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University of Alabama vs University of Georgia

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

80.0% Alabama acceptance
39.0% UGA acceptance
$5,160 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Public
Founded
1831
Enrollment
39,975
Setting
Suburban
UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $1,280
Alabama
$32,400
UGA
$31,120
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
Alabama
80.0%
UGA
39.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
Alabama
73%
UGA
88%
Avg SAT Score UGA higher
Alabama
1260
UGA
1340
Starting Salary UGA higher
Alabama
$58,400
UGA
$58,700

Detailed Comparison

Metric Alabama UGA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$32,400$31,120UGA
Tuition (In-State)$11,580$12,080Alabama
Room & Board$12,100$12,090UGA
Acceptance Rate80.0%39.0%UGA
Graduation Rate73%88%UGA
Average SAT12601340UGA
Student-Faculty Ratio19:117:1UGA
Enrollment39,97541,652-
Avg Financial Aid$13,100$12,980Alabama
Starting Salary$58,400$58,700UGA
Endowment$2.2B$2.0BAlabama
Campus Size1,168 acres762 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

Alabama
$178,000
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: Alabama = $125,600 | UGA = $120,920. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

Alabama Top Majors

BusinessNursingEngineeringCommunicationBiology

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Campus & Student Life

Setting
AlabamaSuburban
UGASuburban
Campus Size
Alabama1,168 ac
UGA762 ac
Athletics
AlabamaNCAA D1
UGANCAA D1
Region
AlabamaSouth
UGASouth
Founded
Alabama1831
UGA1785
Enrollment
Alabama39,975
UGA41,652

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alabama or UGA harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 80.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, Alabama or UGA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $178,000). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. Alabama offers an average of $13,100/year in aid while UGA offers $12,980/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for Alabama and UGA?+
The average SAT score at Alabama is 1260 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 Alabama or UGA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UGA have a higher average starting salary ($58,700 vs $58,400). 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?+
Alabama has a 19:1 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 Alabama and UGA compare for campus life?+
Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (suburban setting) with a 1,168-acre campus. UGA is in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with 762 acres. Alabama competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UGA in NCAA D1.