How Much Does the University of Georgia Cost?

As a top-ranked public flagship university, the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens attracts thousands of applicants each year. But at what price? Understanding the full costs involved with pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at UGA is essential when navigating the admissions and financial aid processes.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into UGA’s differentiated tuition rates for in-state versus out-of-state students across programs, outline all mandatory and optional fees, detail average housing and meal costs both on and off campus, and provide expert tips to subsidize expenses through scholarships, grants, loans, and strategic budgeting.

How Much Does the University of Georgia Cost?

The cost to attend the University of Georgia can vary widely based on residency status and degree program, but generally ranges from about $30,000 per year for in-state undergraduates up to $60,000 annually for out-of-state graduate students when including tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses.

As a public state school, UGA offers significantly reduced tuition pricing for students who qualify as Georgia residents based on established criteria:

In-State Tuition

In-state tuition provides eligible Georgia residents substantial savings of over 50% compared to out-of-state rates. UGA’s annual in-state tuition is set at $12,080 for undergraduates and $9,792 for graduate students.

This discount makes pursuing higher education much more accessible for local students. Meeting residency requirements through criteria like being a dependent of a Georgia parent or graduating from a Georgia high school allows students to unlock in-state rates.

Out-of-State Tuition

Students coming to UGA from other states face much higher base tuition costs starting at $33,532 per year for undergrads and ranging up to $27,746 annually for non-resident grad students.

However, some out-of-state students may qualify for limited Non-Resident Tuition Waivers or other specialized scholarships to reduce costs. Competition is very high for these aid opportunities given limited availability.

According to an article from U.S. News, the tuition for in-state students is approximately $11,440, while out-of-state students pay around $31,678. These figures include both tuition and fees, which can vary by institution and may cover services such as library access and student facilities.

Another source, Georgia Recorder, notes that starting in Fall 2024, in-state tuition will increase to about $5,017 per semester, up from $4,895, while out-of-state tuition will rise to approximately $15,136 per semester. This reflects a 2.5% increase for in-state students and a 5% increase for out-of-state students.

A report from Law School Transparency indicates that the annual tuition for residents is about $18,994, while non-residents face a tuition cost of approximately $37,752. This figure does not include additional living expenses, which can be significant depending on the student’s lifestyle and housing choices.

According to an overview from Appily, the average net price for attending the University of Georgia is around $16,580 after accounting for financial aid. This average varies significantly by family income; for example, families earning less than $30,000 may see an average net price of about $8,303.

Lastly, information from the official University of Georgia financial aid page indicates that direct costs including tuition and fees amount to approximately $10,034 for tuition and about $1,406 for fees. The total estimated cost of attendance considers additional expenses such as room and board, books, and personal expenses.

Current Tuition and Fees

Student Type	Annual Tuition	Mandatory Fees	Total Tuition & Fees
In-State Undergrad	$12,080	$2,224	$14,304
Out-of-State Undergrad	$33,532	$2,224	$35,756
In-State Grad Student	$9,792	$2,042	$11,834
Out-of-State Grad Student	$27,746	$2,042	$29,788

Tuition and fees are set annually by the Board of Regents and tend to increase moderately year over year. The above represents latest published rates.

In addition to base tuition, mandatory student fees cover campus maintenance, technology, health services, athletics programs, transit, and other university operations.

You might also like our articles on the cost of tuition at Harvard University, Boston University, or High Point University.

Mandatory Fees at UGA

Alongside base tuition, UGA students pay the following fees each year:

• Technology Fee – Supports campus IT infrastructure, computer labs, and technical services. $453 for undergrads, $492 for grad students.
• Transportation Fee – Funds UGA’s bus system, providing students discounted public transportation. $86.
• Recreation Fee – Maintains fitness facilities, gyms, pools, and recreational programs. $155.
• Health Fee – Provides critical student health center and counseling services. $320 undergrad, $648 grad.
• Athletic Fee – Grants admission to UGA sporting events. $140.
• Activity Fee – Funds student organizations and on-campus events. $46 undergrad, $36 grad.
• Special Institutional Fee – Supports general campus facilities and operations. $588 undergrad, $302 grad.
• Green Fee – Promotes campus sustainability initiatives. $19.

Parking permits cost extra for students driving to campus. Rates start around $500 annually for basic commuter permits.

Housing Costs On and Off Campus

UGA maintains a wide variety of on-campus housing options tailored to different needs and budgets:

• Traditional dorms – Shared rooms with communal bathrooms. Most affordable but least private. Approximately $5,700 per year currently.
• Suite-style dorms – Doubles and singles with shared bathrooms. Enhanced amenities over traditional. Ranges from $6,700 to $7,800 per year.
• Private bathroom dorms – Increased privacy with rates from $7,800 to $9,300+ annually depending on specific residence hall.
• Apartment-style – Units with full kitchens and private single rooms. Highest independence. Around $10,100 to $12,700 per year depending on amenities.

Off-campus housing in downtown Athens costs approximately $600 per month for a shared apartment with roommates or $800-$1,000 for a private studio or one bedroom unit. While typically cheaper overall than dorms, added commuting, utility, and food costs offset some potential savings.

Meal Plans for UGA Students

GA Dining provides several meal plan options accommodating dietary preferences:

• Unlimited Plan – Unlimited dining hall swipes plus $400 Dining Dollars per semester. $4,028
• Red & Black Plan – 21 meals per week plus $100 Dining Dollars. $3,764.
• Gold Plan – 15 meals per week plus $300 Dining Dollars. $3,552.
• Silver Plan – 10 meals per week plus $500 Dining Dollars. $3,264.
• Bronze Plan – 7 meals per week plus $700 Dining Dollars. $3,044.

