At $13,816/yr net price, University of Georgia graduates earn $68,726/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $34,726/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,816 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,264 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $68,726/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$34,726/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 87.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,897/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,336/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,400/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,447/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,846/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Master | $122,038 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $120,325 | $129,546 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $111,283 | $62,722 |
| Marketing. | Master | $81,333 | |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $78,971 | $45,255 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Doctoral | $77,144 | $85,723 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $76,460 | |
| Veterinary Medicine. | Doctoral | $76,190 | $140,312 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $71,015 | $67,427 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $70,456 | $20,495 |
The Risk Factor
87.2% of students at University of Georgia graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Georgia delivers strong financial returns with a median net price of $13,816 annually and post-graduation earnings of $68,726, creating a payback period under three years for most students.
Your major choice dramatically affects your financial outcome at UGA. Pharmacy programs lead earnings at over $120,000 annually, though you'll graduate with $129,546 in debt. Business administration offers a better debt-to-income ratio at $111,283 in earnings with $62,722 in debt. Marketing and computer software programs also show solid returns. Liberal arts and social science majors face significantly weaker earning potential.
UGA presents minimal financial risk for in-state students given the low net price and high graduation rate of 87%. Out-of-state students pay substantially more and should carefully evaluate whether the premium justifies the investment compared to their home state options.
This school works best financially for Georgia residents pursuing business, pharmacy, or technology fields. The combination of affordable tuition and strong regional employer connections in Atlanta creates excellent value. You should look elsewhere if you're planning liberal arts studies and aren't committed to staying in the Southeast job market.
Only 17% of students receive need-based aid, indicating most families can afford the published price. Merit scholarships target high-achieving in-state students through programs like the Zell Miller Scholarship, which can reduce costs to nearly zero for top performers. The Honors Program provides additional scholarship opportunities worth pursuing for qualified applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Georgia worth the cost for out-of-state students?
With a net price of $13,816 per year, University of Georgia offers strong value even for out-of-state students compared to many flagship universities. The 87% graduation rate and $68,726 median earnings 10 years after graduation make the investment worthwhile for most students.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Georgia?
Pharmacy programs at University of Georgia lead to median earnings over $120,000, making them excellent investments despite higher upfront costs. Business administration graduates earn around $111,000 while marketing majors see more modest returns at $81,000.
How much student debt do University of Georgia graduates typically have?
University of Georgia graduates leave with a median debt of $18,500, which is manageable given the school's strong earnings outcomes. This debt level is below the national average and reasonable for a major state university.
Does University of Georgia have good financial aid for middle-class families?
The relatively low net price of $13,816 suggests University of Georgia provides decent financial aid, though specific aid varies by income level. Georgia residents benefit from programs like the HOPE Scholarship, which can significantly reduce costs.