University of North Georgia
University of North Georgia is a public university in Dahlonega, GA ranked #1287 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 15,542 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 72.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer and Information Sciences.
Academically, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.7% first-year retention, and 36.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $10,785, about $6,213 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -12.7%, roughly 98.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $43,085. That's about $603 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is University of North Georgia Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of North Georgia graduates 36.9% of students within six years and keeps 72.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use University of North Georgia's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $5,009 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,460 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,310 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,680 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $18,062 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.7% of University of North Georgia students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,958 to $13,702 depending on family income. Use University of North Georgia's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $13,074/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $13,702/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $43,085
- 10-Year Median Earnings $43,085
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $9,673
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 63.1%
- Employment Rate 86.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of North Georgia graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
University of North Georgia vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of North Georgia's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of North Georgia's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of North Georgia graduates earn $43,085 median, the -0.1% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 520-620
- SAT Math 500-595
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 19-25
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 15,542
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 72.7%
- Graduation Rate 36.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
How to Get Into University of North Georgia
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of North Georgia requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 72.2%, University of North Georgia is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 72.2% acceptance rate, University of North Georgia is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1215 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of North Georgia undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 9.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 7.4%
- Biology, General 7.3%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 6.5%
- Research and Experimental Psychology 6.2%
See more majors
- Marketing 6.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.8%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $84,545
- 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General $83,220
- 3. Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services $78,292
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Finance and Financial Management Services $75,740
- 5. Accounting and Related Services $71,914
- 6. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $69,360
- 7. Marketing $64,133
- 8. International Relations and National Security Studies $61,391
- 9. Political Science and Government $60,531
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $59,737
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $119,279
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $77,679
- 3. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $64,001
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $59,685
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $55,875
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $47,942
- 7. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $35,519
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $84,545—42% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($59,737). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $119,279 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of North Georgia. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 189 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 182 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 154 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 150 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 134 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (35 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Marketing
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Accounting and Related Services
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- History
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Human Services, General
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Information Science/Studies
- Sociology
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Design and Applied Arts
- Chemistry
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Music
- Legal Support Services
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Area Studies
Online Master's Degrees (7 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- History
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (12 programs)â–¼
- Geography and Cartography
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Engineering-Related Technologies
- Science, Technology and Society
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Legal Support Services
- Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
- Design and Applied Arts
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Security Science and Technology
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 15,542
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.4%
- Female Students 55.6%
- Caucasian 70.2%
- Asian 3.4%
- Hispanic 16.8%
- Black 3.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of North Georgia's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of North Georgia's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of North Georgia support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of North Georgia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 70.2% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of North Georgia support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of North Georgia, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of North Georgia serves as an affordable university for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #1287 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $10,785 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $43,085 median earnings. The 36.9% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a university. While 72.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
University Value: University of North Georgia's Strengths
Ranked #1287 with a B- grade, University of North Georgia prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Universitys like University of North Georgia excel at providing affordable education ($10,785 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: University of North Georgia's 72.7% retention and 36.9% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical university performance. Career outcomes ($43,085 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, University of North Georgia and $10,785 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 36.9% six-year graduation rate sits 25.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.7% first-year retention is 4.1 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -0.1% return on investment is 85.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $43,085 run about 1% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $10,785 is roughly $6,333 lower than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 86.9% employment rate within three years sits 18.7 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 27.7% trails the national share by 11.1 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
University of North Georgia is a public university based in Dahlonega, GA and earns a B- overall grade. It holds a #1287 national ranking Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 72.7% of first-year students return, and roughly 36.9% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -0.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $10,785 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $18,062.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,277 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $9,673 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $43,085 six years after enrollment. That sits about 1% below the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 86.9%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -0.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
72.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of North Georgia admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Dahlonega, GA 30597
- Website www.ung.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$69.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate36.3%