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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 #137 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#137 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.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

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 $43,552, and its $13,936 net price is below the national median of $16,906.