Analysis
University of North Georgia's accounting program produces graduates whose earnings start below both national and state medians but show solid growth potential. First-year earnings of $49,588 trail the Georgia average by about $1,000, placing this program in the 40th percentile among the state's 38 accounting programs—decidedly middle-of-the-pack for a state with strong accounting options at UGA and Kennesaw State.
The manageable debt load of $23,250 helps offset the earnings gap. With less than half a year's starting salary needed to cover student loans, graduates have breathing room that many accounting students at pricier programs don't enjoy. The 24% earnings bump by year four ($61,625) suggests the program adequately prepares students for career advancement, even if they're not commanding top salaries immediately after graduation.
For families prioritizing affordability and reasonable outcomes over prestige, this works. You're trading lower initial earnings for significantly less debt than Georgia's median of $26,000. But if your child has the credentials for UGA (where graduates earn $64,000 right away) or Kennesaw State ($57,814), those programs deliver substantially better returns. UNG makes sense primarily if cost constraints or the school's location matter more than maximizing early-career earnings.
Where University of North Georgia Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Georgia | $49,588 | $61,625 | +24% |
| Oglethorpe University | $56,121 | $77,243 | +38% |
| University of Georgia | $64,058 | $76,298 | +19% |
| Georgia Southern University | $44,094 | $66,265 | +50% |
| Kennesaw State University | $57,814 | $65,652 | +14% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (38 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North GeorgiaDahlonega | $5,009 | $49,588 | $61,625 | $23,250 | 0.47 |
 University of GeorgiaAthens | $11,180 | $64,058 | $76,298 | $23,250 | 0.36 |
 Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw | $5,786 | $57,814 | $65,652 | $26,000 | 0.45 |
 Oglethorpe UniversityAtlanta | $45,806 | $56,121 | $77,243 | $26,000 | 0.46 |
 Georgia State UniversityAtlanta | $8,478 | $55,761 | $62,731 | $25,500 | 0.46 |
 DeVry University-GeorgiaDecatur | $17,488 | $54,264 | $54,099 | $54,380 | 1.00 |
| National Median | — | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of North Georgia, approximately 28% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 87 graduates with reported earnings and 83 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.