Enrollment has jumped to 19,298 students this fall at the University of North Georgia (UNG), growing by 6.7% from fall 2023.

"We are delivering a transformative higher education experience, equipping every student we serve to walk toward their purpose. Our enrollment numbers show that students are responding to this innovative, dynamic, legacy-making approach," President Michael Shannon said. "They want to be a part of UNG, which enables them to grow into leaders who change the trajectory of their families and communities. We will continue to find ways to provide the opportunities inside and outside the classroom that will set apart our students both now and when they graduate."

UNG saw rapid growth in multiple segments of its student population:

• 10.6% jump in new freshmen

• 8.5% growth in Corps of Cadets

• 16.5% increase in graduate program enrollment

• 30.4% jump in dual enrollment

UNG has students from 42 U.S. states and 43 countries.

The increase in enrollment also coincides with UNG's reimagining of its Division of Student Engagement and Success that focuses on helping students with academic achievement, sense of purpose, well-being, and belonging and engagement.

"We are committed to ensuring every student at UNG is able to embrace these four areas so that they can grow academically and personally," Dr. Alyson Paul, vice president of Student Engagement and Success and chief student success officer, said. "This approach will equip them to serve as the leaders our communities need both now and in the future."

Kerri Johnson, a freshman from Macon, Georgia, pursuing a degree in art with a graphic design concentration, has a sister at the University of Georgia (UGA) and was accepted at UGA. She felt like UNG offered a perfect middle ground between a large university and smaller colleges.

"The environment is great," Johnson said. "I feel seen and heard by all of my professors."

While she visited multiple other universities and colleges before deciding, there was one common denominator.

"I never got the same feeling as when I came here," Johnson said.

Johnson is also a member of the Building Outstanding Leadership Development (BOLD) scholarship program that provides monthly leadership growth events. She sees UNG as a place where students in all disciplines can excel.

Paige Murray, a junior from Canton, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in humanities and social sciences, serves as a tour guide. She can understand why students want to come to UNG.

"There are so many ways to get involved and meet people," Murray said. "I'm an extrovert, and I've been able to make such good community here."

Cadet Maj. Matthew Marchione, a senior from Chesapeake, Virginia, pursuing a degree in political science, serves as a student worker in Cadet Recruiting. He is excited about seeing more cadets and more students, in general, taking advantage of what UNG has to offer.

"We've done a better job of getting out to the schools to let them know about UNG," Marchione said.

Alex Wright, a junior from Rome, Georgia, pursuing a degree in kinesiology with a health and fitness concentration, serves as both a tour guide and a resident assistant. Wright said some of the students on his hall have pointed to the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology & Innovation and the resources it provides as part of the reason they chose UNG.

As a student at the Dahlonega Campus, he also pointed to the seamless connection between campus and the city as attractive to students.

"The blend between the city surrounding the campus and the actual campus is unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in Georgia," Wright said.