Studies show value of 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø education
Article By: Clark Leonard
Two recent reports that highlight the lifelong financial value students receive from a four-year degree rank the University of North Georgia (168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø) among the best in the state.
A study from showed a return on investment of $962,000 over a 40-year period for a bachelor's degree from 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø, which is fifth among public universities in Georgia.
This metric includes costs, future earnings, and the length of time it would take to invest and earn a certain amount of money over a fixed horizon.
The Georgetown research "includes a score that gives additional weight to such factors as the percentage of low-income students who are enrolled, their graduation rates, and their long-term return on investment."
"168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø President Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø education."
Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø with a 26.4% economic mobility index, which ranks fourth among public universities in Georgia. The list "examined which schools enroll the highest proportion of students from low-income and moderate-income backgrounds and provide them with a strong return on their educational investment," according to Third Way. 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø was ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.
168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence. This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø education.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø president
"The value of a four-year degree continues to be one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø can help students make the most of that investment," Dr. Brett Morris, associate vice president of enrollment management, said. "We are affordable, we have strong academic programs, and our faculty and staff are invested in our students."
A quarter of 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø students are first-generation college students, and nearly a third are eligible for Pell Grants.Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
These recent studies reinforce 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø's reputation for affordability, as U.S. News & World Report in the fall tabbed 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø as the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.
Morris said 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø opens doors to higher education and future opportunities that students might not have previously considered.
"Our graduates are very successful in life," Morris said. "We are most proud of the way we help our graduates advance in their careers and enhance their ability to take care of their families."
Camp teaches basics of logistics to students
Twelve high school students from surrounding counties experienced a crash course in logistics and supply chain management from June 23-27 at 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø's Camp Logistics.
Students benefit from Pathway to Med School
Student Erika Delgado and May graduate Hasten Veal were part of this summer's eight-member cohort for the Pathway to Med School program.
Cyber students make strong showings
Cybersecurity students from 168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø turned in strong performances in the National Cyber League, National Cyber Exercise and SummitCTF during the spring semester.
Students take part in meetup in Netherlands
168¿ª½±Íø¹ÙÍø's inaugural cohort of three University Innovation Fellows traveled recently to the annual UIF meetup at the University of Twente in the Netherlands.