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MIT vs University of Georgia

A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of academics, cost, admissions, campus life and career outcomes to help you choose.

3.9% MIT acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$134,480 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

MIT
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Private
Founded
1861
Enrollment
11,858
Setting
Urban
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $27,120
MIT
$58,240
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate MIT more selective
MIT
3.9%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate MIT higher
MIT
95%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score MIT higher
MIT
1556
UGA
1340
Starting Salary MIT higher
MIT
$104,800
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric MIT UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$58,240$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$58,240$12,080UGA
Room & Board$18,590$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate3.9%39.0%MIT
Graduation Rate95%88%MIT
Average SAT15561340MIT
Student-Faculty Ratio3:117:1MIT
Enrollment11,85841,652-
Avg Financial Aid$46,890$12,980MIT
Starting Salary$104,800$58,700MIT
Endowment$27.4B$2.0BMIT
Campus Size168 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

MIT
$307,320
4-year total (private)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: MIT = $119,760 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

MIT Top Majors

Computer ScienceEngineeringMathematicsPhysicsBiology

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
MITUrban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
MIT168 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
MITNCAA D3
UGANCAA D1
Region
MITNortheast
UGASouth
Founded
MIT1861
UGA1785
Enrollment
MIT11,858
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is MIT or UGA harder to get into?+
MIT is more selective with an acceptance rate of 3.9% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, MIT or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $307,320). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. MIT offers an average of $46,890/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for MIT and UGA?+
The average SAT score at MIT is 1556 and at UGA it is 1340. Keep in mind that admitted students often score across a range, and many schools practice holistic admissions where test scores are just one factor.
Do MIT or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of MIT have a higher average starting salary ($104,800 vs $58,700). Salary outcomes vary significantly by major, industry, and location — so this is a general average across all graduates.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each school?+
MIT has a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UGA has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do MIT and UGA compare for campus life?+
MIT is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts (urban setting) with a 168-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. MIT competes in NCAA D3 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.