The University of Georgia has accepted 8,900 students from 48 states and Washington, D.C., including 129 counties across Georgia, to become part of the undergraduate Class of 2026.
“I am pleased to see that demand for a UGA education is greater than ever,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “The students admitted through early action have demonstrated outstanding academic ability and ambition, and we are confident they will achieve extraordinary things at the University of Georgia.”
The university received a record 21,500 applications for early admission this year, up from 20,870 last year. The UGA Admissions Office began accepting the Common Application last fall, simplifying the application process for prospective students. Of the students who submitted early decision applications this fall, 95% did so through the Common App platform.
High rankings in academics and athletics as well as in-person and virtual recruitment efforts also likely have contributed to the large number of applicants.
“We are honored by the increased interest in the University of Georgia and by the strength of the students who applied,” said Barkley Barton II, director of undergraduate admissions at UGA. “The students we’ve admitted are tremendous, accomplished and committed to being the difference in their communities in the future.”
Because this year’s applicants were so strong, 900 more students were admitted via early action this fall than last.
The admitted students earned exceptional grades on challenging coursework. The middle 50% of admitted students reported a core GPA of 4.12-4.35, up from last year’s 4.00-4.33. The students had completed or were currently enrolled in a total of 8-13 AP, IB or dual enrollment courses. The middle 50% of admitted students reported an ACT score of 31-34 and an SAT score of 1350-1500.
Students who received a deferral to regular decision are still given full consideration for admission to UGA.
For any student who received a deferral, Barton says not to be deterred. “A deferral is not a final decision or rejection. It gives students the opportunity to provide the university with more information as we take a deep dive into their file.”
The regular decision application deadline is Jan. 1, and final admissions decisions for deferred early action and regular decision applicants are typically announced in mid-March.
The University of Georgia continues to elevate its academic offerings and support, resulting in record achievements for its students. In its most recent year, UGA achieved a record four-year completion rate (72%) and six-year completion rate (88%).
UGA is ranked No. 16 in the latest U.S. News & World Report list of top public universities, marking its sixth consecutive year in the top 20.