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University of Georgia vs University of Virginia

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
16.3% UVA acceptance
$107,944 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
UVA
Charlottesville, Virginia
Public
Founded
1819
Enrollment
26,082
Setting
Suburban

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $24,794
UGA
$31,120
UVA
$55,914
Acceptance Rate UVA more selective
UGA
39.0%
UVA
16.3%
Graduation Rate UVA higher
UGA
88%
UVA
94%
Avg SAT Score UVA higher
UGA
1340
UVA
1440
Starting Salary UVA higher
UGA
$58,700
UVA
$71,500

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA UVA Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$55,914UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$20,342UGA
Room & Board$12,090$14,282UGA
Acceptance Rate39.0%16.3%UVA
Graduation Rate88%94%UVA
Average SAT13401440UVA
Student-Faculty Ratio17:115:1UVA
Enrollment41,65226,082-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$21,700UVA
Starting Salary$58,700$71,500UVA
Endowment$2.0B$14.5BUVA
Campus Size762 acres1,682 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
UVA
$280,784
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | UVA = $193,984. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

UVA Top Majors

EconomicsBusinessComputer ScienceBiologyPsychology

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
UVASuburban
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
UVA1,682 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
UVANCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
UVASouth
Founded
UGA1785
UVA1819
Enrollment
UGA41,652
UVA26,082

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or UVA harder to get into?+
UVA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 16.3% compared to 39.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or UVA?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $280,784). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while UVA offers $21,700/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and UVA?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at UVA it is 1440. 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 UVA graduates earn more?+
Graduates of UVA have a higher average starting salary ($71,500 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 UVA has 15:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and UVA compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. UVA is in Charlottesville, Virginia (suburban setting) with 1,682 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and UVA in NCAA D1.