UChicago vs University of Georgia (UGA)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant intellectual hub of the University of Chicago, renowned for its rigorous academics and groundbreaking research, or picture yourself thriving in the spirited and diverse community of the University of Georgia, known for its strong sense of school spirit and commitment to student success. As you embark on your higher education journey, understanding the distinct characteristics of these two esteemed institutions is crucial. Delve into our comprehensive comparison table to uncover the nuances that set them apart, from their contrasting acceptance rates and popular majors to their unique student body demographics and graduation outcomes. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations, personal preferences, and long-term goals.
University of Chicago logo

University of Chicago

University of Georgia logo

University of Georgia

Overview

Location Chicago, Illinois Athens, Georgia
Campus setting City: Large City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Quarter Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 99.0% 95.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 6.5% 40.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $75

Graduate: $90
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1510 - 1580 1270 - 1450
ACT range 33 - 35 29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score 49.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 35.0% 40.0%
Total number of applicants 37,974 39,229
Total number of admissions given out 2,460 15,685
Admitted students who chose to enroll 2,053 5,819
Yield rate 83.5% 37.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Not required Required
Recommendation letters Required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $84,126
In state: $26,622

Out of state: $45,662
Average net price $33,727 $16,902
Tuition $59,256
In state: $9,790

Out of state: $28,830
Room & board $17,685
Room/dormitory: $6,292

Meal plan: $4,036
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

52.0%
Average amount $48,412
92.0%
Average amount $11,045
Students receiving federal student loan 6.0%
Average amount $5,265
25.0%
Average amount $5,227
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $37,860
3.0%
Average amount $13,477

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 7,636
Men 52.2% Women 47.8%
30,166
Men 42.0% Women 58.0%
Graduate students 11,196
Men 55.1% Women 44.9%
9,952
Men 38.2% Women 61.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 17.5%
International students 28.5% 4.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 4,584 10,050
First year students are required to live on campus? Yes No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Social Sciences
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
Students to faculty ratio 5:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 95.9% 87.8%
Dropout rate 1.7% 3.6%
Transferred out N/A 7.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $181,006
  • Year 2: $171,510
  • Year 3: $219,263
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $159,677
  • Year 2: $159,442
  • Year 3: $178,485
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $93,918
  • Year 2: $91,211
  • Year 3: $142,172
Statistics (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $119,416
  • Year 2: $116,083
  • Year 3: $131,549
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,094
  • Year 2: $92,277
  • Year 3: $105,545
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,564
  • Year 2: $85,637
  • Year 3: $96,012
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,684
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $91,550
Public Policy Analysis (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,121
  • Year 2: $70,083
  • Year 3: $82,672
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $81,753
  • Year 2: $72,022
  • Year 3: $81,130
Public Policy Analysis (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,165
  • Year 2: $52,663
  • Year 3: $73,510
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $107,603
  • Year 2: $120,325
  • Year 3: $122,859
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,544
  • Year 2: $111,283
  • Year 3: $122,491
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $117,307
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,726
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $92,754
Marketing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,513
  • Year 2: $81,333
  • Year 3: $91,218
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $87,059
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $85,532
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,138
  • Year 2: $68,778
  • Year 3: $79,772
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,908
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $79,190
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,622
  • Year 2: $64,068
  • Year 3: $78,529
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,002
  • Year 2: $77,144
  • Year 3: $77,709

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between the University of Chicago and the University of Georgia?

    The University of Chicago (UChicago) is a private research university known for its rigorous academics, particularly in the humanities and sciences, and its emphasis on intellectual inquiry. It's located in Chicago, Illinois, a major metropolitan area. The University of Georgia (UGA) is a public land-grant university known for its strong programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, journalism, and agriculture. It's located in Athens, Georgia, a vibrant college town.

  • How do the academic reputations of UChicago and UGA compare?

    UChicago consistently ranks among the top universities globally, renowned for its challenging core curriculum and distinguished faculty. UGA is a highly respected public university, particularly strong in specific fields and known for its research contributions. While both are excellent institutions, UChicago generally has a more prestigious national and international academic reputation.

  • What is the typical student body size and campus environment like at each university?

    UChicago has a smaller undergraduate student body, fostering a close-knit academic community. The campus environment is intellectually stimulating and academically focused. UGA has a much larger undergraduate population, offering a more diverse range of social and extracurricular activities. The campus environment is known for its school spirit and vibrant social scene.

  • How do the costs of attending UChicago and UGA differ?

