University of North Georgia
Dahlonega, GA
"Truth and Wisdom"
The Verdict
As one of only six Senior Military Colleges in the nation, the University of North Georgia stands as The Military College of Georgia—ranked among the top 25 public universities in the South by U.S. News and top 100 best values in the nation by Kiplinger's. Out-of-state cadets pay in-state rates, saving nearly $64,000 over four years—a rare financial advantage among military colleges.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Camp Frank D. Merrill (home of Army Ranger School's mountain phase), UNG's award-winning ROTC program commissions more than 100 second lieutenants each year and has received the Douglas MacArthur Award multiple times. The nearly 800-cadet strong Boar's Head Brigade offers an eight-semester residential learning experience that replicates the conditions of a federal service academy.
Campus & Cadet Life
About
The University of North Georgia in Dahlonega is one of six U.S. Senior Military Colleges — a public university whose Corps of Cadets commissions 100+ Army officers each year.
Tuition & Costs
2026-2027 RatesIn-State
$20,870
Out-of-State
$36,860
Endowment
$89.8 million
*All-in COA with room/board. Tuition alone: $5,285 in-state; 76% receive avg $5,557 in aid.
View official tuition pageAdmissions & Selectivity
Admissions Philosophy
selective
Key Requirements
- Complete 17 Required High School Curriculum (RHSC) units
- Minimum 2.4 unweighted high school GPA in required curriculum
- Meet Freshman Index (FI) requirements if submitting test scores
- Pass medical screening and physical fitness assessment for Corps of Cadets
Admitted Student Profile
72%
Acceptance Rate
3.50
Avg GPA
1100
Avg SAT
Location
Campus & Facilities
Campus Size
630 acres
Housing
Dormitory
Enrollment
19,298
Student:Teacher
18:1
Barracks Life
Housing Type
dorm
Daily Schedule
Cadets begin their day at first call for accountability in appropriate uniform (PT uniforms on MWF). Physical fitness training follows the Army's Physical Readiness Training Program (PRT) utilizing stretching, running, push-ups, sit-ups, and calisthenics. Academic classes fill the day, with military training, inspections, and study time in the evening. Taps is at 10 p.m.
Discipline Model
The Corps operates on an honor-based system emphasizing integrity. All new cadets must complete FROG Week (Freshman Recruit Orientation Group), an intensive basic training experience. Days run from 6 a.m. to taps at 10 p.m., including physical training, learning cadet standards, and military skills. Training includes the Pine Valley facility with obstacle courses and Camp Frank D. Merrill (home of Army Ranger School Mountain Phase) for rappelling. The culminating event is the Crown Mountain Run, a 3+ mile mountain run before the acceptance ceremony.
Academics & Outcomes
College Matriculation
N/A
Where Graduates Go
As a Senior Military College, UNG focuses on direct commissioning through its ROTC program rather than service academy preparation. Cadets commission as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army upon completing their bachelor's degree and required cadet training.
Hall of Fame
General Courtney Hodges
Commanded First U.S. Army in the Western European Campaign during WWII
Major General David L. Grange
Served with 101st Airborne, commanded Delta Force squadron during Grenada invasion, deputy commander during Gulf War
Tom Murphy
Longest-serving House Speaker of any U.S. state legislature (Georgia, 1973-2002)
David Ralston
Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives
Janisse Ray
American Book Award-winning author of Ecology of a Cracker Childhood
Athletics & Physical Training
Varsity Sports
Mandatory PT
All Corps of Cadets members participate in mandatory physical fitness training following the Army's Physical Readiness Training Program (PRT). Training occurs on MWF mornings and includes stretching, running, push-ups, sit-ups, and various calisthenic exercises. Some companies conduct tactical training, swim, or play sports like soccer, football, or ultimate frisbee.
Facilities
UNG Convocation Center ($40 million, 103,000 sq ft, opened 2018), Indoor Practice Facility (80x120 ft, opened 2017), UNG Athletic Complex with FieldTurf surfaces, Coleman Field House, Soccer Field House (opened 2022), Col. Raymond C. Hamilton Rifle Range, UNG Tennis Complex at Yahoola Creek, Achasta Golf Club, and UNG Cross Country Course.
External Ratings
We don't collect or moderate reviews. Links point to trusted third-party sources.
Federal Outcomes Data
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard
37%
Graduation Rate
73%
Retention Rate
(1st to 2nd year)
$50,135
Median Earnings
(10 years after entry)
$10,785
Avg. Net Cost
(after financial aid)
$6,456
Avg. Grant
(institutional aid)
44% / 56%
Male / Female
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2026-01)
View on College ScorecardOfficial Federal Data Sources
Verify information directly from U.S. Department of Education databases:
NCES consumer portal with costs, programs, and retention data
Comprehensive institutional data from the IPEDS survey
Department of Education outcomes and cost data
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Related Schools
Georgia Military College
Milledgeville, GA
Georgia Military College is a public military junior college in Milledgeville, GA, founded 1879. Its Corps of Cadets offers 2-year degrees and Army Early Commissioning.
Riverside Preparatory Academy
Gainesville, GA
Riverside Preparatory Academy is an all-boys military boarding and day school in Gainesville, Georgia, for grades 6-12. Founded 1907; boarding tuition $61,200 (2026-27).
Benedictine Military School
Savannah, GA
Benedictine Military School is a Catholic, all-boys day school in Savannah, Georgia, for grades 9-12 — college prep with Army JROTC since 1902. Tuition $18,550 (2026-27).
The Citadel
Charleston, SC
The Citadel is a public senior military college in Charleston, SC, founded in 1842. All undergraduates join the Corps of Cadets; in-state tuition is $34,935 (2026-27).
Admiral Farragut Academy
St. Petersburg, FL
Admiral Farragut Academy, founded 1933, is a coed naval prep school in St. Petersburg. Grades K-12, boarding 8-12; boarding $62,000 (2025-26). Two alumni walked on the Moon.
Air War College
Maxwell AFB, AL
The Air War College at Maxwell AFB is the U.S. Air Force's senior professional military education school, founded 1946. For senior officers — not open to civilians.
Guides & Resources
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (SB10) for Military School
Georgia's SB10 scholarship gives students with IEPs or 504 Plans ~$6,000-$15,000+ toward private tuition — including military academies. How to qualify and apply.
America's Oldest Military Schools & Academies
West Point (1802) is America's oldest military academy — see every historic U.S. military school by founding date, from Norwich (1819) to The Citadel (1842).
Post-Graduate (PG) Year at Military Prep Schools
A post-graduate (PG) year is an extra prep school year after high school graduation. See the 8 military schools with PG programs, who benefits, and what it costs.
How Much Does Military School Cost? Tuition & Financial Aid
Military school costs range from free (public academies and Youth Challenge) to $25,000-$67,000 a year for private boarding. Compare tuition, 529 plans, and state vouchers.
Military Schools for Boys: All 12 All-Boys Academies (2026)
All 12 all-boys military schools in the U.S. — eight boarding academies ($32K-$67K/year), three day schools, and one elementary option, compared by state and cost.
Military School Age Requirements: How Old Do You Have to Be?
Most military schools accept ages 12 to 18. Elementary options start at age 5, and post-graduate years extend to 19. Age limits and grade placement explained.