University of Georgia vs University of Alabama

University of Georgia vs University of Alabama

University of Georgia is a top-ranked public research university in Athens, Georgia, USA. It's a big institution with around 29,000 undergraduate students. Admission is moderately competitive, and its overall acceptance rate is roughly 37.2%. The most popular majors are Business, Education, Biological Sciences, Psychology, and Journalism. Its six-year graduation rate is roughly 85%, and University of Georgia alumni have a median starting salary of around INR 8,50,000 (roughly $11,000 median income within ten years of graduation).

University of Alabama is a highly respected public research university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. It is a large university with around 38,000 undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly open, with an overall acceptance rate of around 76%. Popular majors are Business, Engineering, Communication, Nursing, and Education. The six-year graduation rate stands at around 78%, and University of Alabama graduates earn a median starting salary of around INR 7,00,000 (about $9,500 median income ten years after graduation).

Overview Comparison
University of GeorgiaUniversity of Alabama
Collegedunia Score4.7 Out of 104.2 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 351 Times Higher Education 2026
# 525 QS World University 2026
# 55 Financial Times 2025
# 901 QS World University 2026
# 498 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 801 Times Higher Education 2025
Subject Strength# 111 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 22 for Law by US News 2025
# 99 for Engineering by US News 2024
# 501 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 31 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -116
PG Programs -92
Doctorate Programs -114
UG Programs -75
PG Programs -46
Acceptance Rate37.2 %76.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-550
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1200
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   31120
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  24724
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 21866 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   40249.43
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25916.09
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 21050 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average salary that undergraduate students receive after their graduation is around $59,769. The programs and their average salary are as follows:

Doctorate: $113,000

BBA: $96,000

Bachelor of Arts: $76,000

Master (Other): $73,000

Bachelor of Science: $70,000

Bachelor (Other): $64,000 


Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Doctorate: $115,000

PhD: $113,000

MBA: $102,000

Bachelor of Science: $85,000

Bachelor of Arts: $69,000

Master (Other): $56,000 


application requirements

Standardized test scores and counselor recommendations are required for all the applicants.
Core subject requirements must be fulfilled by the UG applicants. 

Submit official transcripts, Submit English language requirements, Check program specific requirements


Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 80 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 301 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025
# 110 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 501 for Computer Science by QS World University 2024
# 601 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2024
exam scoresIELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -31120Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -30250
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesOct 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
Jan 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake)
Nov 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
ranking# 80 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 301 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2025
# 601 for Computer Science by QS World University 2025
# 110 for Computer Science by US News 2025
# 501 for Computer Science by QS World University 2024
# 601 for Computer Science by Times Higher Education 2024
exam scoresGRE - 297/340IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -15181Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33372
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
application datesOct 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Apr 15, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
Jan 15, 2026 (Application Deadline for Summer Intake)
Feb 28, 2026 (Priority Funding Deadline for Fall Intake)
Aug 30, 2026 (Application Deadline for Spring Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of GeorgiaUniversity of Alabama
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1785
1820
Student:Faculty Ratio11:1
19:1
Male:Female43% Male, 57% Female45% Male, 55% Female
Location Facts

The University of Georgia's main campus is made up of 465 buildings covering an area of about 762 acres (308 hectares). The university owns an additional 39,743 acres (160.83 km2) of land in 31 counties across Georgia. The campus is divided into north campus, south campus, east campus, west campus and central campus.


The University of Alabama was founded in 1831 in Tuscaloosa and is the state of Alabama's oldest public university. In 1936, UA established an extension center in Birmingham, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine moved there in the same year. In 1950, another extension center was set up in Huntsville.


Library

The university has 14 libraries and it also has various special collections. Georgia Capitol Museum is a part of university libraries. There are three remote site libraries- Gwinnett, Griffin, and Tifton Campus libraries. 


The University of Alabama has 2.9 million document volumes, along with nearly 100,000 uncatalogued government documents in its collection; of these 2.5 million volumes are held by the University Libraries. The University Libraries system has six separate libraries.


Campus Life

University of Georgia has more than hunderds of student clubs that provide various services to the students. There are also various other engagement sources for the students to keep them engaged. International students also have their society that takes care of their well being. University provides various sports facilities to the students that include hockey, rugby, basketball, football etc. Accommodations and dining facilities are also available for the students on campus. 


UA offers a complete educational, cultural and social experience. Whatever your interests, you’ll find a group, an organization, an activity or a program that appeals to you. UA invests significant resources in activities and initiatives designed to increase student's security on the campus and their ability to make responsible decisions that enhance their well-being. UA students are from many backgrounds with differing interests and passions. The university  makes sure that the students have the information, resources and support that they need to succeed here and for a lifetime. Whether their interests are intellectual, social, recreational, cultural, multicultural or spiritual in nature, there is a place for everyone at UA. At the university you can take advantage of a robust and varied schedule of musical, dance and theatre performances, art galleries and exhibitions, museums, lectures and readings by writers, poets and experts on every topic imaginable.  Several events are also held for the students on campus every month or week. Students are also provided with the options of on cmapus accommodation and dining facilities. 


