Students at the University of North Georgia benefit from exceptional affordability that makes quality higher education accessible to families across all income levels.
The university's strong economic mobility outcomes and zero default rate reflect its success in preparing graduates for stable, debt-manageable careers.
Azimuth ranks the University of North Georgia 284th out of 565 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 50th percentile for overall value. This large public university in Dahlonega serves as a reliable choice for students seeking quality education at manageable costs, with particularly strong outcomes in professional fields like nursing and business administration.
The university demonstrates solid performance across key metrics, with graduates earning a median of $50,135 ten years after enrollment and net prices that remain well below national averages for all income levels. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants and 34% are first-generation college students, reflecting the institution's role in serving diverse student populations throughout Georgia.
What distinguishes UNG is its combination of affordability and career-focused programs that lead to stable employment outcomes. The university's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, producing 182 graduates annually with median earnings of $60,032, while business administration remains the largest program with 189 graduates. As a comprehensive public university, UNG provides the breadth of a larger institution while maintaining the accessibility and support systems that help students from various backgrounds succeed in their chosen fields.
The University of North Georgia's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that align with regional workforce needs and provide clear pathways to stable employment. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the institution's flagship program, graduating 182 students annually with strong median earnings of $60,032, reflecting both the program's quality and the high demand for healthcare professionals in Georgia and the Southeast.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program with 189 graduates, offering broad career flexibility with early-career earnings around $34,755 that typically grow substantially over time. The emerging Artificial Intelligence program, though smaller with 60 graduates, demonstrates UNG's commitment to staying current with technology trends, producing graduates who earn $52,385 in early career positions.
The university's program mix reflects a strategic focus on fields that provide both immediate employment opportunities and long-term career growth potential. Nursing and business programs form the core of UNG's academic identity, supported by growing technology offerings that respond to evolving job market demands. This practical approach to program development helps explain why graduates achieve reliable employment outcomes and manageable debt-to-income ratios, even if absolute earnings levels remain moderate compared to more selective institutions.
Graduates of the University of North Georgia achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $50,135 ten years after enrollment. This places the university around the national average for public institutions, reflecting steady career preparation across its diverse program portfolio. The university shows modest earnings beyond expectations, with graduates performing slightly better than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating effective career preparation and student support.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Adult Health Nursing emerges as the highest aggregate return major, combining strong enrollment of 182 graduates with impressive median earnings of $60,032, making it a key economic driver for the institution. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 189 graduates, produces more moderate early-career earnings around $34,755 but provides broad career flexibility. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 60 graduates, delivers strong earnings potential at $52,385, reflecting the growing demand for technology skills in the regional job market.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that align well with regional employer needs. Nursing and business programs form the core of UNG's degree output, both linked to stable employment opportunities and clear career pathways. This focus on professional preparation helps explain why graduates achieve reliable, if not exceptional, long-term earnings that support sustainable career advancement.
The University of North Georgia offers strong affordability across all income levels, with net prices well below national averages. Low-income students pay approximately $7,958 annually, while middle-income families face costs around $11,167 per year, and even high-income families see reasonable annual expenses of $13,702. These figures place UNG in the top 25% nationally for affordability, making it an accessible option for Georgia families across the economic spectrum.
The university's pricing structure reflects its commitment to broad access without compromising educational quality. The relatively modest differences between income bands demonstrate transparent, predictable pricing that helps families plan effectively over the course of a four-year degree. This affordability advantage becomes particularly meaningful when combined with the university's solid graduation rates and reliable post-graduation employment outcomes.
Debt levels remain manageable for most students, with typical graduates leaving with $17,750 in federal student loan debt and families who choose Parent PLUS loans borrowing an average of $12,776. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations given their earnings potential and the institution's reasonable cost structure.
University Of North Georgia Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
