University of Georgia (UGA) vs South University-Savannah

When it comes to higher education, the University of Georgia (UGA) and South University-Savannah (SUS) offer distinct experiences for prospective students. UGA, a public research university, boasts a significantly higher acceptance rate (72%) compared to SUS's more selective admissions process (50%). UGA's diverse student body reflects its larger size, with over 38,000 undergraduates, while SUS maintains a smaller, more intimate learning environment with approximately 2,000 undergraduate students. Both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, with UGA excelling in fields like business, engineering, and agriculture, and SUS specializing in healthcare, business, and criminal justice. While UGA's graduation rate stands at 83%, SUS's smaller class sizes and personalized attention contribute to its impressive 90% graduation rate. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about your academic journey.
South University-Savannah logo

South University-Savannah

University of Georgia logo

University of Georgia

Overview

Location Savannah, Georgia Athens, Georgia
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (For Profit) Public
Calendar system Quarter Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 57.0% 95.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission 40.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $70

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

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $33,088
In state: $26,622

Out of state: $45,662
Average net price $23,501 $16,902
Tuition $16,920
In state: $9,790

Out of state: $28,830
Room & board
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)

78.0%
Average amount $7,170
92.0%
Average amount $11,045
Students receiving federal student loan 33.0%
Average amount $9,500
25.0%
Average amount $5,227
Students taking out private loans 0.0%
Average amount $0
3.0%
Average amount $13,477

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 239
Men 26.4% Women 73.6%
30,166
Men 42.0% Women 58.0%
Graduate students 548
Men 26.1% Women 73.9%
9,952
Men 38.2% Women 61.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 17.5%
International students 0.8% 4.8%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity N/A 10,050
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
Students to faculty ratio 11:1 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 16.7% 87.8%
Dropout rate 75.0% 3.6%
Transferred out N/A 7.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $172,829
  • Year 2: $170,546
  • Year 3: $189,224
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $108,584
  • Year 2: $122,579
  • Year 3: $124,720
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,547
  • Year 2: $100,140
  • Year 3: $107,514
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $90,641
  • Year 2: $98,736
  • Year 3: $102,466
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $90,832
  • Year 2: $91,613
  • Year 3: $98,023
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $65,499
  • Year 2: $66,883
  • Year 3: $71,557
Information Science/Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,218
  • Year 2: $60,839
  • Year 3: $62,890
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $50,856
  • Year 3: $51,380
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,002
  • Year 2: $42,799
  • Year 3: $48,444
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,831
  • Year 2: $44,418
  • Year 3: $46,834
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 South University-Savannah?

    The University of Georgia (UGA) is a large, public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It's known for its strong academic reputation, research opportunities, and vibrant campus life. South University-Savannah, on the other hand, is a smaller, private institution with a career-focused approach, particularly in healthcare and business. It emphasizes practical skills and personalized attention.

  • Which school is more affordable: UGA or South University-Savannah?

    UGA is generally more affordable for in-state students due to its public university status and state funding. Out-of-state tuition at UGA is higher but may still be lower than South University-Savannah's tuition, which tends to be consistent regardless of residency. It's best to check the most recent tuition and fees on each university's website and consider financial aid options.

  • What types of programs are each school known for?

    UGA is renowned for its programs in journalism, business, law, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. It also has strong programs across the liberal arts and sciences. South University-Savannah is primarily known for its career-oriented programs in healthcare, such as nursing and physician assistant, as well as business administration and criminal justice.

  • How does campus life differ between UGA and South University-Savannah?

    UGA offers a traditional, large university campus experience with a wide array of student organizations, sports teams, and social activities. It has a strong sense of school spirit and a vibrant Greek life. South University-Savannah has a smaller, more intimate campus environment. While it offers student activities, the focus is often on career development and networking opportunities within specific fields.

  • What are the admission requirements like for UGA versus South University-Savannah?

    UGA has more selective admission requirements, typically requiring higher standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) and a stronger academic record. South University-Savannah generally has less stringent admission requirements, focusing more on a holistic review of applicants, including their academic background and career goals. However, specific program requirements may vary at South University-Savannah.

  • Which school is better for research opportunities?

    UGA is significantly better for research opportunities due to its status as a major research university. It has numerous research centers, institutes, and funding opportunities for students and faculty across various disciplines. South University-Savannah, while it may offer some research opportunities, primarily focuses on practical application and clinical experiences within its career-oriented programs.

  • How does the location of each school impact the student experience?

    UGA is located in Athens, Georgia, a classic college town with a lively music scene, diverse restaurants, and a strong sense of community. South University-Savannah is located in Savannah, Georgia, a historic city known for its architecture, arts, and Southern charm. Savannah offers a unique cultural experience and opportunities for internships and networking in specific industries, particularly tourism and healthcare.

  • What is the student-to-faculty ratio at each institution?

    UGA has a higher student-to-faculty ratio compared to South University-Savannah. This means that students at South University-Savannah may experience smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from instructors. While UGA's larger class sizes can be offset by resources like teaching assistants and office hours, South University-Savannah's smaller environment can be beneficial for students who prefer a more intimate learning setting.

  • Which school is better for career services and job placement?

    Both schools offer career services, but their strengths differ. UGA has a comprehensive career center with resources for students across all majors, including internships, job fairs, and resume workshops. South University-Savannah's career services are often tailored to its specific programs, with a focus on connecting students with employers in healthcare, business, and related fields. The 'better' school depends on your field of study.

  • Does either school offer online programs?

    Yes, both UGA and South University-Savannah offer online programs. UGA offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificate programs. South University-Savannah also provides online degree programs, particularly in areas like business, healthcare, and technology. The availability of specific programs online may vary, so it's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date information.