University of North Georgia 2023

The University of North Georgia, a regional multi-campus institution and premier senior military college, provides a culture of academic excellence in a student-focused environment that includes quality education, service, research and creativity. This is accomplished through broad access to comprehensive academic and co-curricular programs that develop students into leaders for a diverse and global society. The University of North Georgia is a University System of Georgia leadership institution and is The Military College of Georgia.

Enrollment Trends

UNG’s total fall 2023 enrollment as of fall census was 18,086; undergraduate enrollment was 17,254 – an essentially flat enrollment compared to fall 2022, with credit hour production inching up only slightly. This is a positive outcome compared to past post-pandemic declines. Associate degree level enrollment continued to decline but was effectively offset by a comparative increase in bachelor level students.  Bachelor prep (associate) enrollment now represents just 15% of the undergraduate student body, compared to 34% in 2019. Graduate enrollment rebounded to reflect 2021 numbers, and present 2022 enrollment as a blip on the trendline.

The National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) preliminary fall 2023 report indicates overall undergraduate enrollment climbed by 2.1 percent, the first total increase since 2020. USG reported a 5.9% gain in new freshmen enrollment, with dual enrollment rebounding substantially. The stabilization of test optional admissions policy was most helpful in building the inbound freshmen class. Overall, the strength of the economy continues to provide an attractive alternative to the non-college consumption high school graduates as do associate level options offered by TCSG institutions.

Going forward, Georgia’s foray into the Direct Admissions space is an unknown. While the model for 2024 is mostly an “enhanced” inquiry platform, the longer-term vision is to develop Georgia’s own “common application”. This is a timely development as the ability to acquire prospective student contract information becomes more challenging with the changes to privacy rules. The Governor’s use of the bully pulpit to promote post-secondary education as vital to workforce development is helpful in offsetting a growing ambivalence towards college among Gen Z students.

It is likely that college enrollment will be very much a zero-sum game for the remainder of the decade with potential slight gains in 2024-2025, then a more difficult period through the birth dearth of the 2026-2030 period. There is potential for this expected decline to ameliorate if Georgia’s economy continues to attract new residents. However, within USG, enrollment growth is likely to be uneven at best as each sector adjusts to the new realities of the marketplace.

Benchmarks & Goals

As a regional, public institution of higher education, UNG strives to deliver quality educational opportunities to the region it serves. The dual role of providing access (Associates) and selectivity (Bachelors), the institution endeavors to graduate students “on time.” While enrollment continues to fluctuate, UNG performs well compared to both the state university and comprehensive university sectors (see Table 2).

*USG Qlik Dashboards: CCG Retention Comparison & CCG Graduation Comparison

15 to Finish and What’s Your 30?

UNG has employed a 15 to Finish strategy since the inception of Complete College Georgia and has consistently performed with ~30% of full-time students enrolled in 15 or more hours. Messaging has evolved to include “What’s your 30?” to convey to students the importance of earning 30 credits in an academic year for timely progression and graduation. The shift in messaging and other programmatic changes appear to be having a positive effect (tables 3 & 4).

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(Source: Fall Census Snapshots)

Alternative Credits Earned

UNG has long supported earning credits through alternative methods. While enrollment has leveled off, the number of credits by exam has risen steadily.

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Co-Requisite Success Rates*

Success rates in co-requisite courses has risen slowly and the effects of the pandemic on students is noteworthy. The changing admissions standards has effectively reduced the number of students with co-requisite requirements. Non-consumption of higher education has likely factored into this decline as well.

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Dual-Enrolled Students

As part of its access mission, UNG has a robust Dual-Enrolled program. The pandemic impact on dual enrollment appears to be over as enrollment has rebounded, surpassing pre-pandemic levels at UNG. The number of former dual-enrolled students matriculating to UNG continues to decline, likely influenced by the shifting admissions standards.

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(Source: UNG Storyboard: add-drop enrollment data)

Online Courses & Adult Learners

UNG continues to expand its online offerings, a key strategy in serving northern Georgia. The Covid bump in 2020 is obvious in Table 9; yet the headcount of students enrolling in online courses remains well above pre-pandemic levels. Similarly, Table 10 shows continued growth in the number of adult learners earning a degree through online courses.

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Table 11 shows the number of students earning a degree and using online courses to complete their programs. The decline in AY 22-23 is most likely due to the decrease in enrollment post-pandemic. The percentage of students using online, conversely, continues to increase.

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