UGA Ranked Among Best Value Colleges by The Princeton Review
Friday, August 21st, 2026
The University of Georgia continues to rank among the nation’s top institutions, earning high marks in The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for 2027 rankings. UGA ranked No. 12 among the top 50 best value public universities, highlighting its distinctive combination of academic success, affordability, experiential learning and career preparation.
Among public schools, the university also placed No. 8 for best alumni networks, No. 10 for access to financial aid and No. 16 for internship placement.
“The most recent rankings reflect the exceptional learning environment that exists at the University of Georgia and the transformative power of a UGA degree,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “These accolades and achievements are a direct result of the outstanding faculty, staff and students who are dedicated to advancing this institution and our mission.”
This recognition from The Princeton Review adds to UGA’s continued standing as a top public university according to other ranking organizations.
In Money’s most recent rankings, UGA earned 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the publication commending the university’s affordability, access to financial aid, academic rigor and strong student outcomes.
For the 10th consecutive year, UGA placed in the top 20 among the nation’s best public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings.
This latest national recognition comes as UGA welcomes one of the most accomplished incoming classes in its history. For fall 2026, the university received more than 51,600 first-year applications and welcomed more than 6,250 students. Georgia residents make up more than 80% of the incoming class, underscoring UGA’s longstanding commitment to the state.
The Class of 2030 enters with an average GPA of 4.2, an average SAT score of 1360 and an average ACT score of 31 — along with an average of 12 Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or dual-enrollment courses completed per student. The Class of 2030 includes students from 43 states and the District of Columbia, along with 23 nations, reflecting UGA’s appeal to talented students from across the country and around the world.
“This recognition speaks to the extraordinary opportunities available to students at the University of Georgia,” said Ron Walcott, the university’s interim senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “From undergraduate research and internships to study away programs and hands-on learning experiences, we are committed to providing an education that prepares students to thrive after graduation. It is especially meaningful to be recognized for both affordability and student success, because those priorities are central to our mission as Georgia’s flagship university.”


