledges the concept of "unmet need," which occurs when a student's financial aid package does not cover their full demonstrated need, often due to funding constraints. Prospective students are encouraged to use the university's official calculator for the most accurate personalized estimate.
The University of Georgia's distinctive appeal lies in its powerful, almost seamless synthesis of scale and soul. It delivers the academic breadth, research muscle, and athletic glory expected of a top-tier flagship university, but it does so without feeling impersonal or overwhelming. The magic ingredient is Athens. The city isn't just a backdrop; it's a active partner in the student experience, offering a legendary music and arts scene, a walkable downtown packed with local businesses, and a culture that celebrates creativity alongside tradition. This allows UGA to offer two parallel, equally compelling college experiences: one of deep academic pursuit within a respected research institution, and another of vibrant social engagement in one of America's great college towns. Furthermore, it manages to maintain a surprisingly high graduation rate and exceptional career outcomes, proving that its model isn't just fun—it's profoundly effective. For a student seeking a classic, spirited college experience without sacrificing academic rigor or future prospects, UGA represents a compelling and hard-to-replicate ideal.
University of Georgia seal · sourceUniversity of Georgia — Admissions, Tuition & Acceptance Rate | Appily · sourceUniversity of Georgia Board of Visitors adds new members · sourceUniversity of Georgia Allergy-Friendly College Campus Guide - Spokin · source
