Mizzou vs University of Georgia (UGA)

Envision yourself immersed in the vibrant college towns of Columbia, Missouri, and Athens, Georgia, home to the esteemed University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Georgia (UGA), respectively. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they offer distinct experiences shaped by their unique identities. Mizzou boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a diverse student body from various backgrounds. UGA, on the other hand, is more selective, attracting high-achieving students with its rigorous academic programs. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further differences, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey.

	University of Georgia	University of Missouri-Columbia
Overview
Location	Athens, Georgia	Columbia, Missouri
Campus setting	City: Midsize	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	95.0%	88.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	40.0%	76.5%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $70 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $55 Graduate: $75
SAT range	1270 - 1450	1130 - 1350
ACT range	29 - 33	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score	45.0%	7.0%
Students submitting ACT score	40.0%	72.0%
Total number of applicants	39,229	19,966
Total number of admissions given out	15,685	15,283
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,819	4,843
Yield rate	37.1%	31.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $26,622 Out of state: $45,662	In state: $27,977 Out of state: $46,952
Average net price	$16,902	$18,249
Tuition	In state: $9,790 Out of state: $28,830	In state: $10,017 Out of state: $28,992
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,292 Meal plan: $4,036	Room/dormitory: $6,710 Meal plan: $3,500
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $11,045	85.0% Average amount $11,312
Students receiving federal student loan	25.0% Average amount $5,227	36.0% Average amount $5,270
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $13,477	8.0% Average amount $16,554

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	30,166 Men 42.0% Women 58.0%	23,696 Men 45.9% Women 54.1%
Graduate students	9,952 Men 38.2% Women 61.8%	7,705 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	17.5%	31.0%
International students	4.8%	4.1%
Campus local/setting	City: Midsize	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	10,050	6,898
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Texas North Carolina Florida New York	Missouri Illinois Texas Kansas Colorado

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Communication and Journalism Education Health Professions Engineering	Business Health Professions Ethnic Studies Communication and Journalism Education
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	87.8%	72.5%
Dropout rate	3.6%	26.8%
Transferred out	7.5%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $93,333 Year 2: $100,008 Year 3: $104,573 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,087 Year 2: $80,628 Year 3: $96,108 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $89,564 Year 3: $93,226 Veterinary Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $80,803 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $85,805 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $70,511 Year 2: $81,210 Year 3: $81,536 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,866 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $79,864 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,895 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $79,424 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,907 Year 2: $67,101 Year 3: $78,960 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,579 Year 2: $69,897 Year 3: $78,050 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $66,571 Year 2: $66,004 Year 3: $74,926

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Missouri-Columbia (Mizzou) and the University of Georgia (UGA)?

Mizzou and UGA are both large, public universities with strong academic reputations, but they differ in several key areas. UGA is located in Athens, Georgia, offering a classic college town experience with a vibrant music scene. Mizzou is situated in Columbia, Missouri, a city known for its journalism school and a more Midwestern feel. Academically, both are strong, but UGA is often perceived as slightly more selective and competitive for admission. Consider your preferred location, campus culture, and specific program strengths when deciding.
How do the academic reputations of Mizzou and UGA compare?

Both Mizzou and UGA are well-regarded universities. UGA is often ranked slightly higher overall, particularly in national rankings. However, Mizzou is renowned for its School of Journalism, which is consistently ranked among the best in the country. UGA has strong programs across various disciplines, including business, law, and agriculture. The best choice depends on your specific academic interests.
What is the cost of attendance at Mizzou versus UGA?

The cost of attendance varies depending on residency status. Generally, Mizzou tends to be slightly less expensive for out-of-state students compared to UGA. However, in-state tuition at UGA is often lower than out-of-state tuition at Mizzou. Be sure to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, and factor in living expenses, which can vary depending on your lifestyle.
What are the campus environments like at Mizzou and UGA?

UGA offers a classic Southern college town experience in Athens, known for its music scene and vibrant downtown. The campus is historic and beautiful. Mizzou, located in Columbia, provides a more Midwestern atmosphere. Columbia is a larger city than Athens, offering a wider range of amenities and activities. Mizzou's campus is also known for its beautiful architecture and green spaces. Consider which environment best suits your personality and preferences.
How do the athletic programs at Mizzou and UGA compare?

Both Mizzou and UGA are members of major athletic conferences (SEC), and both have strong athletic programs. UGA is particularly known for its football program, which has a long and storied history. Mizzou also has a competitive football program, as well as strong programs in basketball, wrestling, and other sports. If you're a big sports fan, both schools offer a great experience, but UGA's football tradition is particularly noteworthy.
What are the admission requirements for Mizzou and UGA?

Admission to both Mizzou and UGA is competitive. UGA is generally considered slightly more selective. Both universities consider factors such as GPA, standardized test scores (ACT/SAT), essays, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. UGA may place slightly more emphasis on academic rigor and class rank. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at Mizzou and UGA?

Both Mizzou and UGA offer a variety of financial aid options, including need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and student loans. The specific types and amounts of aid available will depend on your individual financial circumstances and academic qualifications. Be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Also, explore the scholarship opportunities offered by each university and external organizations.
What are the career services like at Mizzou and UGA?

Both Mizzou and UGA offer comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers. These services typically include career counseling, resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. UGA's location in the Southeast may provide more opportunities for internships and jobs in that region, while Mizzou's location in the Midwest may offer more opportunities in that area. Both universities have strong alumni networks that can be valuable resources for career development.
What are the popular majors at Mizzou and UGA?

At Mizzou, popular majors include Journalism, Business, Engineering, and Health Professions. At UGA, popular majors include Business, Biology, Journalism, and Political Science. Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs, so explore the specific departments and programs that align with your interests.
How do the student populations compare at Mizzou and UGA?

Both Mizzou and UGA have large student populations, but UGA tends to have a slightly larger undergraduate enrollment. Both universities attract students from diverse backgrounds, but UGA may have a slightly larger proportion of students from the Southeast region, while Mizzou may have a larger proportion of students from the Midwest. The overall diversity of the student body is comparable at both institutions.

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