- 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).
Minority enrollment is 36% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 62%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 1,744 students
- Private-state tuition: $30,317
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- 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
Colors
Mountain Lion Purple
Number of Programs Offered
31
11
Student Body
The student population of Young Harris College has grown by 5% over five years.
The Young Harris College diversity score of 0.57 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,744 students
2,178 students
# Full-Time Students
906 students
797 students
# Part-Time Students
838 students
1,381 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
171 students
247 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
877 students
855 students
# 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%
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
4%
1%
% Unknown races
10%
7%
Diversity Score
0.57
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years) (Year 2007)
40%
37%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
40%
24%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$39,300
$28,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
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%
Median Debt for Graduates
$27,000
$12,069
Median Debt for Dropouts
$6,261
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
75%
76%
SAT Reading
535
520
SAT Math
510
490
SAT Writing
490
470
ACT Composite
22
19
ACT English
19
17
ACT Math
20
18
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- School Mascot: Mountain Lion
- 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 76%.
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%
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