University of Georgia
Athens, GA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About University of Georgia
UGA: America's first state-chartered public university, a research powerhouse and flagship institution.
Step into a legacy of innovation and impact at the University of Georgia (UGA), the nation's first state-chartered public university, founded in 1785. As the flagship institution of the University System of Georgia, UGA has consistently pioneered academic excellence and research that shapes the future. From its historic campus in Athens, Georgia, UGA offers a vibrant college town experience while maintaining a global outlook, attracting students who seek a challenging and rewarding educational journey.
UGA is renowned as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High research activity" institution, boasting over $654 million in R&D expenditures in fiscal year 2025. Its academic strengths span a wide array of disciplines, including a dedicated Odum School of Ecology – the first of its kind – a burgeoning College of Engineering, and a newly re-established medical school set to welcome its first class in 2026. This commitment to cutting-edge research and diverse academic programs ensures that students are at the forefront of discovery and knowledge creation.
The student experience at UGA is enriched by its rich history and commitment to progress. From the early literary societies to its powerful athletic programs, the "Georgia Bulldogs" foster a strong sense of community. UGA has a proud record of producing more Rhodes Scholars since 1990 than almost any other public university, alongside alumni who are U.S. Poet Laureates, Emmy winners, and Super Bowl champions. With initiatives in sustainability, a vibrant campus life, and a strong network of support, UGA is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to make their mark on the world.
Prospective students and families will find a welcoming environment dedicated to teaching, service, and inquiry. With "Very High" undergraduate admissions standards and a track record of "Higher Earnings" for its graduates, UGA provides a solid foundation for future success. Whether you're drawn to its historic charm, its innovative research, or its vibrant community, the University of Georgia offers an unparalleled collegiate experience.
Key Highlights
- ✦Chartered in 1785, it is the first state-chartered public university in the United States.
- ✦Designated as an "R1: Doctoral University – Very High research activity" institution.
- ✦The flagship school of the University System of Georgia.
- ✦Endowment reached $2.18 billion in 2025.
- ✦Total student enrollment of 43,887 in fall 2025, with an acceptance rate of 29.8%.
- ✦Boasted over $654 million in R&D expenditures in fiscal year 2025.
- ✦Since 1990, the university has produced more Rhodes Scholars than nearly all other public universities in the country.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
17 notable schools within University of Georgia
College of Education
Established in 1908.
Graduate School
Established in 1910, admitting female students for summer and unofficially for regular classes.
School of Commerce
Established in 1912.
School of Journalism
Established in 1915.
College of Agriculture
Incorporated in 1906, bringing together agricultural and mechanical courses.
School of Home Economics
Reorganized in 1933 from the Division of Home Economics (1918), with Mary Ethel Creswell appointed as dean.
School of Veterinary Medicine
Re-established as a separate school in 1946.
School of Social Work
Established in 1964.
College of Environment and Design
Inaugurated in 1968 as the School of Environmental Design, becoming a college in 2001.
School of Public and International Affairs
Inaugurated in 2001.
College of Public Health
Created in 2005 to bring together various medical and health sciences programs.
Odum School of Ecology
Became the first stand-alone college or school dedicated to the study of ecology and environmental science in 2007.
College of Engineering
Established in 2012.
UGA College of Pharmacy
Operates with a satellite campus in Augusta.
Morehead Honors College
Added during Jere Morehead's presidency.
School of Computing
Added during Jere Morehead's presidency.
School of Medicine
Established to train physicians and nurses, with its first class entering in Fall 2026.
Find Scholarships at University of Georgia
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search