Studies show value of ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ education
Two recent reports that highlight the lifelong financial value students receive from a four-year degree rank the University of North Georgia (ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½) 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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, 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."
"ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ President Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ education."
Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ was ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence. This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ education.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ president
"The value of a four-year degree continues to be one of the best investments you can make in yourself. ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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 ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s reputation for affordability, as U.S. News & World Report in the fall tabbed ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ as the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.
Morris said ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ 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."
Students offer free tax preparation
Students pursuing bachelor's and master's accounting degrees at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ are providing free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program sponsored by the IRS.
Sales student places in top 20 of event
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ student Billy Brown placed in the top 20 out of 360 competitors in the Speed Selling Finals at the Northeast Intercollegiate Sales Competition held Nov. 14-15 at Bryant University.
Appalachian Studies Center celebrates 20 years
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s Appalachian Studies Center, the only center of its kind in Georgia, celebrated its 20th anniversary during the fall semester.
Course offers hands-on marketing experience
Students in a digital marketing class in the fall at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ created social media plans for a small business and a nonprofit organization.