UNG : Studies Show Value Of UNG Education

Press release from University of North Georgia:

Clark Leonard

March 7, 2022

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 Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce 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."

"UNG has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," UNG President Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a UNG education."

Data compiled by Third Way, a national think tank, showed UNG 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. UNG was ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.

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 UNG as the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.

Morris said UNG 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."

This press release was produced by University of North Georgia. The views expressed here are the author’s own.