- Young Harris College is a private baccalaureate and master`s degree-granting institution located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Founded in 1886 and historically affiliated with The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College educates, inspires, and empowers students through an education that purposefully integrates the liberal arts and professional studies. The College has four academic divisions: Fine Arts; Humanities; Mathematics, Science and Technology; and Professional Studies. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in its residential and Early College programs. The College is an active member of the NCAA Division II and remains a fierce competitor in the prestigious Conference Carolinas. For more information, visit yhc.edu.
School Highlights
Young Harris College serves 1,744 students (52% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the state community college average of 29:1.
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 62%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 1,744 students
- Private-state tuition: $30,317
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
- Minority enrollment: 36%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Young Harris College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Georgia for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
Programs offered
School Overview
Young Harris College
(GA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate Colleges: Diverse Fields
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
4 or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private, for profit
Public
Year Founded
1886
Number of Programs Offered
31
11
School Motto
Hic Iuventus Incenditur, which can be translated in English as 'Here youth are inspired.'
AccreditationAccred.
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Student Body
The student population of Young Harris College has grown by 23% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Young Harris College diversity score of 0.57 is less than the state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has grown by 28% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,744 students
2,178 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
29:1
# Full-Time Students
906 students
797 students
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
838 students
1,381 students
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
877 students
1,758 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
877 students
855 students
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Graduate Students
29 students
77 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
4%
% Hispanic
7%
11%
% Black
8%
35%
% White
64%
38%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
4%
1%
% Unknown races
10%
7%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.71
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
36%
35%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
49%
24%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,300
$29,100
Tuition & Financial Aid
The private state tuition of $30,317 is more than the state average of $15,088. The private state tuition has stayed relatively flat over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$30,317
$15,088
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
91%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$27,000
$12,069
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,261
$5,500
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Acceptance Rate
75%
77%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
SAT Reading
535
533
SAT Math
510
515
ACT Composite
22
20
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Sports
BaseballBasketball
CheeringCross Country
GolfLacrosse
SoccerSoftball
TennisTrack and Field
Volleyball
Colors
Mountain Lion Purple
School Mascot
Mountain Lion
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- History:Founded in 1886 by circuit-riding Methodist minister Artemas Lester
- Location:Young Harris, Georgiain the North Georgia mountains, approximately two hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga, Asheville and Greenville
- Fall 2024 Enrollment: 1,396 traditional and dual-enrollment students, 21 graduate students
- Student/Faculty Ratio:12:1
- Classes Taught by Full-Time Faculty:100 percent
- Typical Class Size: 20
- Students Receiving Scholarships/Grants:Nearly 100 percent
- Student Organizations:More than 35
- Athletics:Men`s baseball, tennis, golf, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, cross country, track & field; Women`s softball, tennis, golf, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, cross country, volleyball, track & field
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Young Harris College cost?
Young Harris College's private state tuition is approximately $30,317.
What is the acceptance rate of Young Harris College?
The acceptance rate of Young Harris College is 75%, which is lower than the state average of 77%.
What sports does Young Harris College offer?
Young Harris College offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Young Harris College's ranking?
Young Harris College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Georgia for: Percent of students receiving financial aid and Most Programs Offered.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Young Harris College is Tri-County Community College (12.0 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Tri-County Community College
Public
21 Campus Circle
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6810
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 837-6810
12.0 miles
Enrollment: 1,023 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 In-state tuition: $2,363 Out-state tuition: $8,507 Minority enrollment: 19%
Truett McConnell University
Private not-for-profit
100 Alumni Dr
Cleveland, GA 30528
(706) 865-2134
Cleveland, GA 30528
(706) 865-2134
22.9 miles
Enrollment: 2,615 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Acceptance rate: 78% Private-state tuition: $17,400 Minority enrollment: 26%
1500 Georgia Hwy 197 N
Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 754-7700
Clarkesville, GA 30523
(706) 754-7700
26.5 miles
Enrollment: 2,599 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 In-state tuition: $2,684 Out-state tuition: $4,820 Minority enrollment: 22%
447 College Drive
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4000
Sylva, NC 28779
(828) 339-4000
45.3 miles
Enrollment: 2,157 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 In-state tuition: $2,046 Out-state tuition: $6,672 Minority enrollment: 27%
Interactive College of Technology-Gainesville
Private for-profit
2323-C Browns Bridge Rd
Gainesville, GA 30504
(678) 450-0550
Gainesville, GA 30504
(678) 450-0550
45.5 miles
Enrollment: 50 students Student-teacher ratio: 50:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Recent Articles
Licensure Pass Rates: What Students Should Check
Learn how to evaluate licensure pass rates before enrolling in community college career programs, compare exam results, identify warning signs, and choose training that supports professional licensing and employment goals.
Do Your Transfer Credits Count Toward Your Major?
A college course may transfer without counting toward your major. Learn how to check degree requirements, identify elective credits, avoid graduation delays, and protect your community college transfer plan.
Transfer With 45 Credits, 60 Credits, or a Degree?
Should you transfer with 45 credits, 60 credits, or an associate degree? Compare university requirements, tuition savings, graduation timelines, and transfer benefits to choose the best path for your goals.
