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University of North Georgia vs Brenau University: which has better ROI?

Public, Dahlonega GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Gainesville GA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Brenau University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $75,696 in 13.4 years versus 22.1 years at University of North Georgia, on median earnings of $54,003 vs $50,135 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of North GeorgiaBrenau University
Net price / yr$9,823$18,924
Total net cost$39,292$75,696
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,135$54,003
Median debt$17,750$27,000
Payback22.1 yrs13.4 yrs
20-year net return-$3,792$37,164

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of North Georgia or Brenau University?

University of North Georgia, at $9,823 a year after aid versus $18,924 — a gap of $9,101 a year, or $36,404 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of North Georgia or Brenau University graduates earn more?

Brenau University graduates report a median $54,003 ten years after entry, $3,868 more than the $50,135 at University of North Georgia. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of North Georgia or Brenau University?

University of North Georgia: its completers carry a median $17,750 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Brenau University, a difference of $9,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

37% of students finish at University of North Georgia, against 33% at Brenau University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of North Georgia vs Brenau University: frequently asked questions

Is University of North Georgia or Brenau University a better value?
Brenau University. It clears its $75,696 net cost in about 13.4 years versus 22.1 years at University of North Georgia, on median earnings of $54,003 vs $50,135 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of North Georgia or Brenau University?
University of North Georgia: $9,823/yr net price after aid versus $18,924/yr at Brenau University — a difference of $9,101 a year, or about $36,404 over four years.
Do University of North Georgia or Brenau University graduates earn more?
Brenau University graduates earn a median $54,003 ten years after entry, versus $50,135 at University of North Georgia — a $3,868 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.