Young Harris College: 77.3% Acceptance Rate

77.3%Acceptance

$32,305Tuition

810Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,195Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24United Methodist

About Young Harris College

Young Harris College sits in the mountains of North Georgia with just 810 students, making it one of the smaller liberal arts colleges in the Southeast. This United Methodist school draws heavily from Georgia, with 84% of students coming from in-state. The college accepts 77% of applicants, so getting in isn't the challenge here. What matters more is finding your place in a close-knit mountain community where professors know your name thanks to an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural setting means you're trading city conveniences for hiking trails and a tight campus community.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $11,008 after aid, which is reasonable for a private college. However, graduates earn a median of $47,195 ten years out, and many carry $27,000 in debt with monthly payments of $286. The math works if you stay focused and graduate, but the 46% four-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish on time.

Athletics play a big role here, with 330 student-athletes competing in NCAA Division II sports. That's more than 40% of the student body wearing Mountain Lions jerseys. The school hands out over $2.2 million in athletic scholarships annually, making sports a real pathway to affordability for talented athletes.

Academics & Faculty

Young Harris College is a small liberal arts school where students get close attention from professors, with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that means classes stay small and personal. The college offers traditional liberal arts programs plus some professional tracks, though it's not known for any particular academic specialty that draws students from across the country. About 48% of students graduate in four years, which is lower than most private colleges but reflects the school's role serving many first-generation college students from rural Georgia. The United Methodist affiliation means the college emphasizes values-based education alongside academics, and professors often know students by name throughout their time on campus.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 39.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 45.7%
Retention Rate: 66.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,195
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

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Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$32,382

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Campus Life

Young Harris sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia, about two hours north of Atlanta. With just 810 students on a campus that can house 1,040, this feels like a true college town where everyone knows each other. The mountain setting means you'll need warm clothes for winter, as temperatures can drop below freezing and snow isn't uncommon at this elevation.

About 83.93% of students come from Georgia, giving the campus a strong regional feel. The small size means you'll recognize most faces walking across the quad, and with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name. Weekend life revolves around campus activities since the nearest major city requires a drive. Students often hike local trails, attend athletic events (the Mountain Lions compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports), or hang out in the residence halls. The Methodist heritage shows up in campus traditions and community service opportunities, though students of all backgrounds attend. This isn't a party school, it's a place where outdoor enthusiasts and students wanting personal attention from faculty tend to thrive.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 1,040 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1886

Campus Safety (2023)

9 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	4	4	0	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–49°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 60.3"
Annual Snowfall: 3.1"

Student Demographics

Young Harris draws students who want small-town college life in the North Georgia mountains. With 84% coming from Georgia, the school has built a strong local reputation among families seeking affordable liberal arts education. The student body of 810 creates tight connections you won't find at big universities. Women make up 58% of students, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize education and social work programs. Most students are white and middle-class, reflecting the rural Georgia region, though the school actively recruits diverse students through its United Methodist mission of accessibility.

Men: 42.1%
Women: 57.9%
White: 65.7%
Black: 8.5%
Hispanic: 5.2%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 83.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.1%

Location

Young Harris College sits in Young Harris, Georgia, a mountain town of about 1,300 people near the North Carolina border. The campus is roughly 90 miles northeast of Atlanta, making it one of the more remote college locations in Georgia. This rural setting puts students in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are part of daily life rather than weekend trips. The town exists mainly because of the college, which has been there since 1886. With 83.93% of students coming from in-state, many Georgia residents choose this mountain retreat over urban campuses. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Young Harris College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Young Harris, Georgia 30582

Rollins Campus Center at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Ga

The Towers Residence Hall at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Ga

The Harp Recreation Center at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Ga

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,195
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,494
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 58.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Young Harris College?

Young Harris College accepts 77.29% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school values students who want a close-knit liberal arts experience in the North Georgia mountains.

How much does Young Harris College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Young Harris College is $11,008, though families earning $30-48K pay just $7,888 on average. Despite a sticker price of $45,305, the Methodist college provides substantial financial assistance with average institutional grants of $25,643.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Young Harris College?

Young Harris College maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 810 students total. This small liberal arts environment ensures personal attention and close mentoring relationships that larger universities cannot provide.

What are the graduation rates at Young Harris College?

Young Harris College has a 4-year graduation rate of 47.62% and a 6-year rate of 45.70%. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,195 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the value of their liberal arts education.

Where is Young Harris College located?

Young Harris College sits in the rural mountains of North Georgia, drawing 83.93% of its students from in-state. The remote mountain setting offers outdoor recreation opportunities and a tight-knit campus community away from urban distractions.

Does Young Harris College have strong athletics?

Young Harris College competes in NCAA Division II with 15 varsity sports and 330 total athletes. The Mountain Lions receive $2.2 million in athletic scholarships annually and compete in Conference Carolinas, building strong athletic traditions in their mountain community.