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University of Georgia vs University of North Carolina

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
16.8% UNC acceptance
$31,464 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
UNC
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Public
Founded
1789
Enrollment
32,852
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $6,936
UGA
$31,120
UNC
$38,056
Acceptance Rate UNC more selective
UGA
39.0%
UNC
16.8%
Graduation Rate UNC higher
UGA
88%
UNC
91%
Avg SAT Score UNC higher
UGA
1340
UNC
1400
Starting Salary UNC higher
UGA
$58,700
UNC
$64,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA UNC Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$38,056UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$8,998UNC
Room & Board$12,090$13,020UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%16.8%UNC
Graduation Rate88%91%UNC
Average SAT13401400UNC
Student-Faculty Ratio17:113:1UNC
Enrollment41,65232,852-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$18,370UNC
Starting Salary$58,700$64,800UNC
Endowment$2.0B$5.3BUNC
Campus Size762 acres729 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UNC
$204,304
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | UNC = $130,824. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

UNC Top Majors

BiologyBusinessComputer ScienceEconomicsPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
UNCSuburban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
UNC729 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
UNCNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
UNCSouth
Founded
UGA1785
UNC1789
Enrollment
UGA41,652
UNC32,852

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or UNC harder to get into?+
UNC is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.8% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or UNC?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $204,304). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while UNC offers $18,370/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and UNC?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at UNC it is 1400. 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 UNC graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UNC have a higher average starting salary ($64,800 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?+
UGA has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio while UNC has 13:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and UNC compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. UNC is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (suburban setting) with 729 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UNC in NCAA D1.