Studies show value of Â鶹APPeducation
Two recent reports that highlight the lifelong financial value students receive from a four-year degree rank the University of North Georgia (UNG) 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 UNG, 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."
"Â鶹APPhas long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," Â鶹APPPresident Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a Â鶹APPeducation."
Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed Â鶹APPwith 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. Â鶹APPwas ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.
Â鶹APPhas long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence. This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a Â鶹APPeducation.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
Â鶹APPpresident
"The value of a four-year degree continues to be one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Â鶹APPcan 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 Â鶹APPstudents 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 UNG's reputation for affordability, as U.S. News & World Report in the fall tabbed Â鶹APPas the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.
Morris said Â鶹APPopens 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."
Students present research, help host conference
Students presented research and helped Â鶹APPhost the Conference on the Americas from Feb. 20-21 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.
Â鶹APPwins SMC Cyber Fusion event at VMI
A four-student team from Â鶹APPsecured first place at the Senior Military College Cyber Fusion competition held Feb. 26-27 at Virginia Military Institute.
Students embrace chamber internships
A Â鶹APPstudent and a recent alumnus have made the most of their internships with local chambers of commerce and begun to blaze their career paths thanks to those experiences.
Language skills help alum land job
Â鶹APPalumnus Alex Howell landed a job with an American risk management consulting company that supports Japanese clients after attending the 2024 Japan-Georgia Futures Forum.