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 gives you strong financial returns for a public school. A median debt of $18,500 against $68,726 in median earnings ten years out means most of you clear your loans quickly, and the 87% graduation rate keeps you from paying for years without a degree. The 94.5% retention rate says you're likely to stay past freshman year, which is where a lot of debt-without-a-degree damage happens.
The payoff varies by major. Computer Science leads at $70,456, but you take on the most debt of any listed program to get there ($20,495). Management Information Systems is the smarter trade: nearly identical pay with about $3,000 less debt. UGA leans heavily on its engineering and agriculture strengths, and Agricultural Engineering stands out because it posts $64,791 with no significant debt load listed. Biochemical Engineering pays the least of the top five at $59,417 while still carrying real debt, so weigh that one carefully.
The main financial risk is that these earnings figures come from UGA's highest-paying technical and engineering fields. If you enroll planning to study something outside these areas, don't assume the $68,726 median applies to you.
Net price scales sharply with income. Under $30k, you pay $7,897. over $110k, you pay $17,846 , more than double. The jump happens between the $48-75k and $75-110k brackets, where price rises from $14,400 to $17,447. If your family sits in that middle range, UGA costs close to what higher earners pay.
This school fits you if you're a Georgia resident targeting computing, information systems, or engineering. If you're coming from out of state or drawn to lower-paying fields, run your own numbers before committing.
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.