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University of Georgia vs University of Maryland

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
44.0% Maryland acceptance
$45,720 UGA cheaper over 4 years
Updated 2026 · Data: NCES, College Scorecard, IPEDS All figures in USD unless noted

School Overview

UGA
Athens, Georgia
Public
Founded
1785
Enrollment
41,652
Setting
Suburban
Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Public
Founded
1856
Enrollment
41,200
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $9,186
UGA
$31,120
Maryland
$40,306
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
UGA
39.0%
Maryland
44.0%
Graduation Rate Same
UGA
88%
Maryland
88%
Avg SAT Score Maryland higher
UGA
1340
Maryland
1410
Starting Salary Maryland higher
UGA
$58,700
Maryland
$70,900

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA Maryland Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$40,306UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$11,505Maryland
Room & Board$12,090$14,334UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%44.0%UGA
Graduation Rate88%88%Tie
Average SAT13401410Maryland
Student-Faculty Ratio17:118:1UGA
Enrollment41,65241,200-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$14,200Maryland
Starting Salary$58,700$70,900Maryland
Endowment$2.0B$2.3BMaryland
Campus Size762 acres1,335 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Maryland
$218,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | Maryland = $161,760. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Maryland Top Majors

Computer ScienceBiologyEngineeringBusinessCriminology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
MarylandSuburban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
Maryland1,335 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
MarylandNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
MarylandNortheast
Founded
UGA1785
Maryland1856
Enrollment
UGA41,652
Maryland41,200

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or Maryland harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 44.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or Maryland?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $218,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while Maryland offers $14,200/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and Maryland?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at Maryland it is 1410. 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 UGA or Maryland graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Maryland have a higher average starting salary ($70,900 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?+
UGA has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio while Maryland has 18:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and Maryland compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. Maryland is in College Park, Maryland (suburban setting) with 1,335 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Maryland in NCAA D1.