WalletHub ranks UNG among best in nation in cost, campus safety

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is ranked among the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation on cost and campus safety, according to the 2018 College & University Rankings by WalletHub. It ranked 973 private and public colleges and universities on factors including student selectivity, cost and financing, faculty resources, campus safety, campus experience, educational outcomes, and career outcomes.

UNG ranks No. 35 in the nation on cost and financing and No. 76 in the nation on campus safety.

"UNG has established a hands-on financial planning approach through the Financial Aid Office and the Student Money Management Center," said Jill Rayner, director of financial aid for UNG. "We help students understand the importance of fiscal responsibility. It is important for the students to understand not only what a loan is, but the impact a student loan has on their budget after they graduate."

In the South regional rankings, UNG is No. 104 on the list among private and public colleges and universities. Georgia Tech (No. 32 nationally, No. 6 in the South) and the University of Georgia (No. 76 nationally, No. 14 in the South), were the only two public universities or colleges in Georgia ranked higher than UNG in either national or regional rankings. Overall, UNG ranks at No. 381 in the nation.

"In a fierce global economy, a college degree today is necessary both for securing employment and staying ahead of the competition," Richie Bernardo, senior writer for WalletHub, wrote about the rankings. "And though success ultimately rests on students’ own determination and performance, the quality of the schools they choose — for the hefty price they often must pay — can help ensure students are well prepared for the demands of the real world."

To produce the rankings, WalletHub analysts evaluated universities and colleges in seven areas using 26 relevant metrics on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the best school performance and the most favorable conditions for undergraduate students during and after attendance. Rankings considered only four-year or above schools and data collected was relevant to undergraduate students only.

Data considered included student-faculty ratio, graduation rate and post-attendance median salary. Specific metrics considered for the cost and financing rank included net cost, availability of employment services for students and student loan debt. Campus safety ranking considered on-campus arrests and on-campus crime.

The WalletHub website includes the full national and regional rankings, details about the methodology and a Q&A with researchers in relevant fields addressing current financial issues in higher education.

WalletHub, owned by Evolution Finance and based in Washington, D.C., offers free credit scores and full credit reports that are updated on a daily basis. Additionally, the website offers information about financial topics including ratings and reviews, articles and studies, financial calculators, and an ask-an-expert feature.