University of North Georgia — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
The University of North Georgia, formed in 2013 through the consolidation of Gainesville State College and North Georgia College & State University, is a public senior military college with five campuses across northeast Georgia. UNG offers 100+ programs with strengths in cybersecurity, nursing, and criminal justice, maintaining a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university's Dahlonega campus serves as one of only six senior military colleges in the U.S., featuring the historic drill field and modern military leadership center. UNG is designated as a State Leadership Institution and National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
UNG's multi-campus system provides access to higher education across a 6,000-square-mile service area. The Nighthawks compete in NCAA Division II athletics in the Peach Belt Conference. The university's Blue Ridge Campus offers unique outdoor leadership programs, while its Gainesville location serves as a hub for health sciences and technology programs. UNG's Corps of Cadets continues a 150-year tradition of producing military leaders, with many graduates commissioning as officers in the U.S. Armed Forces.
University of North Georgia Acceptance Rate
University of North Georgia is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of University of North Georgia is 72.2%. This means that 72 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Recommended Academic Profile
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
UNG GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at UNG is 3.5. UNG is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
UNG GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.
Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.
Admissions at UNG utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- The Rigor Metric: At UNG, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at UNG
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on University of North Georgia's verified institutional data
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of North Georgia (UNG) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into UNG Without SAT or ACT?
University of North Georgia Average SAT Score: 1136
The average SAT score of the admitted students at University of North Georgia is 1136 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1136 on the SAT.
If your score is below 1020, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at UNG. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 548 | 500 | 595 |
| SAT Reading | 570 | 520 | 620 |
| SAT Composite | 1136 | 1020 | 1215 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1020 then you are below most of the admitted students at UNG and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1215 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1150
Can I get into University of North Georgia (UNG) with a 1200 SAT?
With a 1200 SAT Score, your chances of admission at University of North Georgia (UNG) are good but the admission staff at UNG tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
University of North Georgia (UNG) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at UNG is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
This score makes University of North Georgia slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 22 | 18 | 25 |
| ACT English | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into University of North Georgia with a 25 ACT?
A 25 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at University of North Georgia — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at University of North Georgia use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that University of North Georgia — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether University of North Georgia uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 25 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for UNG
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
UNG is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.
Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.
Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.
At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.
UNG Profile
Is a UNG Degree Worth It?
Getting into UNG can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. UNG offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at UNG is $68,500 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.34%.
How much does a degree from UNG Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at University of North Georgia is $18,062. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at University of North Georgia is $10,785.
27.7% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 20.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to UNG and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At University of North Georgia, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist UNG as your choice in the form.
How much does a UNG Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $50,135. An average UNG graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Georgia. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of North Georgia. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
| University of West Florida | Pensacola, FL | 1137 | 24 |
| Augustana College | Rock Island, IL | 1133 | 25 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of North Georgia. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | 1203 | 26 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Ouachita Baptist University | Arkadelphia, AR | 1212 | 25 |
Degree Programs at UNG
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by University of North Georgia →
Frequently Asked Questions About UNG Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $50,135 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $18,062 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
27.7% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of University of North Georgia is 72.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to University of North Georgia is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1136 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1020–1215.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
