Young Harris College delivers exceptional affordability for a private institution, with middle-income families paying just over $9,000 annually in net costs.
The college maintains sustainable debt levels and provides meaningful access to higher education for students from rural and working-class backgrounds.
Young Harris College is a small private nonprofit institution in the mountains of North Georgia that emphasizes affordability and personal attention over maximum earnings outcomes. While the college ranks in the lower tier nationally for long-term financial returns, it delivers exceptional value in terms of net price, particularly for middle-income families who pay just $9,309 annually—well below typical private college costs.
The college serves a modest but dedicated student body, with about 21% receiving Pell Grants and 28% being first-generation college students. Graduation rates hover around 46% over six years, and graduates earn a median of $47,195 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages for earnings outcomes.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Young Harris focuses on providing access and support to students who might not otherwise attend college, though long-term earnings outcomes remain modest. The college's strength lies in its ability to keep costs low while maintaining the personal, supportive environment that defines small liberal arts education in rural Georgia.
Young Harris College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission and small scale, with Business Administration and Management serving as the primary career-focused major. This program graduates 31 students annually with median earnings of $32,382, representing the college's most significant pathway into business and management careers.
The college's limited program offerings mean fewer direct pathways into high-earning fields compared to larger institutions. However, the programs available emphasize broad-based skills and personal development that prepare graduates for diverse career paths in education, business, and community service. The small scale allows for personalized attention and mentorship that can be valuable for students who benefit from close faculty relationships.
As a small liberal arts college, Young Harris focuses on developing well-rounded graduates rather than maximizing earnings in specific high-return fields. This approach serves students who value the liberal arts experience and personal growth over purely financial outcomes.
Young Harris College graduates earn a median of $47,195 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower third nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. The college's return on investment reflects its focus on liberal arts education and smaller program scale rather than high-earning professional fields. Most graduates enter careers that provide steady but modest income growth over time.
Business Administration and Management represents the college's largest and most economically significant program, graduating 31 students with median earnings of $32,382 ten years out. This program generates the highest aggregate return for the institution, though individual earnings remain below national averages for business graduates. The college's limited program portfolio means fewer pathways into high-earning fields like engineering, computer science, or finance that typically drive stronger long-term financial outcomes at larger institutions.
Young Harris College stands out for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Middle-income families pay just $9,309 annually in net price, making it one of the most affordable private colleges in the region. Low-income students pay $11,154, while even high-income families see net costs of only $12,588—remarkable value for private higher education.
Debt levels are manageable relative to the college's pricing structure. Typical graduates leave with $27,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who use Parent PLUS loans borrow an average of $18,979. The college maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates, despite modest earnings, are able to meet their repayment obligations. The combination of low net prices and reasonable debt loads helps ensure that the financial burden remains sustainable for most families.
Young Harris College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
