As an Opportunity Builder institution, University of North Georgia combines accessible admission with exceptional debt management, ranking at the 80th percentile nationally for low debt levels while maintaining earnings beyond expectations and serving substantial populations of first-generation students.
Steady but not exceptional earnings relative to educational investment
With well above average performance, driven by low debt levels and controlled net prices
Strong enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students above typical levels
With well above average performance, indicating effective conversion of educational opportunity into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisUniversity of North Georgia delivers solid earnings outcomes while maintaining exceptionally manageable debt levels. Graduates earn a median of $50,135 ten years after enrollment, around the national average, with earnings ranging from $31,299 at the 25th percentile to $72,196 at the 75th percentile.
The institution generates $59 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it above average on this measure at the 56.1st percentile nationally. Low-income graduates earn $44,000, ranking at the top 50% nationally for outcomes among students from lower-income backgrounds.
Students seeking affordable access to higher education with a strong emphasis on career preparation in health, business, and STEM fields. Well-suited for working adults, first-generation students, and those prioritizing low debt levels over maximum prestige, particularly in Georgia's public university system.
University of North Georgia admits 72.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive admission offers. This places the university in the moderately selective category, with admission rates between 50-75%.
Compared to the peer median admission rate of 78.1%, University of North Georgia is slightly more selective than typical public institutions of similar size and mission. The university's admission rate reflects a balanced approach between accessibility and academic standards, making it more competitive than open-access institutions while remaining achievable for students with solid high school preparation.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of North Georgia's published cost of attendance is $18,062 annually, including $15,441 in out-of-state tuition, $12,310 for room and board, and $1,460 for books and supplies. Georgia residents pay significantly less with in-state tuition of just $5,009, making the university highly affordable for state residents.
The average student pays $10,785 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,277 from the sticker price. This net price falls $4,805 below the peer median of $15,590, positioning University of North Georgia as exceptionally affordable compared to similar public institutions.
The substantial gap between sticker price and actual costs reflects the university's commitment to financial accessibility through need-based aid, merit scholarships, and state funding support. Net costs vary significantly by family income, ranging from $7,958 for the lowest-income students to $13,702 for families earning over $110,000 annually.
This progressive pricing structure ensures that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access higher education without prohibitive financial barriers. The combination of low sticker prices for state residents and substantial financial aid creates one of the most affordable pathways to a bachelor's degree among Georgia's public universities, particularly valuable for working families and first-generation college students seeking practical career preparation.
Artificial Intelligence.
60 graduates
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
182 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
70 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
80 graduates
Applied Linguistics.
33 graduates
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cleveland State University Similar quality tier (#247 ranked) | OH | 95% | $52,131 | #247 | Compare |
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This is the University Of North Georgia hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-north-georgia/analysis.
Exceptional affordability with well-controlled debt levels
University of North Georgia ranks #245 nationally with affordability performance at the 89.7th percentile, demonstrating well above average cost management. Located in Dahlonega, Georgia, this large public university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 72.2% acceptance rate while delivering solid post-graduation outcomes.
The institution enrolls 27.7% Pell-eligible students and 34.0% first-generation students, positioning it as an Opportunity Builder that combines reasonable access with manageable costs. Graduates earn $50,135 ten years after enrollment, placing the university around the national average for earnings while maintaining exceptional debt control.
Median student debt of $17,750 ranks at the 80th percentile nationally, well below the peer median of $20,000. This combination of controlled borrowing, accessible admission, and steady outcomes reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations seeking practical career preparation.
For students building college lists, University of North Georgia represents a realistic option for those with above-average academic credentials while not requiring the exceptional qualifications needed at highly selective institutions. The moderate selectivity level means students should demonstrate consistent academic performance and meet baseline requirements, but perfect credentials are not necessary.
Applicants should approach University of North Georgia as a target school if their academic profile aligns with admitted student characteristics, rather than treating it as either a safety or reach option. This selectivity level typically indicates the university can maintain academic standards while fulfilling its public mission of serving Georgia residents seeking practical career preparation.
University of North Georgia graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over their early careers. Median earnings rise from $43,085 six years after enrollment to $47,499 at eight years and $50,135 at ten years, representing 16.4% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on substantial ten-year cohorts of 5,064 graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures across multiple program areas. Graduates earn $59 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of North Georgia above average at the 56.1st percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $44,000, ranking in the top 50% nationally among institutions serving similar populations. The earnings distribution spans from $31,299 at the 25th percentile to $72,196 at the 75th percentile, reflecting variation across program choices and career trajectories.
Approximately 26.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways across the university's diverse academic portfolio.
University of North Georgia offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcomes analysis. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching ranks #53 nationally and #2 in Georgia, producing 154 graduates with median earnings of $42,616 and an exceptional value score of 76.1.
Behavioral Neuroscience ranks #25 nationally and #1 in Georgia, graduating 128 students with median earnings of $40,456. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #166 nationally and #10 in Georgia, with 182 graduates earning $70,003 annually.
Business Administration and Management represents the largest program, graduating 189 students with median earnings of $49,780. Digital Marketing ranks #112 nationally and #6 in Georgia, graduating 128 students with earnings of $54,175.
American History ranks #110 nationally and #3 in Georgia, with 53 graduates earning $47,449. The university's program portfolio spans healthcare, business, technology, and liberal arts, providing diverse pathways for different career interests and economic outcomes.
Metropolitan State University Of Denver Similar quality tier (#248 ranked) | CO | 99% | $52,093 | #248 | Compare |
Ferris State University Similar quality tier (#240 ranked) | MI | 81% | $54,735 | #240 | Compare |
University Of Delaware Similar quality tier in Southeast (#251 ranked) | DE | 65% | $72,950 | #251 | Compare |
Clemson University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#238 ranked) | SC | 38% | $71,513 | #238 | Compare |
