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University of Georgia vs University of Pennsylvania

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
5.4% UPenn acceptance
$155,168 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
UPenn
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Founded
1740
Enrollment
28,304
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $32,332
UGA
$31,120
UPenn
$63,452
Acceptance Rate UPenn more selective
UGA
39.0%
UPenn
5.4%
Graduation Rate UPenn higher
UGA
88%
UPenn
96%
Avg SAT Score UPenn higher
UGA
1340
UPenn
1530
Starting Salary UPenn higher
UGA
$58,700
UPenn
$92,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA UPenn Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$63,452UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$63,452UGA
Room & Board$12,090$18,550UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%5.4%UPenn
Graduation Rate88%96%UPenn
Average SAT13401530UPenn
Student-Faculty Ratio17:16:1UPenn
Enrollment41,65228,304-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$54,060UPenn
Starting Salary$58,700$92,800UPenn
Endowment$2.0B$20.5BUPenn
Campus Size762 acres299 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UPenn
$328,008
4-year total (private)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | UPenn = $111,768. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

UPenn Top Majors

FinanceEconomicsNursingComputer ScienceBiology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
UPennUrban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
UPenn299 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
UPennNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
UPennNortheast
Founded
UGA1785
UPenn1740
Enrollment
UGA41,652
UPenn28,304

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or UPenn harder to get into?+
UPenn is more selective with an acceptance rate of 5.4% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or UPenn?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $328,008). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while UPenn offers $54,060/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and UPenn?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at UPenn it is 1530. 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 UPenn graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UPenn have a higher average starting salary ($92,800 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 UPenn has 6:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and UPenn compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. UPenn is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (urban setting) with 299 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UPenn in NCAA D1.