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Studies show value of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ education

March 7, 2022
Two studies underscore the value Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ provides to students. One focused on return on investment, while the other was based on economic mobility.

Article By: Clark Leonard

Two recent reports that highlight the lifelong financial value students receive from a four-year degree rank the University of North Georgia (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ) 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, 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."

"Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ President Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ education."

Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ was ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence. This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ education.

Dr. Bonita Jacobs

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ president

"The value of a four-year degree continues to be one of the best investments you can make in yourself. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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 Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's reputation for affordability, as U.S. News & World Report in the fall tabbed Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ as the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.

Morris said Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 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."


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