Forbes names UNG to Top Colleges list

The University of North Georgia (UNG) ranked fifth among public universities in Georgia on Forbes magazine's "America's Top Colleges" list, which included 500 colleges and universities nationally.

UNG was one of only six public universities in Georgia to make the list, which was released Aug. 30. The university ranks 209th among all public universities on the list and 96th among both public and private universities in the South.

"UNG prepares our graduates to excel in their careers as soon as they graduate, and this ranking highlights both the quality education we provide our students and our value," UNG President Bonita C. Jacobs said.

Now in its 14th year, the Forbes Top Colleges ranking methodology focuses on the direct benefits a college or university provides its students. "Forbes' Top Colleges ranking spotlights schools that offer an excellent education at a great price, graduate high-earners, and propel students to become successful entrepreneurs and influential leaders in their fields," according to the article announcing the rankings.

Forbes listed the median salary for UNG graduates with 10 years of work experience as $97,200.

UNG also regularly ranks as one of the top regional public universities in the Southeast in U.S. News & World Report. Other recent rankings include UNG's gold status on the 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list and a pair of studies highlighting the value of a UNG degree. A study from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce showed a return on investment of $962,000 over a 40-year period for a bachelor's degree from UNG, which is fifth among public universities in Georgia. Data compiled by Third Way, a national think tank, showed UNG with a 26.4% economic mobility index, which ranks fourth among public universities in Georgia.

One of the state's largest universities, UNG serves almost 19,000 students across its five campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County, and online. UNG offers more than 100 programs of study, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral programs.

Founded in 1873, UNG is celebrating 150 years of scholarship, leadership, and service this academic year. The Sesquicentennial Celebration honors UNG's legacy of producing outstanding civic, professional and military leaders who serve throughout Georgia and beyond.