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In a major step to expand support for advanced education, the University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) will introduce its first substantial university-wide investment in graduate student scholarships for the 2026–27 academic year.

This milestone marks another important step in Â鶹ÊÓƵ providing unmatched value and access to advanced degrees for working professionals. These degrees offer grad students the chance to advance within their organizations and significantly increase their lifetime earning potential.

According to a study released by the University System of Georgia (USG) in August, students who earn graduate degrees from USG institutions average an additional $300,000 in lifetime earnings beyond those whose highest credential is a bachelor's degree. Those who add doctoral degrees gain another nearly $800,000 in lifetime earning potential.

"We are investing in our graduate students and their future success," said Cory Thornton, Â鶹ÊÓƵ director of graduate admissions. "We know that now, more than ever, making sure that our grad programs are affordable is the only way we can ensure these opportunities remain open to as many people as possible."

In addition to these scholarships, graduate assistantships are available in many programs to receive tuition waivers for students' master's or doctoral programs because of their work for the university.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ offers master's degrees in:

• Accountancy
• Athletic training
• Business administration
• Computer science
• Counseling
• Criminal justice
• Curriculum and instruction
• Elementary education
• Family nurse practitioner
• Human services delivery and administration
• International affairs
• Kinesiology
• Middle grades math and science
• Nursing education
• Public administration
• Spatial information and data sciences
• Teaching

Â鶹ÊÓƵ's doctoral and specialist programs are:

• Doctor of Education in higher education leadership and practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Ph.D. in criminal justice with a concentration in intelligence
• Tier II Education Specialist in educational leadership

Most of the programs are offered online, which allows flexibility for those seeking advanced degrees.

Dr. Troy Terry, Â鶹ÊÓƵ dean of graduate studies, is hopeful the new scholarship funds will enable more students to take advantage of these programs.

"Our graduate programs give working professionals the tools they need to stand out in their current roles and land their dream jobs," Terry said. "Anything we can do to expand these opportunities is essential."