Hostel#Housing - $5750
#Housing - $7228
#Double Occupancy - $3050
#Single Occupancy - $3450
#4 bedroom suite - $4650
#2 bedroom suite - $4850
#1 bedroom suite - $5050
Famous Alumni

Alton Brown (TV personality), Michael Stipe (singer-songwriter), Ryan Seacrest (radio personality), Zell Miller (former Senator), Paul Broun (US representative), Sonny Perdue (US Secretary for Agriculture), Stuart Woods (novelist), Sally Yates (Former US Attorney General), Parvati Shallow (TV personality), etc. 


Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Hugo Black

Author Harper Lee

Former Governor of Alabama George Wallace

Football player Julio Jones

Co-founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales

Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones


City Life

Athens is a city in Georgia with a population of 126,118. Athens is in Clarke County and is one of the best places to live in Georgia. Living in Athens offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Athens there are a lot of bars, restaurants, and parks. Many young professionals live in Athens and residents tend to lean liberal. Located about 1.5 hours northeast of Atlanta, Athens Georgia is just far enough away from the fast-paced lifestyle of Atlanta yet laid back and culturally infused with exciting events year round. Surrounding the Athens gated communities, you will find culture, arts, lifelong learning, quality medical care, and plenty of dining and shopping. The University of Georgia’s location here makes this small town one of the best college towns in Georgia. Gated Georgia golf communities are popular with the school faculty. 


Located in the heart of West Alabama, Tuscaloosa is a vibrant community that’s filled with legendary history. Home to the renowned University of Alabama and located along the Black Warrior River, you’ll find a walkable Downtown that’s complete with live music, outdoor spaces to explore, and local restaurants to meet every palate. Not too big. Not too small.Tuscaloosa offers a wide collection of unique activities for visitors throughout the city. Whether you're looking to take in a show at the Bama Theatre, indulge in exclusive southern dining or enjoy the thrill of an Alabama football game, there's a place for you! Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse places like the Alabama Museum of Natural History or the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Dreamland BBQ or Full Moon BBQ. With so much to offer, Tuscaloosa is an ideal destination for a memorable experience!


Weather
Comparison Notes

University of Georgia vs University of Alabama

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Georgia (UGA) and the University of Alabama (UA) are both long-standing public research universities in the United States with prevalent regional presence and increasing global prominence. As per the QS World University Rankings 2026, UGA is placed around 525th internationally, whereas UA is in the 901–950 bracket. As per the US News Global Rankings 2026, UGA is ranked at 345 internationally, in comparison to UA at 171st. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026, UGA stands at the 351–400 band, while UA is placed in the 801–1000 band. UGA is particularly known for its research excellence in business, education, biological sciences, and public affairs, whereas Alabama is highly regarded for engineering, business, and communication courses.

General Information

The University of Georgia, established in 1785 and in Athens, Georgia, is the state's flagship public research institution with around 29,000 undergraduate students. UGA maintains an excellent reputation in research with a broad variety of programs in arts, sciences, business, and public affairs and has notable achievements in agricultural and biomedical research.

University of Alabama, established in 1831 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is another large public research university with approximately 38,000 students. UA is particularly renowned for its engineering, business, law, and communications programs, as well as its robust athletics culture and focus on real-world, career-oriented education.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The University of Georgia is more selective, with a 37.2% acceptance rate, emphasizing high academic potential, leadership abilities, and well-rounded candidates. The University of Alabama's much higher acceptance rate of 76% makes it more inclusive of students who may not be highly selective. Both schools consider applicants on academic history, standardized tests (optional in most instances), recommendation letters, and personal statements, with UGA having more competitive admission requirements.

Research Impact & Facilities

The University of Georgia is a research-intensive institution with a broad array of research facilities and centers, with great strength in agriculture, public policy, biological sciences, and business research. The research productivity of UGA is extensive, with a strong emphasis on the enhancement of science and public well-being.

The University of Alabama has a developing research profile with strong areas of engineering, business, communications, and health sciences. It has good research facilities but is more regionally oriented than UGA's international research profile.

Cost & Financial Aid

Both schools offer inexpensive higher education to in-state students with out-of-state and international charges increased but competitive relative to private schools. Both institutions offer merit awards, need grants, and financial aid plans intended to assist a variety of students, with Alabama frequently showing itself to be a cost-effective route to college.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

University of Georgia alumni excel in areas like business, public affairs, biological sciences, and education, with the backing of alumni networks and industry connections. Many move on to high-ranking positions in government, academia, and the private sector.

University of Alabama alumni have strong professional outcomes in engineering, business, law, and communications. The practical, career-oriented education that the university emphasizes facilitates consistent job placement, especially in the Southeast U.S., and a massive and engaged alumni population helps fuel business and public service industries.