BS Consumer Economics at UGA: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

Bachelor of Science [B.S] Consumer Economics at University of Georgia is a 4-year undergraduate degree taught in English. International students study consumer finance, behavioral economics, and policy in the United States. The programme costs US$27,950 annually. Fall and Spring intakes accept international applicants. Eligible: secondary school completion, IELTS 6.5 minimum, GPA 3.2+.

Consumer Economics teaches how households make financial decisions under constraints. Students learn household budgeting, credit systems, consumer rights, and the economics of family purchasing. The University of Georgia’s programme emphasizes real-world applications through internships in financial services, consumer advocacy, and government policy roles. Ideal for students interested in personal finance, consumer policy, household economic behavior, or financial planning (including CFP certification pathways).

• Graduates work in consumer credit analysis, financial counseling, and consumer relations at major banks and fintech firms.
• Curriculum includes econometrics, household finance, behavioral economics, and policy analysis with hands-on lab work.
• On-campus employment available: 20 hours weekly at US$15–18/hour during the academic term.

Also Check: University of Georgia Admission Requirements

University of Georgia Consumer Economics Fees and Living Costs 2027

International students at University of Georgia pay distinct tuition and fees. The following table shows the annual cost breakdown for the Consumer Economics programme.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of USD 1 = INR 95.21 as of June 2026. Rates fluctuate daily; verify before applying.

• Tuition remains the largest expense; fees cover campus infrastructure, technology, and student services.
• Books and supplies cost approximately US$1,200 annually (INR 1,14,000).
• Room and board bundled into living costs; budget separately for off-campus housing.
• International health insurance is mandatory; typically US$1,500–2,000 annually (INR 1,43,000–1,90,000).

Cost of Living in Athens for Consumer Economics Students

Athens, Georgia is a college town with moderate living costs, approximately 15–20 percent below the US national average. Budget carefully for accommodation, meals, and transportation.

Scholarship Reality: Plan for total 4-year costs near INR 1.22 Crore (tuition, fees, living), then apply for merit scholarships to offset. Full cost of attendance is approximately US$32,500 annually, including living and books.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for International Students

University of Georgia Consumer Economics Admission 2027

University of Georgia receives applications three times yearly: Fall (January–February deadline), Spring (April–May deadline), and Summer. International students compete on identical academic criteria as domestic applicants. The acceptance rate for international applicants is approximately 50 percent.

Academic Eligibility

Secondary school completion (12 years or equivalent) is mandatory. The university evaluates GPA and standardized test scores holistically.

University of Georgia is a top 25 US public research university (global rank 156). The institution’s global academic reputation strengthens Consumer Economics graduate outcomes in finance and policy sectors.

English Language Proficiency

All international students must demonstrate English proficiency via one of these standardized tests. Choose the test that aligns with your preparation timeline and test availability in India.

• IELTS: 6.5 overall minimum; no band below 6.0; test available year-round in major Indian cities; results valid 2 years.
• TOEFL iBT: 79 minimum; test offered multiple times monthly in India; results valid 2 years; preferred by US universities.
• Duolingo English Test: 100 minimum; online test, results within 48 hours; emerging acceptance; cheaper than IELTS/TOEFL.

Tip for Indian Students: TOEFL is the most recognized test for US admissions. Begin preparation 3–4 months before application deadlines. Many Indian students score 90–110 on TOEFL with systematic preparation.

Check Out: F-1 Student Visa for USA

University of Georgia Consumer Economics Application 2027

Applications open year-round through the Common App platform. International students submit via the same portal as domestic applicants. Plan submission 4–6 weeks before the deadline to allow time for document verification and credential evaluation processing.

• Submit Common App profile with high school transcript (official or attested copy).
• Upload WES-evaluated transcript; processing takes 10–12 weeks from document receipt.
• Provide English language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) directly to UGA code 5813.
• Write a brief personal statement (250 words) explaining your interest in Consumer Economics and career goals.

Application Tip: Begin credential evaluation immediately. WES evaluation is the longest step; submit documents to WES 12–14 weeks before the application deadline.

