The University of Georgia is one of the most prestigious schools in Georgia for a college education. For many students, the cost of attendance is an important factor when deciding where to attend college. If you are a prospective student, you probably want all the information you can get on University of Georgia costs.
Read our complete guide to learn more about University of Georgia tuition, living expenses, and student fees. We’ll also cover University of Georgia financial aid options in-depth, from student loans to scholarships. With the right financial aid plan, incoming students can pay the cost of tuition without going through financial hardship.
University of Georgia Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #48
- Times Higher Education Ranking: #143 in US Colleges
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia (UGA) has a rich history of academic excellence, attracting well-qualified students from around the US and the world. The University has 18 different schools and colleges, including the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, and the Morehead Honors College.
This public university has a program of study for all students, whether they want to earn a bachelor’s degree or enroll in a graduate program. The UGA student population is made up of 30,166 undergrads and 9,952 grad students. Outside of classes, students can attend UGA’s NCAA Division I sports team games or participate in some of the over 800 student organizations.
How Much Does University of Georgia Cost?
Univerisity of Georgia costs $12,068 for in-state undergraduate students and $31,108 for out-of-state undergraduate students. For graduate students, the University of Georgia tuition cost is $8,878 for in-state students and $25,186 for out-of-state students. These numbers are for full-time students who are taking at least 12 credit hours or 9 credit hours for undergraduate and graduate students, respectively.
University of Georgia Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | University of Georgia Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Georgia Undergraduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $12,068 |
| University of Georgia Undergraduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $31,108 |
| University of Georgia Graduate In-State Tuition and Fees | $11,156 |
| University of Georgia Graduate Out-of-State Tuition and Fees | $27,464 |
| University of Georgia Books and Supplies | $1,032 |
The University of Georgia undergraduate, in-state tuition is higher than the national average tuition for four-year public universities, which is $9,349 per year. However, University of Georgia costs are much less expensive than attending a private college or university. The school is a good deal for in-state students and relatively reasonable for out-of-state students.
University of Georgia Living Expenses
| Expense | University of Georgia Cost |
|---|---|
| University of Georgia On-Campus Room and Board | $10,452 |
| University of Georgia Off-Campus Room and Board | $8,362 |
The average cost of room and board at a public, four-year institution is $11,676, while on-campus living expenses at University of Georgia are only $10,452 per year. Students who live off campus with their fellow students can save on living expenses, and students who can live off-campus with their families only pay an average of $5,160 per year in living expenses.
Cost of Living in Athens, Georgia
Athens, Georgia is one of the largest cities in the state of Georgia, and it is about one hour drive from the capital city of Atlanta. According to the US Census Bureau, Athens has a population of around 127,350. Athens is a college town with an explosive music scene, which is a huge part of the city.
The average cost of living in nearby Winder, Georgia is five percent lower than the national average. However, students who live in Atlanta and commute to school will find the cost of living to be five percent higher than the national average.
University of Georgia Financial Aid Statistics
University of Georgia tuition and living expenses can be expensive. Fortunately, there are lots of financial aid programs for eligible students, and almost all students are eligible students. Ninety-four percent of full-time, first-time students received some form of financial aid. University of Georgia gave away over seven million in grants and scholarships.
Students can get financial aid from the federal government, state government, and their school. University of Georgia students should complete an online application for both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) to determine their combined federal, state, and school financial aid package.
Qualified graduate students should apply to be graduate teaching assistants or graduate research assistants. These positions require part-time teaching or research work, but it gives graduate students the opportunity to earn a stipend and develop additional skills for their resumes.
Does University of Georgia Accept FAFSA?
Yes, University of Georgia does accept FAFSA. In fact, all prospective and current students should submit a FAFSA application every year. UGA also uses the Georgia state-specific financial aid application (GSFAPPS), but it’s better for students to submit both the FAFSA and GSFAPPS.
Does University of Georgia Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, University of Georgia does accept GI Bill benefits. Student veterans should contact the Educational Benefits Office of the Veteran’s Administration to determine which programs to use. Active duty military students should consult with a Military Educational Service Officer when enrolling as first-year students.
Is University of Georgia a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, University of Georgia is a Yellow Ribbon School, and student veterans who qualify for this financial aid program will have their full cost of tuition covered. This program is jointly funded by the federal government and some colleges and universities to eliminate the need for student veterans to take on student loan debt.
University of Georgia Scholarships and Grants
- Zell Miller Scholarship. The Zell Miller Scholarship is a program for high-achieving undergraduate students from Georgia. The scholarship amount covers full undergraduate tuition. Recipients of this grant are determined on a competitive basis, and recipients need to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3.
- HOPE Scholarship. HOPE scholars are Georgia residents enrolled in an undergraduate degree program who have demonstrated academic excellence. To receive the maximum award, students need to be enrolled in at least 15 hours of credit per semester. Transient students attending a study abroad program can still get HOPE Scholarship funds.
- UGA Alumni Associate Endowed Scholarship. The UGA Alumni Scholarship is given to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Students need to maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship.
- Balwin Scholarship. This program gives 30 to 35 students per year a $2,000 stipend to help cover their UGA program costs. To be eligible, students must be Georgia residents with strong academic achievements.