    UChicago, as a private university, has a significantly higher tuition cost than UGA. UGA, as a public university, offers lower tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. Consider the overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses, when comparing the affordability of each institution. Financial aid and scholarships can significantly impact the net cost for both universities.

  • What are the most popular majors at UChicago and UGA?

    At UChicago, popular majors include economics, political science, mathematics, biological sciences, and English. At UGA, popular majors include business, biology, journalism, marketing, and psychology. Your academic interests should play a significant role in your college decision.

  • What are the admission requirements and acceptance rates for UChicago and UGA?

    UChicago has a highly selective admissions process with a low acceptance rate. Strong academic performance, standardized test scores, and compelling essays are crucial for admission. UGA has a more accessible admissions process than UChicago, but it is still competitive, especially for out-of-state applicants. Strong grades and test scores are important, and UGA also considers factors like extracurricular activities and leadership experience.

  • What are the career prospects like for graduates of UChicago and UGA?

    UChicago graduates are highly sought after in fields such as finance, consulting, academia, and research. UGA graduates find opportunities in a wide range of industries, particularly in the Southeast, including business, healthcare, and government. Both universities offer career services to help students with internships and job placement.

  • How do the locations of UChicago and UGA impact the student experience?

    UChicago's location in Chicago provides access to a vibrant urban environment with numerous cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities. UGA's location in Athens offers a classic college town experience with a strong sense of community and a lively music scene. Consider whether you prefer a city or a college town environment when making your decision.

  • What is the focus on research at UChicago and UGA?

    UChicago is a world-renowned research university with a strong emphasis on graduate studies and cutting-edge research across various disciplines. UGA is also a major research university, particularly strong in areas like agriculture, environmental science, and public health. Both universities offer opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research.

  • What kind of student would thrive at UChicago versus UGA?

    UChicago is a good fit for students who are intellectually curious, highly motivated, and enjoy a challenging academic environment. UGA is a good fit for students who are looking for a well-rounded college experience with a strong sense of community and a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Consider your learning style, academic interests, and personal preferences when making your decision.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.
University of Chicago UChicago vs California Institute of Technology California Institute of Technology
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Southern California University of Southern California
University of Chicago UChicago vs Wesleyan University Wesleyan University
University of Chicago UChicago vs Yale University Yale University
University of Chicago UChicago vs Georgetown University Georgetown University
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Georgia University of Georgia
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Notre Dame University of Notre Dame
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Maryland-College Park University of Maryland-College Park
University of Chicago UChicago vs Brandeis University Brandeis University
University of Chicago UChicago vs Wellesley College Wellesley College
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Michigan-Ann Arbor University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Chicago UChicago vs Dartmouth College Dartmouth College
University of Chicago UChicago vs Barnard College Barnard College
University of Chicago UChicago vs Jewish Theological Seminary of America Jewish Theological Seminary of America
University of Chicago UChicago vs The New School The New School
University of Chicago UChicago vs New York University New York University
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Rochester University of Rochester
University of Chicago UChicago vs Duke University Duke University
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Chicago UChicago vs Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University
University of Chicago UChicago vs Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt University
University of Chicago UChicago vs Rice University Rice University
University of Chicago UChicago vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
University of Chicago UChicago vs The Pennsylvania State University The Pennsylvania State University
University of Georgia UGA vs The University of Alabama The University of Alabama
University of Georgia UGA vs Auburn University Auburn University
University of Georgia UGA vs University of Arkansas University of Arkansas
University of Georgia UGA vs University of California-Berkeley University of California-Berkeley
University of Georgia UGA vs University of Connecticut University of Connecticut
University of Georgia UGA vs Florida State University Florida State University
University of Georgia UGA vs University of South Florida University of South Florida
University of Georgia UGA vs South University-Savannah South University-Savannah
University of Georgia UGA vs University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Georgia UGA vs Harvard University Harvard University
University of Georgia UGA vs Mississippi State University Mississippi State University
University of Georgia UGA vs University of South Carolina-Columbia University of South Carolina-Columbia
University of Georgia UGA vs Texas Tech University Texas Tech University
University of Georgia UGA vs Brigham Young University Brigham Young University
University of Georgia UGA vs Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University
University of Georgia UGA vs University of Virginia-Main Campus University of Virginia-Main Campus
University of Georgia UGA vs Washington State University Washington State University
University of Georgia UGA vs West Virginia University West Virginia University
University of Georgia UGA vs Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
University of Georgia UGA vs DeVry University-Georgia DeVry University-Georgia