Georgia Magazine - September 2013 - (Page 35)

Lessons for learning BY MELANIE F. GIBBS There is a lot to love about Georgia, but when it comes to higher education, does the Peach State make the grade? With nearly 130 colleges, universities and technical schools, Georgia has much to offer. The University System of Georgia (USG) accounts for 31 of those colleges and universities, and conferred 33,687 bachelor’s degrees in 2012. In addition, the Technical College System of Georgia (TSCG) consists of 25 technical colleges, providing a broad range of career opportunities through certiﬁcate, diploma and associate degree programs; continuing education programs; and economic development programs. DOT PAUL/UGA Whether you are a full-time student or a working adult with a family, planning is the ﬁrst step toward earning your degree Spring undergraduate commencement in Sanford Stadium is celebrated annually by more than 5,000 University of Georgia students. Consider the cost UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA ROGER HART While it may be widely available here, higher education is a costly pursuit. For the 2011-2012 academic year, the College Board reports average tuition and fees for Georgia’s public two-year institutions averaged $3,078, above the national average of $2,963. Tuition and fees for Georgia’s public fouryear institutions averaged $6,808, beating the national average of $8,244. Nationwide, private, nonproﬁt four-year institutions commanded a whopping $28,500, though Georgia’s looked reasonable at $26,029. Our state does offer some great bargains: Georgia Institute of The School of Computer Science at Columbus State Technology in Atlanta University is committed to meeting the educational is the No. 1 pick of needs of the community and region in the areas of AffordableCollegesOn computing and technology. line.org for Affordable Colleges with High Return on Investment, as well as Best Return-on-Investment for American Students in 2012, according to SmartMonday, a magazine published by The Wall Street-Journal. The University of Georgia in Athens isn’t far behind, placing fourth on the SmartMonday list. And North Georgia College and State University Gainesville State College joined in Dahlonega tops Kiplinger’s 2012 list with North Georgia College & of 10 Best Public Colleges in terms of State University this year to create Lowest Debt at Graduation. the University of North Georgia. (Continued on page 36) September 2013 More online at www.georgiamagazine.org 35 http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - September 2013

Georgia Magazine - September 2013
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Liberty Notes
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar of Events
Currents
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
From Rural Georgia to the Governor’s Mansion
Buried Treasure
Celebrating 75 Years in the Community
Lessons for Learning
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - September 2013