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For the third year in a row, the University of North Georgia (´óÏó´«Ã½) was named one of the nation's top higher education institutions by Forbes Magazine in its annual ranking. ´óÏó´«Ã½ is one of only six public universities in Georgia to be included on the 2018 list, and it ranked fourth among all public universities in the state.

The ranking is a list of the nation's top 650 public and private universities as measured by superior return on investment; high impact, leadership and success; a first-rate student-consumer experience; and the return students receive on their investment.

"´óÏó´«Ã½ is setting the standard as a regional university that develops students into leaders for a modern and diverse world at an affordable price," ´óÏó´«Ã½ President Bonita Jacobs said. "Being named to the Forbes Top Colleges list is evidence that others are recognizing our successes."

Now in its 11th year, the Forbes Top Colleges ranking methodology focuses on the direct benefits a college or university provides its students. Favoring output over input, Forbes eschews common metrics like acceptance rate, endowment and freshmen SAT scores and instead favors variables like alumni salary, graduation rate and student satisfaction.

"Where will a college steer them in their life after graduation? How likely are they to find success in their chosen field, to earn enough money to pay their student debt, to win accolades like Pulitzer Prizes and Fulbright scholarships, to become leaders in private and public life?" the Forbes team wrote in the article revealing its list. "How effectively does their school support them so they can graduate within four or six years and join the workforce?"

´óÏó´«Ã½ serves about 20,000 students and is one of the state's largest public universities. ´óÏó´«Ã½'s five campuses are located across northeast Georgia in Blue Ridge, Cumming, Dahlonega, Gainesville, and Oconee County. ´óÏó´«Ã½ offers more than 100 programs of study, including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and professional doctoral programs.

The complete list of colleges is available at .