University of Georgia (UGA) vs MSU Bulldogs

Envision yourself as a student, embarking on a journey of higher education. As you navigate the vast landscape of universities, two prominent institutions emerge: the University of Georgia (UGA) and Mississippi State University (MSU). While both offer exceptional academic opportunities, they possess distinct characteristics that may influence your decision. UGA boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a more diverse student body, while MSU's smaller size fosters a close-knit community. Explore the comparison table below to delve into further details, such as popular majors, graduation rates, and additional factors that will help you determine which university aligns best with your aspirations and goals.
Mississippi State University logo

Mississippi State University

University of Georgia logo

University of Georgia

Overview

Location Mississippi State, Mississippi Athens, Georgia
Campus setting Town: Remote City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 81.0% 95.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 76.1% 40.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $60
Undergraduate: $70

Graduate: $75
SAT range 1030 - 1280 1270 - 1450
ACT range 21 - 30 29 - 33
Students submitting SAT score 9.0% 45.0%
Students submitting ACT score 91.0% 40.0%
Total number of applicants 17,707 39,229
Total number of admissions given out 13,478 15,685
Admitted students who chose to enroll 3,388 5,819
Yield rate 25.1% 37.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $26,460

Out of state: $42,140
In state: $26,622

Out of state: $45,662
Average net price $16,175 $16,902
Tuition
In state: $9,110

Out of state: $24,790
In state: $9,790

Out of state: $28,830
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,612

Meal plan: $4,200
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)

97.0%
Average amount $12,948
92.0%
Average amount $11,045
Students receiving federal student loan 42.0%
Average amount $5,388
25.0%
Average amount $5,227
Students taking out private loans 6.0%
Average amount $14,099
3.0%
Average amount $13,477

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 18,584
Men 49.6% Women 50.4%
30,166
Men 42.0% Women 58.0%
Graduate students 4,502
Men 45.3% Women 54.7%
9,952
Men 38.2% Women 61.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 41.2% 17.5%
International students 3.4% 4.8%
Campus local/setting Town: Remote City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 5,333 10,050
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Mississippi Tennessee Alabama Georgia Louisiana Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Business
  • Agriculture
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 59.7% 87.8%
Dropout rate 38.5% 3.6%
Transferred out N/A 7.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,348
  • Year 2: $88,527
  • Year 3: $99,184
Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $84,211
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $90,129
Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,757
  • Year 2: $74,307
  • Year 3: $82,587
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,632
  • Year 2: $73,852
  • Year 3: $79,309
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $69,768
  • Year 2: $74,405
  • Year 3: $78,161
Industrial Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,878
  • Year 2: $69,710
  • Year 3: $76,651
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,741
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $69,725
Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,809
  • Year 2: $56,776
  • Year 3: $68,041
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,551
  • Year 2: $58,334
  • Year 3: $66,010
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,870
  • Year 2: $52,733
  • Year 3: $64,799
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 Georgia (UGA) and Mississippi State University (MSU)?

    UGA, located in Athens, Georgia, is a large, public research university known for its strong liberal arts programs, particularly in journalism, law, and business. It has a more urban feel and a broader range of academic offerings. MSU, situated in Starkville, Mississippi, is also a large public research university, but it's particularly renowned for its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs. MSU has a more close-knit, campus-centered community and a strong emphasis on STEM fields.

  • Which university is larger, UGA or MSU?

    UGA generally has a larger student body than MSU. UGA typically enrolls around 40,000 students, while MSU's enrollment is usually closer to 23,000. This difference in size can impact class sizes and the overall campus environment.

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

    Both UGA and MSU are respected public universities. UGA is often ranked higher nationally overall, particularly for its undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism, law, and business. MSU is highly regarded for its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs, often ranking among the top programs in the Southeast and nationally in those fields.

  • What are the tuition costs like at UGA versus MSU?

    Tuition costs vary depending on residency. Generally, UGA's in-state tuition is slightly higher than MSU's in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition at UGA is also typically higher than at MSU. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

  • What is campus life like at UGA and MSU?

    UGA offers a vibrant campus life with a strong emphasis on Greek life, a wide variety of student organizations, and a lively music and arts scene in Athens. MSU has a more tight-knit, community-focused campus environment with a strong emphasis on school spirit, particularly surrounding athletics. Both universities offer a range of extracurricular activities, but the overall atmosphere differs.

  • How do UGA and MSU compare in terms of athletics?

    Both UGA and MSU are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and have strong athletic programs. UGA is particularly known for its football program, which has a long history of success. MSU also has competitive football, baseball, and basketball programs. Both universities offer a wide range of varsity and intramural sports.

  • What are the surrounding cities like for UGA and MSU?

    UGA is located in Athens, Georgia, a vibrant college town with a thriving music scene, diverse restaurants, and a lively downtown area. MSU is located in Starkville, Mississippi, a smaller, more traditional college town. Starkville offers a more relaxed atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

  • Which university is better for students interested in STEM fields?

    While both universities offer strong STEM programs, MSU is particularly well-regarded for its engineering, agriculture, and veterinary medicine programs. UGA also has strong STEM programs, but MSU's focus and reputation in these areas are generally considered stronger.

  • Which university is better for students interested in humanities and social sciences?

    UGA is generally considered stronger in the humanities and social sciences, particularly in journalism, law, and business. While MSU offers programs in these areas, UGA's reputation and resources in these fields are often considered more extensive.

  • What are the admission requirements like for UGA and MSU?

    Admission to both UGA and MSU is competitive. UGA generally has slightly higher admission standards, requiring higher GPAs and standardized test scores. Both universities consider a variety of factors in the admission process, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and essays. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date admission requirements.

  • Do UGA and MSU offer similar financial aid and scholarship opportunities?

    Both UGA and MSU offer a range of financial aid and scholarship opportunities to help students finance their education. The specific types and amounts of aid available vary depending on individual circumstances and academic merit. It's recommended to explore the financial aid websites of both universities to determine which offers the best options for your situation.

  • How do the career services and internship opportunities compare between UGA and MSU?

    Both UGA and MSU offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. UGA, being located closer to larger metropolitan areas like Atlanta, may offer a wider range of internship opportunities in certain fields. However, MSU has strong connections with industries related to agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, providing excellent internship opportunities in those areas.

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