UGA vs Virginia Tech: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Georgia and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
UGA vs Virginia Tech at a glance
UGA admits 37.7% of applicants and Virginia Tech 54.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,636 at UGA and $25,808 at Virginia Tech. Six-year graduation rates are 89.1% and 85.9%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- UGA admits 37.7% of applicants and Virginia Tech 54.8%, so UGA is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $13,636 a year at UGA and $25,808 at Virginia Tech; UGA costs $12,172 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $8,995 at UGA and $11,378 at Virginia Tech.
- 89.1% of students graduate within six years at UGA, against 85.9% at Virginia Tech.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $77,246 for UGA and $88,716 for Virginia Tech; Virginia Tech is $11,470 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $15,623 at UGA and $20,500 at Virginia Tech.
- UGA enrolls 32,137 students (midsize city) and Virginia Tech 30,923 (small city).
Side by side
UGA and Virginia Tech in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | UGA | Virginia Tech |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 37.7% | 54.8% |
| Applicants | 39,229 | 42,054 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1270–1480 | 1280–1450 |
| ACT middle 50% | 29–34 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,636 | $25,808 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,492 | $16,450 |
| Tuition, out of state | $32,336 | $38,914 |
| Cost of attendance | $28,728 | $39,324 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $8,995 | $11,378 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $8,715 | $9,464 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $11,169 | $15,085 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,969 | $22,747 |
| Over $110,000 | $18,564 | $35,800 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 89.1% | 85.9% |
| First-year retention | 94% | 93.1% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $77,246 | $88,716 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $15,623 | $20,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $178 | $233 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 32,137 | 30,923 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Small |
| Location | Athens, GA | Blacksburg, VA |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
UGA reports 102 bachelor's programs and Virginia Tech 73; 50 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about UGA vs Virginia Tech
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into UGA or Virginia Tech?
UGA is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UGA admits 37.7% of applicants and Virginia Tech admits 54.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UGA 1270–1480; Virginia Tech 1280–1450.
Which is cheaper, UGA or Virginia Tech?
UGA has the lower average net price after grants: $13,636 a year at UGA against $25,808 at Virginia Tech. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $8,995 and $11,378. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do UGA or Virginia Tech graduates earn more?
Virginia Tech graduates earn more at the median: $77,246 ten years after entry for UGA and $88,716 for Virginia Tech. Median federal debt at graduation is $15,623 and $20,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, UGA or Virginia Tech?
UGA does: 89.1% of UGA students graduate within six years, against 85.9% at Virginia Tech.
How big are UGA and Virginia Tech?
UGA has 32,137 students in Athens, GA and Virginia Tech has 30,923 students in Blacksburg, VA.