University of North Georgia
University of North Georgia — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of North Georgia at a Glance
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is a public university with multiple campuses in Georgia, United States. It is part of the University System of Georgia. The university was established on January 8, 2013, through a merger of North Georgia College & State University and Gainesville State College. Campus locations include Dahlonega, Oakwood, Watkinsville, Blue Ridge, and Cumming.
1873
153 years old
$100M
$100.4 million (2025)
19,722
19,041 undergrad · 681 grad
212 acres
Identity
Is University of North Georgia Worth It?
University of North Georgia offers moderate value at $9,823/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $50,135, which is 7% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 37% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
How University of North Georgia compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #38 of 72 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Foothill College | 100 | $7,653 | $57,072 |
| #2 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #3 | Santa Ana College | 100 | $3,133 | $43,552 |
| #4 | Santa Monica College | 100 | $2,779 | $42,193 |
| #5 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #6 | Florida Atlantic University | 100 | $8,752 | $56,746 |
| #38 | University of North Georgia | 47 | $9,823 | $50,135 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of North Georgia's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of North Georgia
The highest-earning program at University of North Georgia is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Human Services, General at $28,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of North Georgia earns $59,600, while a Human Services, General graduate earns $28,000. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $19,659 in median debt vs. $23,751 for Human Services, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $9,823/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,600 | $59,600 | $19,659 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $50,400 | $50,400 | $22,475 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $42,900 | $42,900 | $19,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $38,100 | $38,100 | $20,422 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $38,000 | $38,000 | $19,625 |
| Marketing | $36,700 | $36,700 | $12,000 |
| Mathematics | $36,500 | $36,500 | $21,750 |
| History | $36,300 | $36,300 | $17,000 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $35,900 | $35,900 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $35,800 | $35,800 | $20,230 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $34,500 | $34,500 | $17,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $33,600 | $33,600 | $21,078 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $33,200 | $33,200 | $20,942 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $33,000 | $33,000 | $28,965 |
| Political Science and Government | $32,900 | $32,900 | $22,000 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $31,500 | $31,500 | $18,536 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $31,000 | $31,000 | $18,447 |
| Psychology, General | $29,600 | $29,600 | N/A |
| Biology, General | $29,500 | $29,500 | $23,356 |
| Research and Experimental Psychology | $28,600 | $28,600 | $22,750 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $28,100 | $28,100 | $22,125 |
| Human Services, General | $28,000 | $28,000 | $23,751 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Dahlonega, GA
- Student Body
- 16,146 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 37%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $9,823
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $50,135
- Median Student Debt
- $17,750