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University of Georgia — ROI, Cost & Payback

Public · Athens, GA · 32,137 students

The verdict

University of Georgia charges a net price of $13,936/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $55,744. Graduates earn a median $68,726 ten years after entry, $20,366/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 2.7 years — a 20-year net return of $351,576, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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University of Georgia's 2.7-year payback ranks #145 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 89% of them, and #3 of 100 in Georgia.

Better ROI than 89% of US colleges#145 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$13,936
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$68,726
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
2.7 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
38%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
University of Georgia: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$13,936/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$55,744our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$68,726Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$20,366/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$18,500Scorecard, 2026
Payback2.7 yrsour math
20-year net return$351,576our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

The arithmetic, on University of Georgia's own numbers. Net price $13,936 × 4 years = $55,744 total. Median earnings $68,726 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $20,366 a year of premium. $55,744 ÷ $20,366 = 2.7 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $351,576. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.

How much debt do University of Georgia students graduate with?

A median $18,500 in federal loans among completers, or 27% of the $68,726 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.

What share of University of Georgia students graduate?

90% finish their degree. Spread the $55,744 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $61,938 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.

Is University of Georgia expensive compared with other Georgia colleges?

Its $13,936 net price runs $1,739 below the $15,675 median across the 100 Georgia colleges we profile, and $6,956 less across the full degree.

University of Georgia: frequently asked questions

Is University of Georgia worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. University of Georgia charges $13,936/yr after aid ($55,744 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $68,726 ten years out — $20,366/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 2.7 years and returns $351,576 net over 20 years, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast.
How long does a University of Georgia degree take to pay off?
About 2.7 years. We divide the $55,744 four-year net cost by the $20,366/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does University of Georgia cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $13,936/yr — about $55,744 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does University of Georgia compare to other Georgia colleges?
It ranks #3 of 100 Georgia colleges we track by payback. Its $68,726 median earnings beat the national median of $43,549, and its $13,936 net price is below the national median of $16,902.