The University of Georgia is the nation's oldest chartered public university, located in Athens, a vibrant college town known for its music and arts scene. UGA is recognized for strong programs in business through the Terry College, as well as journalism, education, and ecology, all set on one of the most beautiful campuses in the South.
Mascot: Bulldog
Notable Alumni
Ryan Seacrest (TV host)•Alton Brown (TV chef and author)•Kyle Chandler (Emmy-winning actor)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
UGA is the SEC social experience at full volume — downtown Athens has one of the highest bars-per-capita in the country, Greek life dominates the social hierarchy with roughly 30% participation, and football Saturdays between the hedges are a near-religious experience. The Greek system here isn't just prominent, it's genuinely intertwined with campus leadership, philanthropy, and social sorting in a way that can feel exclusionary to independents. Beneath the party reputation, Honors and specific programs like ecology and public health are legitimately rigorous.
Historic North Campus is genuinely beautiful with Greek Revival architecture dating to 1806, the iconic Arch, stately oaks, and the Founders Memorial Garden. The newer South Campus is less distinctive, but the overall combination of deep history, Southern charm, and mature landscaping places UGA among the more beautiful large public university campuses.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
UGA Police patrol 24/7 and offer a Mobile BlueLight app, Friend Walk feature, and campus escort services. Serious violent incidents remain relatively rare.
Athens has an above-average crime rate for its size, and downtown nightlife areas can feel less safe after dark. The immediate campus perimeter is generally manageable.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Daily, year-round (registration required for all guests)
Duration: ~2 hours (admissions presentation + 90-min tour with campus bus + walking)
Unique hybrid format: bus ride through campus followed by walking tour of historic North Campus. Starts at UGA Visitors Center off GA-10 Loop. Free parking at Visitors Center. Contact: 706-542-0842.
Book a TourDownloadable self-guided walking tour map begins at the Arch on Broad Street in downtown Athens and follows the student-led tour route. Printed maps at the Visitors Center info desk and after-hours dropbox.
Tour ResourcesOctober for football Saturdays Between the Hedges and perfect fall weather. April for Twilight Criterium bike race and spring energy. Athens' live music scene is legendary year-round (birthplace of R.E.M. and the B-52s). Avoid summer -- campus is quiet and Georgia heat is intense.
Free parking at UGA Visitors Center (first-come, first-served). East Campus Parking Deck available for a fee. Pay-to-park decks across campus and street parking downtown. Athens-Ben Epps Airport (AHN) has limited service; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) is 70 miles (~90 min). Athens Transit bus system serves campus.
Location
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