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University of Georgia vs Virginia Tech

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

39.0% UGA acceptance
57.0% Virginia Tech acceptance
$16,720 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
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia
Public
Founded
1872
Enrollment
38,167
Setting
Rural

At a Glance

Tuition UGA saves $4,970
UGA
$31,120
Virginia Tech
$36,090
Acceptance Rate UGA more selective
UGA
39.0%
Virginia Tech
57.0%
Graduation Rate UGA higher
UGA
88%
Virginia Tech
85%
Avg SAT Score UGA higher
UGA
1340
Virginia Tech
1330
Starting Salary Virginia Tech higher
UGA
$58,700
Virginia Tech
$68,800

Detailed Comparison

Metric UGA Virginia Tech Edge
Tuition (Out-of-State)$31,120$36,090UGA
Tuition (In-State)$12,080$15,478UGA
Room & Board$12,090$11,300Virginia Tech
Acceptance Rate39.0%57.0%UGA
Graduation Rate88%85%UGA
Average SAT13401330UGA
Student-Faculty Ratio17:114:1Virginia Tech
Enrollment41,65238,167-
Avg Financial Aid$12,980$12,800UGA
Starting Salary$58,700$68,800Virginia Tech
Endowment$2.0B$2.0BTie
Campus Size762 acres2,600 acres-

Total Cost Comparison (4 Years)

Estimated sticker price before financial aid.

UGA
$172,840
4-year total (out-of-state)
VS
Virginia Tech
$189,560
4-year total (out-of-state)
After average financial aid, estimated net cost: UGA = $120,920 | Virginia Tech = $138,360. Your actual cost may differ. Use each school's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

Popular Majors

UGA Top Majors

BusinessBiologyPsychologyFinanceRisk Management

Virginia Tech Top Majors

EngineeringComputer ScienceBusinessBiologyAgriculture

Campus & Student Life

Setting
UGASuburban
Virginia TechRural
Campus Size
UGA762 ac
Virginia Tech2,600 ac
Athletics
UGANCAA D1
Virginia TechNCAA D1
Region
UGASouth
Virginia TechSouth
Founded
UGA1785
Virginia Tech1872
Enrollment
UGA41,652
Virginia Tech38,167

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UGA or Virginia Tech harder to get into?+
UGA is more selective with an acceptance rate of 39.0% compared to 57.0%. Both schools look at GPA, test scores, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations in their admissions process.
Which is cheaper, UGA or Virginia Tech?+
At sticker price, UGA costs less over 4 years ($172,840 vs $189,560). However, financial aid can dramatically change the actual cost. UGA offers an average of $12,980/year in aid while Virginia Tech offers $12,800/year. Always compare your actual net price after aid.
What are the average SAT scores for UGA and Virginia Tech?+
The average SAT score at UGA is 1340 and at Virginia Tech it is 1330. 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 Virginia Tech graduates earn more?+
Graduates of Virginia Tech have a higher average starting salary ($68,800 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 Virginia Tech has 14:1. A lower ratio generally means smaller class sizes and more individual attention from professors.
How do UGA and Virginia Tech compare for campus life?+
UGA is located in Athens, Georgia (suburban setting) with a 762-acre campus. Virginia Tech is in Blacksburg, Virginia (rural setting) with 2,600 acres. UGA competes in NCAA D1 athletics and Virginia Tech in NCAA D1.