Students at the University of Georgia achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place the university among the top public institutions nationwide for earnings performance.
Graduates consistently outperform peers in both overall earnings and low-income student success, while maintaining strong affordability across income levels.
Azimuth ranks the University of Georgia 32nd out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 92nd percentile for overall value. UGA stands out as a flagship research university that consistently delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. With median 10-year earnings of $68,726 and nearly 90th percentile performance nationally, UGA represents one of the strongest return-on-investment options among public universities.
What makes UGA particularly compelling is its combination of academic prestige and financial results. As a large research university in Athens, Georgia, UGA offers the comprehensive program portfolio and alumni network of a major flagship while maintaining relatively affordable net prices for most income groups. Low-income students pay just $7,897 annually, well below national averages, while middle-income families see costs around $14,400 per year.
The university's "Selective Achievers" mobility profile reflects its positioning as an institution that delivers strong outcomes while serving a more academically prepared student body. With graduation rates exceeding 87% and strong performance across business, computer science, and other high-return fields, UGA provides the academic rigor and career preparation that translate into meaningful long-term financial success for graduates.
The University of Georgia offers a diverse program portfolio that consistently delivers strong career outcomes across multiple fields. Banking and Financial Support Services emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 608 graduates with solid median earnings of $57,907, making it the highest aggregate-return major at the university. This program exemplifies UGA's strength in preparing students for lucrative careers in finance and business services.
Computer Science represents the university's highest-earning individual program, with 268 graduates achieving median earnings of $70,456 early in their careers. This reflects both the high demand for technology skills and UGA's ability to prepare students for competitive positions in the tech sector. Biology, while showing lower early-career earnings of $23,649, serves as the university's largest program with 546 graduates and provides essential preparation for medical school, graduate study, and research careers.
UGA's program strength extends across professional fields that align with Georgia's economic landscape and national career opportunities. The university's position as a major research institution provides students with extensive internship opportunities, faculty mentorship, and alumni networks that translate into strong job placement and career advancement. This comprehensive approach to career preparation helps explain why UGA graduates achieve such consistently strong long-term earnings across diverse fields of study.
The University of Georgia delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top public universities nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $68,726 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 89th percentile nationally and reflecting the strong earning power that comes with a UGA degree. This performance spans multiple career stages, with 6-year earnings already reaching $57,565 and continued growth through the first decade after graduation.
UGA's strongest financial returns come from its business and technology programs. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as the highest aggregate-return major, combining strong enrollment of 608 graduates with solid median earnings of $57,907. Computer Science delivers the highest individual earnings at $70,456 for its 268 graduates, representing excellent outcomes in a high-demand field. Even Biology, the university's largest program with 546 graduates, provides a solid foundation for further education and career development, though early-career earnings of $23,649 reflect the pre-professional nature of many biology tracks.
The university's comprehensive program portfolio supports diverse career pathways while maintaining consistently strong outcomes. UGA's position as a major research university in Georgia provides graduates with extensive alumni networks and employer connections throughout the Southeast and beyond, contributing to the sustained earning power that places the institution among the top tier of public universities for long-term return on investment.
The University of Georgia offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $7,897 per year, placing UGA well below national averages and in the top tier for affordability among flagship research universities. Middle-income families see annual costs around $14,400, while even high-income families pay a reasonable $17,846 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UGA graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $18,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $20,083. These figures are moderate compared to many research universities, and the combination of strong earnings outcomes and reasonable debt loads creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates are successfully managing their debt obligations.
What makes UGA particularly sustainable financially is how well graduates can service their educational investments. With median earnings approaching $69,000 ten years out, most borrowers can comfortably handle standard repayment schedules while building long-term wealth. The university's strong graduation rates and consistent career outcomes provide families with confidence that their educational investment will pay off over time.
University Of Georgia Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
