University of Georgia's Acceptance Results for the Class of 2029
Arkesh P.
Chief Operating Officer
Summary
The University of Georgia received a record 47,860 applications for the Class of 2029, admitting 15,800 students for an overall acceptance rate of 33%. Both Early Action (31.6%) and Regular Decision (36%) acceptance rates declined as applications surged—EA up 14% and RD up 7%. In-state applicants had nearly double the acceptance rate of out-of-state peers, reflecting UGA’s focus on enrolling 80% in-state students. The school’s rising selectivity underscores the importance of strong academics, compelling essays, and standout extracurriculars for future applicants.
The University of Georgia has completed its admissions cycle for the Class of 2029 and announced a record-high number of applicants. Out of 47,860 total applicants, the University of Georgia admitted 15,800 students, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 33%.
Admissions results include a record-breaking number of applicants, both in the Early Action round (up 14%) and overall (up 11%).
Here's a detailed breakdown of admissions results with insights to help prospective applicants better understand the evolving admissions landscape.
Class of 2029 Overview
| Admission Round | Applicants | Admitted | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action (EA) | 30,490 | 9,500 | 31.6% |
| Regular Decision (RD) | 17,510 | 6,300 | 36% |
| Overall | 47,860 | 15,800 | 33% |
Key Trends and Insights
- The Regular Decision acceptance rate declined for the third year in a row, down from 44.8% two years ago, reflecting increased competition as applications increase.
- The Early Action acceptance rate also dropped, down to 31.6%, compared to 33.63% last year, as the number of EA applicants rose 14%.
- Overall interest in the school is on a strong upward trend, with the total number of applications rising steeply to 47,860, increasing by more than 11% compared to last year's 43,090 applicants.
Broader Admissions Trends:
- Increasing Overall Selectivity: After hovering between 42 to 37% over the past three years, the overall acceptance dropped to 33% this year, signaling a rapid rise in selectivity and growing interest in the institution.
- Pandemic-Era Spike in Applications: Applications increased 11% during the pandemic years, starting with the Class of 2025, influenced by test-optional policies. The application numbers have continued to notch significant year-over-year increases into this year.
- EA Advantage: EA applications have been on a long upward trajectory at UGA, rising from roughly 11,000 EA applicants in 2014 to 30,490 this year. At the same time, the EA acceptance rate has remained relatively consistent year-to-year, hovering around 31%.
- Fluctuations Influenced by External Factors: Acceptance rates and application totals can vary due to external influences such as policy changes, global events (e.g., COVID-19), or targeted recruitment efforts. Noteworthy at UGA are leadership efforts designed ensure an incoming class composed of roughly 80% in-state students and 20% of out-of-state students.
- In-State vs. Out-of-State Admissions Results: While figures are not available for overall acceptance rates, EA acceptance rates for the Class of 2029 reveal an in-state acceptance rate nearly 2x higher than the out-of-state rate, making it a far more challenging landscape for out-of-state and international applicants.
With applicant numbers on the rise at UGA, the school is growing more selective, with out-of-state and international students at an even greater disadvantage compared to in-state students. It's important for students to have a clear roadmap as they cultivate their admissions profile. Students should pursue a strong record of achievement in learning and service while also focusing on standing out authentically rather than merely fitting into a perceived mold.
UGA's Regular Decision Acceptance Results
Regular Decision Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 17,510 | 16,330 | +7.2% |
| Applications Accepted | 6,300 | 6,900 | -8.6% |
| RD Acceptance Rate | 36% | 42% | -14.2% |
The RD acceptance rate dropped significantly, down to 36% from 42%, but the rate for out-of-state students is assumed to be much lower.
Despite an increasing number of RD applications compared to last year, the number of RD applicants admitted fell by 8.6%, underscoring increasing interest in the school and increasing selectivity for admissions.
UGA's Early Action Acceptance Results
Early Action Results: Class of 2029 vs 2028
| Admission Round | Class of 2029 | Class of 2028 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applications Received | 30,490 | 26,760 | +14% |
| Applications Accepted | 9,500 | 9,000 | +5.5% |
| EA Acceptance Rate | 31.6% | 33.63 | -6.0% |
Early-round applications rose sharply, up 14% compared to last year, but UGA increased the number of accepted applications by 6% — accepting 9,500 EA applicants over last year's 9,000.
UGA's EA acceptance rate dropped slightly, down to 31.6% from 33.6% last year.
- Higher Acceptance Rates: Early-round applicants typically enjoy higher acceptance rates compared to Regular Decision applicants.
- Demonstrated Interest: Applying early shows UGA your strong interest in joining their academic community.
Historical Acceptance Rates
| Class Year | Total Applications | Total Accepted | Overall Rate | RD Rate | EA Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2029 | 47,860 | 15,800 | 33% | 36% | 31.6% |
| 2028 | 43,090 | 15,900 | 36.8% | 42% | 33.63% |
| 2027 | 43,700 | 16,147 | 37% | 44.8% | 31.5% |
| 2026 | 39,615 | 16,600 | 42% | 41.6% | 41.4% |
These historical data demonstrate the University of Georgia’s growing appeal which is reflected in admissions rates moving downward.
The level of selectivity will be even higher for out-of-state and international students, as the university, in keeping with its public mission, aims to maintain a much higher ratio of in-state students overall.
Academic Excellence: Maintain top grades in rigorous coursework and a high overall GPA.
Strong Essays: Use well-crafted essays to showcase your unique voice and story.
Leadership and Extracurriculars: Demonstrate meaningful engagement outside the classroom.
Test Scores: If submitting, aim for high SAT or ACT scores within or above UGA’s reported range.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to the students admitted to the University of Georgia's Class of 2029 — your achievement reflects on your achievements and dedication.
For students aspiring to get into UGA, strategic preparation guided by a personally-tailored roadmap is essential.
Crimson Education specializes in helping ambitious students navigate this challenging process, offering them informed guidance so they can build compelling applications that reflect their authentic strengths and passions.
If you're a student or parent interested in UGA or other top universities, speak with one of Crimson Education’s admissions advisors today and start charting your path to success.