About University of North Georgia
The University of North Georgia has built its reputation around military leadership training and outdoor recreation programs nestled in the Appalachian foothills. With 15,542 students spread across multiple campuses, this full university serves as one of only six senior military colleges in the nation. The Corps of Cadets produces commissioned officers for all military branches, while the school's location in Dahlonega makes it a natural center for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism programs.
Students here get solid value for their investment. The average net price of $10,785 keeps college affordable for most Georgia families, since 97.52% of students come from in-state. Graduates earn a median of $50,135 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $17,750. Monthly loan payments average just $188, making this education financially accessible for working-class students.
The student body skews heavily female at 55.65%, though the military programs attract cadets from across the Southeast. With 13 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II, the Nighthawks offer athletic opportunities beyond the famous Corps of Cadets. The 72.72% retention rate reflects students who appreciate both the mountain setting and the school's focus on leadership development through military and civilian programs.
Students here get solid value for their investment. The average net price of $10,785 keeps college affordable for most Georgia families, since 97.52% of students come from in-state. Graduates earn a median of $50,135 ten years after graduation, while typical debt loads stay manageable at $17,750. Monthly loan payments average just $188, making this education financially accessible for working-class students.
The student body skews heavily female at 55.65%, though the military programs attract cadets from across the Southeast. With 13 varsity sports competing in NCAA Division II, the Nighthawks offer athletic opportunities beyond the famous Corps of Cadets. The 72.72% retention rate reflects students who appreciate both the mountain setting and the school's focus on leadership development through military and civilian programs.
Academics & Faculty
University of North Georgia operates as a full public university with a strong emphasis on military leadership development. The school maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to professors across its programs. However, only 37% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the challenges many face in completing their degrees. The university is nationally recognized for its Corps of Cadets program, one of only six senior military colleges in the United States. Students can pursue commissioning as officers in all branches of the military. The school also offers respected programs in outdoor recreation management, taking advantage of its mountain setting. With 15,542 students enrolled, it provides both traditional academic majors and specialized military leadership training.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 75.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.8%
- Retention Rate
- 72.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,135
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $93,923 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $84,653 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $73,112 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,032 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $59,969 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $52,385 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,718 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $45,696 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $44,921 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,747 |
Campus Life
Campus sits in the North Georgia mountains where 18% of students live in residence halls among the 15,542 total enrollment. Dahlonega offers classic small-town charm about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta, making weekend city trips possible but not typical. Students embrace the mountain setting through hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation programs that complement the university's strong reputation in these fields.
The military heritage runs deep here with one of the nation's oldest senior military colleges producing commissioned officers since 1873. You'll need a winter coat for mountain temperatures that dip into the 30s, plus layers for the humid summers. With 97% in-state students, the social scene centers on outdoor adventures and military traditions rather than typical party culture. The 72% retention rate reflects students who connect with the disciplined, outdoor-focused environment. Weekends often involve exploring the Appalachian foothills or participating in the Corps of Cadets activities that shape campus culture for both military and civilian students.
The military heritage runs deep here with one of the nation's oldest senior military colleges producing commissioned officers since 1873. You'll need a winter coat for mountain temperatures that dip into the 30s, plus layers for the humid summers. With 97% in-state students, the social scene centers on outdoor adventures and military traditions rather than typical party culture. The 72% retention rate reflects students who connect with the disciplined, outdoor-focused environment. Weekends often involve exploring the Appalachian foothills or participating in the Corps of Cadets activities that shape campus culture for both military and civilian students.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 2,789 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1873
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 9 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Burglary | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–50°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 65.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.1"
Student Demographics
The University of North Georgia draws overwhelmingly from Georgia, with 98% of students calling the state home. This strong local pull reflects the school's reputation as a solid regional option for Georgia families. Women make up 56% of the student body, but the military leadership programs attract a substantial male contingent. About 28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class Georgia families seeking affordable education. The predominantly white student body mirrors North Georgia's demographics, though Hispanic enrollment has grown in recent years as the region becomes more diverse.
- Men
- 44.4%
- Women
- 55.7%
- White
- 70.2%
- Black
- 3.6%
- Hispanic
- 16.8%
- Asian
- 3.4%
- In-State Students
- 97.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.7%
Location
Dahlonega sits in the North Georgia mountains about 65 miles northeast of Atlanta. The town of 7,000 residents doubles during the academic year when UNG's 15,542 students arrive for classes. This historic gold rush community offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation opportunities that complement the university's strong outdoor recreation management programs. The mountain setting attracts students seeking alternatives to urban campuses. About 97.52% of students come from Georgia, drawn to the affordable in-state tuition of $5,009. The scenic Blue Ridge Mountains provide a backdrop for campus life and military training exercises. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare University of North Georgia with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dahlonega, Georgia 30597
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,135
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,177
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 63.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $188/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of North Georgia?
University of North Georgia admits 69.63% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1080. The school draws heavily from Georgia residents, with 97.52% of students coming from in-state.
How much does University of North Georgia cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $10,785 annually at University of North Georgia. In-state tuition runs $5,009 while out-of-state students pay $15,441, making it an affordable option for Georgia families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of North Georgia?
University of North Georgia maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 15,542 enrolled students. The school operates on a semester system and focuses on military leadership development alongside traditional academics.
What are the graduation rates at University of North Georgia?
University of North Georgia graduates 36.80% of students within six years and 37.71% in four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,135 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $17,750.
Where is University of North Georgia located and what is campus life like?
University of North Georgia sits in the mountain town of Dahlonega, Georgia, with housing for 2,789 students. The campus leverages its North Georgia mountain setting for strong outdoor recreation management programs.
Does University of North Georgia have military programs?
University of North Georgia is well-known for its military leadership programs, building on a tradition dating back to its 1873 founding. The school combines this military heritage with modern programs like outdoor recreation management in the scenic North Georgia mountains.
