Studies show value of 天美社区 education
Two recent reports that highlight the lifelong financial value students receive from a four-year degree rank the University of North Georgia (天美社区) 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 天美社区, 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."
"天美社区 has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence," 天美社区 President Bonita Jacobs said. "This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a 天美社区 education."
Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed 天美社区 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. 天美社区 was ranked at 184 from more than 1,300 colleges and universities.
天美社区 has long had a strong reputation for affordability and academic excellence. This research reinforces the lifelong financial benefits and value of a 天美社区 education.
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
天美社区 president
"The value of a four-year degree continues to be one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 天美社区 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 天美社区 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 天美社区's reputation for affordability, as U.S. News & World Report in the fall tabbed 天美社区 as the top public university in Georgia on the Best Value Schools list of regional universities in the South.
Morris said 天美社区 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."
Cyber faculty member named Fulbright scholar
天美社区 faculty member Dr. Murthy Rallapalli will serve as a Fulbright faculty scholar for the spring semester at Cyber University of Uzbekistan.
天美社区 formalizes its role with career expo
天美社区 has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Center for Civic Engagement to support its Youth in Government Expo in March 2026.
Students receive record 4 DoD cyber scholarships
A team led by Dr. Bryson Payne, director of 天美社区's Institute for Cyber Operations, has been awarded $199,674 in Department of Defense Cyber Service Academy funding for four undergraduate cyber scholarships.
天美社区 honors scholarship recipients in Blue Ridge
The Tomato Sandwich Supper held Nov. 6 at 天美社区's Blue Ridge Campus celebrated 24 scholarship recipients and showcased the transformational power of 天美社区's work.