Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of North Georgia
Bachelor's Degree
ung.eduAnalysis
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
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 | $37,981 | $45,787 | +21% |
| Valdosta State University | $25,441 | $44,189 | +74% |
| Clayton State University | $37,898 | $41,898 | +11% |
| Georgia Southern University | $34,576 | $40,388 | +17% |
| Fort Valley State University | $23,157 | $16,448 | -29% |
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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,009 | $37,981 | $45,787 | $24,967 | 0.66 | |
| $5,068 | $37,898 | $41,898 | $45,202 | 1.19 | |
| $5,905 | $34,576 | $40,388 | $31,000 | 0.90 | |
| $6,007 | $25,441 | $44,189 | $31,000 | 1.22 | |
| $5,392 | $23,157 | $16,448 | $39,693 | 1.71 | |
| National Median | — | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
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.