Read More: Complete UGA Application Guide

University of Georgia Consumer Economics Scholarships 2027

University of Georgia awards merit scholarships to qualified international undergraduate students. Awards are based on academic strength and do not require separate applications. Approximately 40–50 percent of international students receive some form of merit aid.

Merit scholarship ranges: US$3,000–18,000 annually per recipient (INR 2,86,000–17,14,000). The mid-range award is approximately US$8,000–12,000 (INR 7,62,000–11,43,000), offsetting roughly 30–44 percent of annual tuition and fees. Scholarships are renewable for all four years if the student maintains a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.

Cost-Offset Example: A student receiving US$10,000 annually (INR 9,52,000) reduces the net annual cost to approximately US$17,950 (INR 17,09,000), making the four-year degree cost-equivalent to INR 68,36,000 (approximately INR 69 Lakhs). Many graduates recoup this investment within 3–4 years of employment.

Scholarship Reality: Merit aid for international students is competitive. Maintain a GPA above 3.4 during your secondary school to qualify for the higher scholarship bands (US$12,000+).

Check Out: Scholarships for International Students in USA

University of Georgia Consumer Economics Salary 2027

Consumer Economics graduates from University of Georgia enter the workforce in household finance, consumer policy, and financial services roles. Salary outcomes vary by employer type, specialization, and geographic location.

University of Georgia Class of 2024 data: 64 percent employed full-time immediately post-graduation, 23 percent pursuing graduate studies, 5 percent in internships or residencies, and 9 percent seeking employment. Reported salary range was US$37,000–58,000 (INR 35,23,000–55,22,000), with a median of US$45,000 (INR 42,85,000).

Source: University of Georgia Career Outcomes Report 2024; CareerExplorer Consumer Economics Salary Report

ROI Reality: Consumer Economics graduates at UGA earn median salaries that recover tuition investment (net of scholarships) within 4–6 years. This is a moderate ROI programme; financial planning specialization boosts earnings potential 20–30 percent above baseline.

Read More: Post-Study Work Visa and Career Options in USA

USA Visa and Consumer Economics Student Work Rights

International students in the United States study on the F-1 Student Visa, which permits full-time enrollment and limited on-campus work. After graduation, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) permit allows work for up to 12 months. Consumer Economics is not a STEM-designated field, so the standard 12-month OPT applies (no extension available).

• F-1 Visa: Valid for the duration of studies plus a 60-day grace period post-graduation; permits 20 hours weekly on-campus work during school terms.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): 12-month work permit post-graduation; full-time employment eligible; valid in any US field related to coursework.
• H-1B Visa: Employer-sponsored skilled worker visa available after OPT; Consumer Economics graduates in policy, financial services, and consumer advocacy roles are eligible for sponsorship.
• Permanent Residency: Typically 5–10 years via employment visa pathway; no expedited track available for Consumer Economics.

Visa Reality: Consumer Economics graduates can work 12 months post-graduation via OPT, then transition to H-1B sponsorship. Many fintech and financial services firms sponsor H-1B for economics and finance roles; Indian graduates compete favorably in consumer analytics and credit risk roles.

Check Out: F-1 Student Visa Process and Requirements

University of Georgia Consumer Economics Ranking 2027

Consumer Economics does not have a dedicated subject ranking in the QS, THE, FT, or US News rankings. General Economics programmes are ranked globally, but discipline-specific rankings for Consumer Economics, Household Finance, or Consumer Policy are not published by major ranking agencies. For context, University of Georgia ranks 156 globally and 25 among US public universities overall (2025). The university’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences is nationally recognized but ranks primarily in aggregate Family and Consumer Sciences categories rather than Consumer Economics alone.

Peer Economics programmes are ranked as follows: Ohio State University (27th overall), Penn State University (41st undergraduate economics), and Iowa State University (53rd graduate economics). These peers offer similar Consumer Economics or Household Finance pathways, though subject-specific rankings are unavailable.

Key Insight: Ranking absence reflects programme specialization, not quality. Consumer Economics is an applied field; employers prioritize internship experience, technical skills (Excel, data analysis), and coursework in credit systems and behavioral economics over programme rankings.