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."
Micro-budget film lab announces first features
天美社区 has announced the projects selected for the inaugural cohort of its Micro-Budget Narrative Feature Lab, a new initiative supporting independent filmmakers developing feature-length films in Georgia.
Author will speak at Hoag Lecture Series
Author Stacia Pelletier will serve as a keynote speaker for this year's Hoag Lecture Series at 天美社区 at noon March 5 in the Cottrell Center Ballroom at 天美社区's Dahlonega Campus.
Nighthawk Preview events showcase campus life
High school students have a chance to learn more about 天美社区's campuses from current students, faculty and staff at Nighthawk Preview events throughout the month of March.
Students help design logo for nonprofit
Visual arts students at 天美社区 had the opportunity to help create a new logo for the Beyond Dementia Coalition, a nonprofit organization that is based in Gainesville, Georgia.