University of Georgia vs. Emory University: Which Should You Pick?

Two strong schools, one decision. Here are the numbers that actually differ between them, then a straight answer on who should pick which. Medians from ABA Standard 509 disclosures via ILRG, Fall 2025 entering class.

Median LSAT
169 vs. 166
a 3-point gap
Three-year sticker gap
$154,398
University of Georgia costs less at sticker
Selectivity rank
#23 vs. #38
by median LSAT
Full comparison. Tuition is the 2025-2026 sticker price, an estimate.
MeasureUniversity of GeorgiaEmory University
LocationAthens, GAAtlanta, GA
Selectivity rank#23#38
Median LSAT169166
Median GPA3.923.82
Est. annual tuition$18,044 in-state$69,510
Est. 3-year tuition$54,132$208,530

Who should pick University of Georgia

Pick University of Georgia if your numbers sit at or above its medians (169 LSAT, 3.92 GPA), which also puts you in the best position for merit aid there. Pick it if you want to start your career in Athens: local alumni networks, clinics, and externships tilt heavily toward the school's home market. It also costs about $154,398 less than Emory University over three years at sticker, which is real money.

Who should pick Emory University

Pick Emory University if your numbers clear its medians (166 LSAT, 3.82 GPA) more comfortably, or if Atlanta is where you want to live and work after graduation. If both schools admit you, negotiate: competing offers from peer schools are the most effective way to bring the real price down.

The deciding factors

We do not publish employment outcomes, so check each school's ABA-required employment summary before deciding. For the classic top pairs (Harvard vs. Yale, Columbia vs. NYU, and more), see our comparison pages at /law-schools/compare.

More head-to-head comparisons

Is University of Georgia worth it? · Is Emory University worth it?

Last updated October 12, 2026