U.S. News ranks 51³Ô¹ÏÍø among top universities in the South
Article By: Clark Leonard
The University of North Georgia (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) received high marks for quality and value in the rankings released Sept. 12.
Among the rankings' public Regional Universities in the South, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is the No. 1 university in Georgia on the Best Value Colleges and Least Debt lists, and it is the top-ranked Georgia school on the list of Best Colleges for Veterans.
Overall, the university tied for 18th among public Regional Universities in the South, and it is the second-highest ranking Georgia university on the list.
Further underscoring the return on investment 51³Ô¹ÏÍø provides students was its inclusion on the Top Performance on Social Mobility list, a new category this year in the U.S. News rankings.
"51³Ô¹ÏÍø takes great pride in providing high-quality educational opportunities, and our consistent, year-over-year recognition for academic excellence and value reflect the impact 51³Ô¹ÏÍø has on educational attainment in this region and beyond," 51³Ô¹ÏÍø President Bonita C. Jacobs said.
Other highlights for 51³Ô¹ÏÍø from the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings were:
- Tied for sixth among public universities in Georgia on the Best Undergraduate Business Programs list.
- Tied for sixth among public universities in Georgia on the Undergraduate Computer Science Programs ranking.
The U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluate colleges and universities on 17 measures of academic quality. The results allow students and their families to compare at a glance the quality of U.S. institutions based on widely accepted indicators of excellence such as first-year student retention, graduation rates and the strength of the faculty.
Other recent rankings include 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's gold status on the 2022-23 Military Friendly Schools list and a pair of studies highlighting the value of a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø degree. A study from showed a return on investment of $962,000 over a 40-year period for a bachelor's degree from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, which is fifth among public universities in Georgia. Data compiled by , a national think tank, showed 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with a 26.4% economic mobility index, which ranks fourth among public universities in Georgia.
One of the state's largest universities, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø serves almost 19,000 students across its five campuses in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County, and online. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø offers more than 100 programs of study, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral programs.
Founded in 1873, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø is celebrating 150 years of service, leadership and scholarship this academic year. The Sesquicentennial Celebration honors 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's legacy of producing outstanding civic, professional and military leaders who serve throughout Georgia and beyond.
Enrollment jumps 6.7% for 2024-25
Enrollment has jumped to 19,298 students this fall at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, growing by 6.7% from fall 2023.
Swansons recognized for philanthropy
51³Ô¹ÏÍø alumni couple Stewart and Carol Swanson received the 2024 Presidential Leadership Award from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø President Michael Shannon in recognition of their philanthropy and love of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Oconeefest will raise scholarship funds
The 11th annual Oconeefest scholarship fundraiser is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 17 on the front lawn of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Oconee Campus.
Transfer students highlighted Oct. 21-25
51³Ô¹ÏÍø’S Student Orientation and Success department will host multiple events recognizing transfer students during National Transfer Student Week, set for Oct. 21-25.