- Presidential Waivers. The Presidential Waivers program gives first-year students who aren’t Georgia residents a tuition waiver to cover the cost difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. This tuition waiver is only available to students who win another UGA academic scholarship.
University of Georgia Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | University of Georgia Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $9,820 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $11,557 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $15,844 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $17,985 |
| $110,001 and up | $18,218 |
Most students don’t pay the full cost of University of Georgia tuition. Using the average amount of federal and state government aid, as well as institutional scholarships and grants, you can calculate the average net price based on your family’s income. As a prospective student, it is helpful to look at the net price of UGA to get a better idea of what you’ll actually pay for college.
How to Calculate University of Georgia Cost
You can calculate your University of Georgia cost using a few key factors. First, in-state students and out-of-students at the University of Georgia pay different tuition rates. This is true whether you are a graduate student or an undergraduate student. Next, you have to add the cost of room and board. Decide whether you’ll live on-campus or off-campus and whether you’ll need to pay for a meal plan.
The cost of tuition, room, and board are going to be the biggest part of your budget, but you also need to add the cost of books, supplies, transportation, and other program fees that you have to pay as a student at the University of Georgia. Once you add up all your expenses, compare the cost to your financial aid package to see what you’ll actually need to pay. You can use UGA’s tuition calculator to help.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
No, the cost of college isn’t too high if you get a good scholarship package. Student loans can help too, but remember that you’ll need to pay back the full cost of the loan plus interest. Many students who take out private education loans wind up in debt for many years after graduating.
University of Georgia Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 28%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $18,625
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $186
However, the median student loan debt for UGA graduates is $18,625. This balance plus interest can turn into a lot of money, especially for students who struggle to find a high-paying job after graduation. However, this is less than the national average student loan debt, which was $28,950 for students at private and public universities in 2019.
If you decide to take a loan to pay for tuition, it is helpful to calculate the amount you will have to pay monthly after you graduate. This will help you decide if that is the best option for you. You could also consider attending a community college to earn your associate degree at a much lower tuition rate, then transferring to UGA as a third-year student.
University of Georgia Tuition Payment Plans
University of Georgia offers one type of tuition payment plan for students who aren’t able to pay the full cost of tuition at the beginning of the term. Students make a downpayment of at least 50 percent of their total costs, and then pay the remaining balance in two installments during the term. The program fee to enroll in a UGA tuition payment plan is $75 per term.
University of Georgia Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
University of Georgia graduates make $59,769 per year on average, and 77 percent of graduates go on to earn more than they would have with a high school diploma. UGA grads go on to have rewarding careers in a wide range of fields, with good salaries to offset the cost of attending UGA.
There are short-term career benefits too. For the UGA class of 2021, 61 percent of graduates got a job before graduation and 92 percent had a job within three months of graduation. Many students used UGA’s Career Center or other UGA campus resources to land their first job out of college.
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How to Save Money in College
- Get a part-time job. The money you earn at a part-time job can help you pay for some college expenses, like books and supplies. Eligible students can get Federal Work-Study jobs, which offer convenient part-time schedules at on-campus locations.
- Live with family. Living with family off-campus is a more affordable option compared to staying on campus or renting your own apartment off-campus. You can also split utilities and other living expenses.
- Make a budget. To make sure that you spend wisely, make a budget for your daily expenses. This will help you avoid impulse buys that add up over time.
- Rent or buy used textbooks. You don’t need to buy expensive, new textbooks to keep up in class. You can save money by renting books from a bookstore, buying used copies, or borrowing textbooks from the library.
- Learn how to cook. Cooking at home is much more affordable than a university meal plan or buying prepared meals. Cooking at home can also be a fun activity that you can share with your roommates, and you can host dinner parties and potlucks for friends for a low-cost social activity.
Is University of Georgia Affordable?
Yes, the University of Georgia is affordable, especially for in-state students. Compared to other schools in the US, University of Georgia costs are below average. Incoming and current students can use federal student financial aid, as well as scholarships and grants from University of Georgia.
There are ways to keep costs low without taking on student loan debt. To offset costs, graduate students should look into becoming graduate teaching assistants, part-time teaching positions where graduate students lead class discussion sections or tutorial classes.
University of Georgia Cost FAQ
NCES estimates that the total cost of tuition at University of Georgia for four years is $49,088 for in-state undergraduate students and $126,852 for out-of-state undergraduate students. This does not include additional program fees, costs of school supplies, or living expenses.
UGA doesn’t state a required minimum GPA for incoming students. That said, the middle 50 percent high school GPA for the admitted first-year student population of UGA was 4.00 to 4.27 for the class of 2025. Prospective students will likely need a high school GPA of 3.8 or higher to join most programs of study at UGA.
UGA is somewhat difficult to get into. With an acceptance rate of 40 percent, only two out of every five applicants get admitted. To maximize your chances of getting in, take your time during the application process. Make sure to answer every part of the application forms carefully, and proofread your personal essay and any long-form answers.
Yes, UGA is considered a Public Ivy. Public Ivies are prestigious public universities with high research activity. All universities and colleges in the Ivy League are private except for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, the College of Human Ecology, and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University.
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