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University of Georgia vs University of Texas at Austin

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
29.0% UT Austin acceptance
$40,560 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
UT Austin
Austin, Texas
Public
Founded
1883
Enrollment
52,384
Setting
Urban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $9,950
UGA
$31,120
UT Austin
$41,070
Acceptance Rate UT Austin more selective
UGA
39.0%
UT Austin
29.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
UGA
88%
UT Austin
87%
Avg SAT Score UT Austin higher
UGA
1340
UT Austin
1370
Starting Salary UT Austin higher
UGA
$58,700
UT Austin
$68,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA UT Austin Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$41,070UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$11,448UT Austin
Room & Board$12,090$12,280UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%29.0%UT Austin
Graduation Rate88%87%UGA
Average SAT13401370UT Austin
Student-Faculty Ratio17:117:1Tie
Enrollment41,65252,384-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$14,990UT Austin
Starting Salary$58,700$68,500UT Austin
Endowment$2.0B$44.9BUT Austin
Campus Size762 acres431 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UT Austin
$213,400
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | UT Austin = $153,440. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

UT Austin Top Majors

BusinessEngineeringComputer ScienceBiologyCommunication

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
UT AustinUrban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
UT Austin431 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
UT AustinNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
UT AustinSouth
Founded
UGA1785
UT Austin1883
Enrollment
UGA41,652
UT Austin52,384

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or UT Austin harder to get into?+
UT Austin is more selective with an acceptance rate of 29.0% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or UT Austin?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $213,400). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while UT Austin offers $14,990/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and UT Austin?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at UT Austin it is 1370. 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 UT Austin graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UT Austin have a higher average starting salary ($68,500 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 UT Austin has 17:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and UT Austin compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. UT Austin is in Austin, Texas (urban setting) with 431 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UT Austin in NCAA D1.