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University of Georgia vs University of Michigan

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
17.7% Michigan acceptance
$108,808 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
Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Public
Founded
1817
Enrollment
48,090
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $26,126
UGA
$31,120
Michigan
$57,246
Acceptance Rate Michigan more selective
UGA
39.0%
Michigan
17.7%
Graduation Rate Michigan higher
UGA
88%
Michigan
93%
Avg SAT Score Michigan higher
UGA
1340
Michigan
1470
Starting Salary Michigan higher
UGA
$58,700
Michigan
$73,400

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA Michigan Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$57,246UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$17,786UGA
Room & Board$12,090$13,166UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%17.7%Michigan
Graduation Rate88%93%Michigan
Average SAT13401470Michigan
Student-Faculty Ratio17:112:1Michigan
Enrollment41,65248,090-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$22,680Michigan
Starting Salary$58,700$73,400Michigan
Endowment$2.0B$17.9BMichigan
Campus Size762 acres3,207 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Michigan
$281,648
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | Michigan = $190,928. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Michigan Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
MichiganUrban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
Michigan3,207 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
MichiganNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
MichiganMidwest
Founded
UGA1785
Michigan1817
Enrollment
UGA41,652
Michigan48,090

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or Michigan harder to get into?+
Michigan is more selective with an acceptance rate of 17.7% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or Michigan?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $281,648). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while Michigan offers $22,680/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and Michigan?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at Michigan it is 1470. 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 Michigan graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Michigan have a higher average starting salary ($73,400 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 Michigan has 12:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and Michigan compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. Michigan is in Ann Arbor, Michigan (urban setting) with 3,207 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Michigan in NCAA D1.