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Rutgers University vs University of Georgia

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

68.0% Rutgers acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$24,296 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Rutgers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Public
Founded
1766
Enrollment
51,000
Setting
Suburban
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $3,344
Rutgers
$34,464
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
Rutgers
68.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
Rutgers
82%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score Same
Rutgers
1340
UGA
1340
Starting Salary Rutgers higher
Rutgers
$67,200
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Rutgers UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$34,464$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$16,499$12,080UGA
Room & Board$14,820$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate68.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate82%88%UGA
Average SAT13401340Tie
Student-Faculty Ratio16:117:1Rutgers
Enrollment51,00041,652-
Avg Financial Aid$14,500$12,980Rutgers
Starting Salary$67,200$58,700Rutgers
Endowment$2.0B$2.0BTie
Campus Size2,685 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Rutgers
$197,136
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Rutgers = $139,136 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Rutgers Top Majors

BusinessBiologyEngineeringComputer SciencePsychology

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
RutgersSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Rutgers2,685 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
RutgersNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
RutgersNortheast
UGASouth
Founded
Rutgers1766
UGA1785
Enrollment
Rutgers51,000
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rutgers or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 68.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Rutgers or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $197,136). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Rutgers offers an average of $14,500/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Rutgers and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Rutgers is 1340 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 Rutgers or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Rutgers have a higher average starting salary ($67,200 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?+
Rutgers has a 16:1 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 Rutgers and UGA compare for campus life?+
Rutgers is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey (suburban setting) with a 2,685-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Rutgers competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.