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University of North Georgia — ROI, Cost & Payback

Public · Dahlonega, GA · 16,146 students

The verdict

University of North Georgia charges a net price of $9,823/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $39,292. Graduates earn a median $50,135 ten years after entry, $1,775/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 22.1 years — a 20-year net return of $-3,792, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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University of North Georgia's 22.1-year payback ranks #1,082 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 16% of them, and #15 of 100 in Georgia.

Better ROI than 16% of US colleges#1,082 of 1,280
Weakest ROIStrongest ROI
$9,823
Net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$50,135
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
22.1 yrs
Payback
Our math, 2026
68%
Admission rate
Scorecard, 2026
University of North Georgia: cost, earnings and payback
MeasureValueSource
Net price (after aid)$9,823/yrScorecard, 2026
Total net cost (4 yrs)$39,292our math
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry$50,135Scorecard, 2026
Earnings premium over HS baseline$1,775/yrour math
Median debt (completers)$17,750Scorecard, 2026
Payback22.1 yrsour math
20-year net return$-3,792our math

College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.

How we compute this. Payback = total net cost ÷ annual earnings premium, where the premium is median earnings 10 years after entry minus the $48,360 baseline (BLS 2024 median for a high-school-diploma worker 25+). Total net cost = net price × 4 years. We do not discount future dollars. The institution-wide earnings figure blends every major — a specific program's payback can be far better or worse. Full method on the methodology page.

University of North Georgia: frequently asked questions

Is University of North Georgia worth the cost?
On the numbers, yes. University of North Georgia charges $9,823/yr after aid ($39,292 over 4 years), and graduates earn a median $50,135 ten years out — $1,775/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline. That clears the cost in 22.1 years and returns $-3,792 net over 20 years, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone.
How long does a University of North Georgia degree take to pay off?
About 22.1 years. We divide the $39,292 four-year net cost by the $1,775/yr earnings premium over the high-school baseline. It is a floor, not a ceiling — mid-career raises pay it back faster.
How much does University of North Georgia cost after financial aid?
The median net price is $9,823/yr — about $39,292 over 4 years. That is what the typical aided student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the published sticker price.
How does University of North Georgia compare to other Georgia colleges?
It ranks #15 of 100 Georgia colleges we track by payback. Its $50,135 median earnings beat the national median of $43,552, and its $9,823 net price is below the national median of $16,906.