Dining Dollars can be used at on-campus cafes and restaurants beyond the standard dining halls. Grocery and meal costs for students living off-campus require separate budgeting.

Miscellaneous College Expenses

Beyond tuition and room/board, UGA students face several auxiliary costs:

• Textbooks and supplies – $500-$1,200 per year depending on major. Certain programs like engineering have higher costs.
• Technology costs – Up to $2,000 for a laptop and software, although some programs provide devices. Replacements and repairs add costs over time.
• Personal expenses – $1,500-$3,000+ for clothing, toiletries, entertainment, Greek life dues, social outings, and other discretionary spending.
• Transportation – Gas, insurance, maintenance, and commuting costs ranging from $500-$2,000+ per year. Flights for students living farther away add expenses.

Adequately budgeting for these college living expenses protects students from financial stress. Avoid unnecessary debt by controlling recreational spending.

Financial Aid Options

UGA provides substantial financial assistance to supplement families’ out-of-pocket contribution and make school affordable through:

• Scholarships – Need and merit-based aid that doesn’t require repayment. Georgia residents with a 3.7+ GPA qualify for HOPE covering 90% of tuition. Zell Miller covers 100% for top students.
• Grants – Federal and state need-based grants, including the Pell Grant, of up to $6,895 annually. Availability depends on FAFSA results.
• Student employment – Federal and state work-study programs offering part-time jobs on campus or with approved local employers. Earn up to $4,000 a year.
• Loans – Federal Direct student loans with annual limits based on academic year and favorable interest rates. Subsidized options are available for qualifying low-income students.

Submitting the FAFSA form as early as possible maximizes eligibility for need or merit-based aid.

Payment Plan Options

UGA offers payment plans through the Bursar’s office allowing students to spread tuition over installments rather than one lump sum:

• Three-Part Payment Plan – Three equal tuition payments per semester. $40 enrollment fee per term applies.
• Four-Part Payment Plan – Four installments per semester. $50 enrollment fee per term applies.
• Five-Part Payment Plan – Five smaller monthly payments per semester. $60 enrollment fee per term applies.

Payment plans must be arranged each semester and help ease financial burdens despite small enrollment fees. Missing installments risk holds and late fees.

Total Cost of Attendance

UGA’s online Net Price Calculator provides an estimated total cost for one year based on residency, income bracket, and other personal factors. Students should additionally build a detailed term-by-term or yearly budget accounting for:

• Tuition and all mandatory fees
• Housing and meal plan costs
• Textbooks, course supplies, and technology expenses
• Personal costs like clothing, snacks, recreation, Greek life dues
• Transportation including gas, insurance, maintenance
• Loan fees and origination costs if applicable

Sticking closely to a carefully constructed spending plan helps students restrict unnecessary discretionary expenses and avoid budget shortfalls.

UGA’s Cost vs. Other Public Universities

UGA’s costs are very competitive among Georgia’s most prominent public universities:

• Georgia Tech – Slightly higher overall, with high lab fees for engineering and tech programs. More costly on-campus housing in Atlanta.
• Georgia State University – Lower total costs for its urban downtown Atlanta campus location and proximity to city resources. Limited student housing.
• Kennesaw State – Lower undergraduate tuition than UGA. However, fewer prestigious graduate programs, research opportunities, and reduced access to top internships and job pipelines.

While pricier than some alternatives, UGA remains a smart long-term value investment given academic reputation, renowned faculty, and extensive resources.

The University of Georgia Value

For both in-state and out-of-state students, UGA represents excellent educational return on investment, including:

• Competitive tuition rates relative to national peers and academic prestige
• Access to generous need and merit-based aid and scholarships for residents
• Top research, internship, study abroad, and service-learning opportunities

By diligently applying for scholarships, controlling living costs, and budgeting strategically, a degree from UGA offers long-term dividends that outweigh upfront costs for most students.

Experts Share Insights

To provide additional context on navigating UGA admissions and costs, we consulted the following higher education specialists:

“A strong in-state applicant should aim for top 10% of class rank plus a 1350+ SAT or 29+ ACT and meaningful extracurricular leadership for the best shot at admission and merit scholarships.” – Andrew P., Former Admissions Officer at Top Public University

“Finding opportunities to demonstrate your grit through jobs, internships, or nonprofits helps make a student stand out during the competitive UGA admissions process.” – Jessica C., High School Guidance Counselor

“Students should optimize savings by living off-campus after freshman year taking advantage of UGA’s excellent bus system, and avoiding overspending on Greek life, social activities, and amenities.” – David S., Current UGA Honors Student

“Research all available Federal and UGA scholarship and grant opportunities using the Net Price Calculator. Seeking aid can significantly lower real out-of-pocket costs.” – Mark H., Director of College Financial Aid

Final Words

With its esteemed academic reputation and research pedigree, the University of Georgia remains a highly desirable yet very attainable choice for motivated students seeking a premier in-state public education.

By researching tuition history, strategically applying for financial assistance, and prudently budgeting living expenses, the rewards of a UGA degree can significantly outweigh the comprehensive costs for many students and families. For those willing to put in the work upfront exploring scholarships and controlling discretionary spending, the University of Georgia offers accessibility and excellence.

Answers to Common Questions

How much does 4 years at Georgia cost?

For in-state students after aid, the estimated 4-year cost is roughly $80,000 – $100,000. For out-of-state students, total costs approach $160,000 – $180,000.

Is a 3.5 GPA good for UGA?

Successful applicants typically have a minimum 3.7 unweighted high school GPA and 1200+ SAT score or 25+ ACT score. The average admitted student has a 4.0 GPA.

How prestigious is University of Georgia?

UGA ranks #56 among all National Universities according to U.S. News, competing with top flagship state schools like Michigan, Virginia, and UCLA. It’s considered highly prestigious academically.