USC Aiken vs. UNG

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC with University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of North Georgia is larger than USC Aiken based on total student enrollment (19,291 students vs. 4,022 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Aiken is located in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting); University of North Georgia is in Dahlonega, GA (Distant Town setting).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of North Georgia is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1; University of North Georgia 19:1.

USC Aiken vs. UNG Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC Aiken or UNG? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of North Georgia than USC Aiken ($11,157 vs. $12,236).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 28.1% lower than at University of North Georgia ($9,182 vs. $12,770).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is 103.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNG (about $5,475 more per year; $10,760.00 vs. $5,285.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.6% higher at USC Aiken than at University of North Georgia (about $4,715 more per year; $21,218.00 vs. $16,503.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Carolina Aiken than at University of North Georgia (93% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students is 23.2% larger than aid received by University of North Georgia students ($8,904 vs. $7,226).

USC Aiken vs. UNG Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC Aiken or UNG? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between UNG and USC Aiken.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is the same as at UNG (1100).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at UNG (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220; University of North Georgia 980/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26; University of North Georgia 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC Aiken - Required; UNG - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027; UNG Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNG students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• USC Aiken has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than UNG (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at USC Aiken vs. 47.9% at UNG.

USC Aiken vs. UNG Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC Aiken and UNG? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from University of North Georgia earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of North Georgia graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($16,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, UNG graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($170 vs. $268).
• More UNG graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (68% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.