Studies show value of ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ education
Two recent reports that highlight the lifelong financial value students receive from a four-year degree rank the University of North Georgia (³ÉÈËBÕ¾) among the best in the state.
A study from showed a return on investment of $962,000 over a 40-year period for a bachelor's degree from ³ÉÈËBÕ¾, which is fifth among public universities in Georgia.
This metric includes costs, future earnings, and the length of time it would take to invest and earn a certain amount of money over a fixed horizon.
The Georgetown research "includes a score that gives additional weight to such factors as the percentage of low-income students who are enrolled, their graduation rates, and their long-term return on investment."
"³ÉÈËBÕ¾ has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ President Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ education."
Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ with a 26.4% economic mobility index, which ranks fourth among public universities in Georgia. The list "examined which schools enroll the highest proportion of students from low-income and moderate-income backgrounds and provide them with a strong return on their educational investment," according to Third Way. ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ was ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.
³ÉÈËBÕ¾ has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence. This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ education.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
³ÉÈËBÕ¾ president
"The value of a four-year degree continues to be one of the best investments you can make in yourself. ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ can help students make the most of that investment," Dr. Brett Morris, associate vice president of enrollment management, said. "We are affordable, we have strong academic programs, and our faculty and staff are invested in our students."
A quarter of ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ students are first-generation college students, and nearly a third are eligible for Pell Grants.Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
These recent studies reinforce ³ÉÈËBÕ¾'s reputation for affordability, as U.S. News & World Report in the fall tabbed ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ as the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.
Morris said ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ opens doors to higher education and future opportunities that students might not have previously considered.
"Our graduates are very successful in life," Morris said. "We are most proud of the way we help our graduates advance in their careers and enhance their ability to take care of their families."
³ÉÈËBÕ¾ conducts Respite Care Study for state
³ÉÈËBÕ¾'s Institute for Healthy Aging partnered with the Georgia Department of Human Services' Division of Aging Services to conduct the Georgia Respite Care Study in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
³ÉÈËBÕ¾ offers grad student scholarships
³ÉÈËBÕ¾ will introduce its first substantial university-wide investment in graduate student scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year.
Micro-budget film lab announces first features
³ÉÈËBÕ¾ has announced the projects selected for the inaugural cohort of its Micro-Budget Narrative Feature Lab, a new initiative supporting independent filmmakers developing feature-length films in Georgia.
Author will speak at Hoag Lecture Series
Author Stacia Pelletier will serve as a keynote speaker for this year's Hoag Lecture Series at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾ at noon March 5 in the Cottrell Center Ballroom at ³ÉÈËBÕ¾'s Dahlonega Campus.