Median Earnings (1yr)
$37,981
58th percentile (60th in GA)
Median Debt
$24,967
8% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.66
Manageable
Sample Size
43
Adequate data

Analysis

At $24,967, University of North Georgia's liberal arts program carries 37% less debt than the typical Georgia graduate in this field—a significant advantage that more than offsets its middle-of-the-pack earnings. While the $37,981 starting salary sits just above national and state medians (60th percentile among Georgia programs), the real story is the debt load. Most Georgia liberal arts graduates leave with nearly $40,000 in loans, making UNG's $25,000 figure genuinely noteworthy for families watching costs.

The 21% earnings growth to $45,787 by year four suggests reasonable career progression, and the 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need less than eight months of their first year's salary to cover total debt—manageable by any standard. This isn't a program that will launch students into high-earning careers immediately, but it provides a solid foundation without the crushing debt burden that often defines liberal arts degrees in Georgia.

For families prioritizing affordability alongside a traditional college experience, UNG delivers exactly that. You're getting typical liberal arts outcomes at a below-market price, which in this field may be the best combination available.

Where University of North Georgia Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally

University of North GeorgiaOther liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Georgia graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of North Georgia graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 58th percentile of all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (33 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of North Georgia$37,981$45,787$24,9670.66
Clayton State University$37,898$41,898$45,2021.19
Georgia Southern University$34,576$40,388$31,0000.90
Valdosta State University$25,441$44,189$31,0001.22
Fort Valley State University$23,157$16,448$39,6931.71
National Median$36,340—$27,0000.74

Other Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs in Georgia

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Georgia schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Clayton State University
Morrow
$5,068$37,898$45,202
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro
$5,905$34,576$31,000
Valdosta State University
Valdosta
$6,007$25,441$31,000
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley
$5,392$23,157$39,693

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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.