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42.6%Acceptance
$11,180Tuition
31,310Students
87%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$68,726Earnings
#2 in GeorgiaPublic4-yearResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Georgia

Georgia claims the title as America's first state university, founded in 1785, and remains deeply rooted in Southern tradition. The 31,310 students call Athens home, a college town that pulses with Bulldog pride and research ambition. This public research university launched careers for TV host Ryan Seacrest and celebrity chef Alton Brown. The 42.55% acceptance rate makes admission competitive but achievable for students with a 1320 average SAT score.

Students pay an average net price of $13,816 after aid, making this education remarkably affordable for a flagship university. Graduates earn a median $68,726 ten years out, easily justifying the typical $18,500 debt load with monthly payments around $196. In-state students get an strong deal at $11,180 tuition, though out-of-state families pay $30,220. The 87% graduation rate shows most students finish what they start.

The Bulldogs compete in the SEC, where football reigns supreme and 563 student-athletes receive $12.4 million in scholarships across 17 sports. Women make up 58% of campus, while 86% of students hail from Georgia. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means classes can feel large, but the 95% retention rate suggests students adapt well to big university life.

Academics & Faculty

Georgia operates as a major research university with strong programs across multiple fields, particularly known for its journalism school, Terry College of Business, and agricultural sciences. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll often find yourself in larger lecture halls, especially for introductory courses. However, the 87% four-year graduation rate suggests most students successfully navigate the academic demands. The university's research focus creates opportunities for undergraduates to work alongside faculty on projects, though competition can be fierce. Business and communications programs draw heavily from Atlanta's corporate connections. The honors program provides a more intimate academic experience within the larger university structure. Strong alumni networks in media and business help with internships and job placement after graduation.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Full-Time Faculty
89.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
87.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
87.2%
Retention Rate
94.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$68,726
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Master $122,038
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $120,325
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $111,283
Marketing. Master $81,333
Computer Software and Media Applications. Master $78,971
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Doctoral $77,144
Public Health. Doctoral $76,460
Veterinary Medicine. Doctoral $76,190
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $71,015
Computer Science. Bachelor $70,456

View all 362 programs →

Campus Life

Athens pulses with college energy as students make up roughly a third of the city's population. The campus sits 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, close enough for internships but far enough to maintain its own identity. Georgia's humid subtropical climate means you'll sweat through August move-in and need a jacket for January, but snow days are rare. About 34% of students live on campus, creating a active residential community within the larger university.

Football Saturdays transform Athens into a sea of red and black as 92,746 fans pack Sanford Stadium. The student section erupts when the Redcoat Band plays "Glory Glory" and fans sing along to "Georgia on My Mind." Downtown Athens offers live music venues that launched R.E.M. and the B-52s, while North Campus quad buzzes with students between classes under centuries-old oaks. With 94.5% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students clearly embrace the mix of SEC sports culture, research opportunities, and Southern college town charm. Weekend house parties and tailgates are as much a tradition as the Arch Walk ceremony for new graduates.
Setting
City-Midsize
Housing Capacity
10,759 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1785

Campus Safety (2023)

102 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 14 11 2 0
Fondling 10 4 9 0
Rape 10 10 1 0
Domestic Violence 3 3 1 0
Stalking 6 1 0 0
Aggravated Assault 6 0 0 0
Dating Violence 2 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 0 0 0
Arson 1 1 0 0
Robbery 1 1 0 0
Statutory Rape 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
33°–54°F
July Avg
70°–92°F
Annual Precipitation
49.0"
Annual Snowfall
0.6"

Student Demographics

Georgia draws heavily from its home state, with 86% of students coming from within Georgia's borders. This reflects the university's role as the state's flagship institution and its deep roots in Georgia communities since 1785. Women make up 58% of the student body, typical for a full research university with strong programs in education, journalism, and public health alongside traditional STEM fields. The student population is predominantly white at 67%, though Asian students comprise 13% of enrollment. Only 17% receive Pell Grants, indicating the university primarily serves middle and upper-middle class families who value Georgia's combination of academic prestige and relative affordability.
Men
42.2%
Women
57.8%
White
67.1%
Black
6.0%
Hispanic
7.6%
Asian
12.8%
In-State Students
85.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
17.2%

Location

Athens sits 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, making it an easy drive to Georgia's largest city for internships and job opportunities. The city of 127,000 residents revolves around the university, creating a classic college town atmosphere. Downtown Athens pulses with live music venues that have launched bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students well despite the large campus size. Rolling hills and historic antebellum architecture define the landscape, while the North Georgia mountains lie just an hour away. With 85.78% of students coming from in-state, campus culture stays deeply rooted in Georgia traditions. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare University of Georgia with similar schools in the region.
Address
Athens, Georgia 30602
Lyman Hall
Lyman Hall
Charles Frederick Naegele, Abraham Baldwin
Charles Frederick Naegele, Abraham Baldwin
Mary Ethel Creswell graduation photo
Mary Ethel Creswell graduation photo

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$68,726
Median Earnings (5 years)
$66,487
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$45,200
Loan Repayment Rate
68.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$196/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Georgia?

University of Georgia accepts 42.55% of applicants, making it moderately selective among public research universities. Admitted students typically score between 1220-1420 on the SAT, reflecting the school's strong academic reputation as one of America's oldest public universities.

How much does University of Georgia cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Georgia is $13,816 per year, though this varies by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,897 annually, while the university's strong in-state focus means 85.78% of students benefit from the lower $11,180 in-state tuition.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Georgia?

University of Georgia maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its 31,310 students. The university's research focus and comprehensive academic offerings attract a diverse student body, with 94.54% of first-year students returning for their sophomore year.

How much do University of Georgia graduates earn?

University of Georgia graduates earn a median salary of $68,726 ten years after graduation, with strong employment outcomes showing a 95.4% employment rate. The relatively low median debt of $18,500 and monthly loan payments of $196 make this a solid return on investment for the comprehensive education.

Where is University of Georgia located and what is campus life like?

University of Georgia sits in Athens, a mid-size college town that revolves around the university community. With housing capacity for 10,759 students and 17 varsity sports teams competing in the SEC, campus life centers heavily around Bulldogs athletics and the active college town atmosphere.

What makes University of Georgia's football program special?

University of Georgia's Bulldogs compete in the strong Southeastern Conference with 563 total athletes supported by $12.4 million in athletic scholarships. The football program is legendary in college sports, creating intense rivalries with Georgia Tech, Auburn, and Florida that define much of the campus culture and alumni pride.