US University · Ranked #47
University of Georgia: Acceptance Rate & Admission Requirements (2026)
University of Georgia is a moderately selective university in Athens, Georgia, admitting around 42% of those who apply. Ranked #47 nationally in our dataset, it rewards students who meet its academic benchmarks and submit a complete, on-time application — the bar is attainable for solid candidates and the process is more forgiving than at the most selective schools.
UGA is the nation's first state-chartered public university, known for its strong business and journalism programs, spirited football culture, and charming Athens community.
This guide breaks down University of Georgia's selectivity, the academic profile of admitted students, how its application deadlines should shape your strategy, and the programs it is best known for — followed by answers to the questions applicants ask most.
University of Georgia admission statistics
- Acceptance rate
- 42%
- SAT range
- 1220–1400
- Average GPA
- 3.75
- In-state
- $12,080
- Out-of-state
- $31,120
- Enrollment
- 30,714
- Type
- Public
- Location
- Athens, Georgia
How hard is it to get into University of Georgia?
With 42% of applicants admitted, University of Georgia is moderately selective. The school admits the majority of students who meet its academic benchmarks, so the most common reasons for denial are an incomplete application, missing the deadline, or numbers that fall below the published ranges. Hitting the academic targets and applying on time is most of the battle.
For students who meet the numbers, University of Georgia is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
Academic profile of admitted students
Admitted students at University of Georgia typically score between 1220 and 1400 on the SAT — this is the middle 50% range, so a quarter of enrolled students scored below 1220 and a quarter above 1400. A score at or above 1400 is competitive even at the more selective end of the pool. Alongside test scores, the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.75 on a 4.0 scale, indicating that successful applicants generally earned mostly A's in a rigorous course load.
As a planning benchmark, aim for an SAT around 1310 or higher and a GPA at or near 3.75. Scores meaningfully below the 25th percentile (1220) are not disqualifying on their own, but they put more weight on the rest of the application to compensate.
University of Georgiaapplication deadlines & strategy
- • Early Action: Oct 15
- • Regular Decision: Jan 1
University of Georgia offers a non-binding Early Action deadline of Oct 15, with Regular Decision closing Jan 1. Early Action lets you submit early and receive a decision sooner without any obligation to enroll, so there is little downside to applying EA if your application is genuinely ready by Oct 15 — a rushed early application is worse than a strong regular one.
Whichever round you choose, give recommenders at least three to four weeks of notice and budget time for essay revisions — the strongest applications are rarely written in the final week before Jan 1.
Notable programs at University of Georgia
- Business — often admitted directly into a named school with its own requirements.
- Journalism — a professionally oriented program with strong industry ties.
- Education — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Ecology — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
- Public Health — a recognized area of strength at this institution.
University of Georgia is particularly known for Business, Journalism, Education, Ecology, and Public Health.
Strong programs matter for admissions because many schools admit by college or major, and a credible, specific interest in one of these areas — reflected in your coursework, activities, and essays — is far more persuasive than a generic application.
Cost of attending University of Georgia
As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Georgia costs significantly less for Georgia residents: in-state tuition is about $12,080 per year versus roughly $31,120 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $19,040 annually. If you are not a Georgia resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.
Tuition is only part of the cost — add room, board, fees, and personal expenses for a realistic total — but the in-state advantage makes University of Georgia an especially strong value for state residents.
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University of Georgia: frequently asked questions
- What is the acceptance rate at University of Georgia?
- University of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 42%, which makes it moderately selective. For students who meet the numbers, University of Georgia is a target-to-likely school. Double-check that every required component is submitted before the deadline — completeness matters more than polish at this level.
- What SAT score do you need for University of Georgia?
- Admitted students at University of Georgia typically score between 1220 and 1400 on the SAT (the middle 50%). Aiming for 1400 or above makes you competitive, while a score below 1220 puts more weight on the rest of your application.
- What GPA do you need to get into University of Georgia?
- The average GPA of admitted students at University of Georgia is approximately 3.75 on a 4.0 scale. Competitive applicants generally have mostly A's in a rigorous course load; a GPA at or near 3.75 is the practical target.
- What is the application deadline for University of Georgia?
- University of Georgia's application deadlines: Early Action is Oct 15 (non-binding); Regular Decision is Jan 1. Submit a few days early to avoid last-minute portal problems.
- Is University of Georgia a public or private university?
- University of Georgia is a public university. In-state students from Georgia pay significantly less than out-of-state students.
- How much does it cost to attend University of Georgia?
- As a public institution with separate in-state and out-of-state tuition, University of Georgia costs significantly less for Georgia residents: in-state tuition is about $12,080 per year versus roughly $31,120 for out-of-state students — a difference of around $19,040 annually. If you are not a Georgia resident, factor the higher rate into your list, and check whether the school offers merit scholarships or regional exchange programs that narrow the gap.