Head-to-Head Comparison
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Georgia
- Texas Austin Wins
- 24
- Tied
- 9
- Georgia Wins
- 19
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Georgia offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $13,936 vs The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857, University of Georgia delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, University of Georgia's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
52 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Texas Austin
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than University of Georgia
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 27% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #29
Georgia
- Lower cost: Average net price of $13,936, roughly $5,921 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,500, the lower of the two
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Texas Austin graduates concentrate in Engineering (10% of degrees); Georgia in Business & Marketing (29%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Georgia. Median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment vs $68,726.
Pick University of Georgia over The University of Texas at Austin. Net price $13,936 vs $19,857.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Georgia. THE World Rank #29 vs #201-225.
Pick The University of Texas at Austin over University of Georgia. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.1%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
The University of Texas at Austin and University of Georgia split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
The University of Texas at Austin is the harder admit. It takes 27% of applicants, while University of Georgia takes 38%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,395 to 1,397.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, The University of Texas at Austin sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, University of Georgia comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $13,936, about $5,921 a year below The University of Texas at Austin's $19,857. Graduates of University of Georgia also borrow less: median debt of $18,500, against $20,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $23,684 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Georgia leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, The University of Texas at Austin graduates report median earnings of $75,121, compared with $68,726 at University of Georgia. That is a 9% advantage.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Moving people up
The University of Texas at Austin does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at University of Georgia, it is 1.1%. The University of Texas at Austin also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, The University of Texas at Austin offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, The University of Texas at Austin sits higher, at #29 versus #201.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick University of Georgia to keep costs and debt down; pick The University of Texas at Austin for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Georgia saves about $5,921 a year, yet The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $6,395 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Their academic identities diverge. The University of Texas at Austin concentrates enrollment in Engineering, while University of Georgia leans toward Communications. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $19,857 runs well above University of Georgia's $13,936.
- Business and consulting-track students: The University of Texas at Austin has less business program depth, and University of Georgia offers the stronger options.
- Engineering-focused students: The University of Texas at Austin has the stronger engineering programs.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Texas Austin holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 38% at Georgia — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 4 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public
The University of Texas at Austin is home to over 42,000 students who are drawn to its strong programs in fields like Biology, Engineering, Business, Communications, and Computer Science. With an acceptance rate of 27%, it’s a competitive environment that suits those ready to engage deeply in their studies and campus life. The vibrant city of Austin enhances this experience, offering a unique blend of cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities that appeal to students looking for both academic and personal growth.
After graduation, students can expect solid earning potential, with a median salary of around $75,121 ten years post-degree. This financial outcome reflects the value of the education received here and the demand for graduates in the job market. The affordability factor is significant as well; even with a net price of $19,857, many students find support through financial aid, helping to ease the transition into the workforce.
When it comes to the practical aspects of attending UT Austin, students typically graduate with a median debt of $20,500. This manageable debt level, combined with the strong earning potential, makes the financial landscape here more accessible. Students who tend to thrive at UT Austin are those who embrace the challenges and opportunities of a large public university, taking advantage of the resources available while actively participating in the diverse and dynamic community.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA · Public
The University of Georgia has a graduation rate of 89%, indicating strong student persistence and success. This is a significant figure for prospective students evaluating the likelihood of completing their degree.
According to Chetty/Opportunity Insights data, specific mobility statistics are not available for this institution. However, the overall outcomes for graduates suggest a solid earning potential. Alumni report an average income of $68,726 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of a degree from this university.
The cost of attendance is relatively manageable with a net price of $13,936 and a median debt of $18,500. Students who thrive here typically pursue popular programs in Business, Communications, and Biological Sciences. The diverse offerings cater to a range of interests, making it a suitable choice for many.
Rankings They Appear On
The University of Texas at Austin is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Texas ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Texas Austin's top program is Mechanical Engineering (10% of enrollment), while Georgia leads with Business Administration (29%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Texas Austin) and Financial Analyst, Management Consultant, Accountant (for Georgia).
The two schools feed different job markets. The University of Texas at Austin is strongest in Engineering, while University of Georgia concentrates in Psychology. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into The University of Texas at Austin or University of Georgia?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into, admitting 27% of applicants compared with 38% at University of Georgia.
Which is more affordable, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia is more affordable, with an average net price of $13,936 after aid versus $19,857 at The University of Texas at Austin.
Do The University of Texas at Austin or University of Georgia graduates earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn more: median earnings of $75,121 ten years after enrollment, versus $68,726 at University of Georgia.
Which has a better graduation rate, The University of Texas at Austin or University of Georgia?
University of Georgia has the higher graduation rate, 89% versus 88%.
The University of Texas at Austin vs University of Georgia: which is better for social mobility?
The University of Texas at Austin is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.1%.
Should you choose The University of Texas at Austin or University of Georgia?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Georgia if affordability and lower debt come first; choose The University of Texas at Austin if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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