Young Harris College
Young Harris, Georgia
Founded more than 130 years ago by The United Methodist Church, Young Harris College has been transformed into a progressive model of liberal arts education featuring innovative academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and competitive NCAA Division II athletics. Young Harris College has a close-knit environment that brings students and faculty together, fostering strong relationships that last long after graduation.
At YHC, students can choose from 31 majors and 25 minors that teach skills guaranteed for success. They are trained to develop the strong critical thinking, communication, and social skills that make them stand out to employers. Outside the classroom, YHC’s holistic approach to learning allows students to take on leadership roles and even add new offerings to the College’s 60+ organizations.
Get to know Young Harris College
Benefits
Student Activities
- Campus Ministries
- Choral groups
- Concert band
- Dance
- Drama/theatre
- International Student Organization
- Jazz band
- Literary magazine
- Model UN
- Music ensembles
- Musical theatre
- Pep band
- Student government
- Yearbook
High-Impact Practices
- First-Year Seminars and Experiences
- Common Intellectual Experiences
- Learning Communities
- Writing-Intensive Courses
- Collaborative Assignments and Projects
- Undergraduate Research
- Diversity/Global Learning
- Service-Learning, Community-Based Learning
- Internships/Coops/Practica
- Capstone Courses and Projects/Senior Experience
Campus Resources
- Career Services
- Writing Center
- Academic Advisors
- Library Services
- Disability Services
- Academic Tutors
- Counseling
College Highlights
As part of Young Harris College’s core curriculum, students take classes in everything from composition to public speaking. This creates a well-rounded student: one who can connect the dots between multiple ideas, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively. Students graduate with versatile skills and employable attributes that continually help them adapt to a changing world.
SERVICE AND COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
True to its culture of service and mission to engage the community, Young Harris College offers numerous programs for passionate students to put their energy, time, and talent to good use within the YHC community and beyond. SERVE embodies Service, Education, Responsibility, Voice, and Engagement. YHC community service projects challenge students to give beyond themselves, to care for others, and to reflect on their personal values and beliefs. The Office of Student Development, along with other campus partners, facilitates regular community service opportunities for the YHC community through SERVE.
YHC SOLE (Student Opportunities for Leadership through Engagement) is a select group of students who represent Young Harris College through outreach work, building relationships and shared experiences in learning and leadership throughout our community.
STUDY ABROAD AND GLOBAL LEARNING
In today’s global community, a liberal arts education is complemented well by a strong international component. Therefore, the mission of the YHC study abroad and international programs is to engage the College community in meaningful international experiences that foster appreciation of diverse cultures and provide participants with a wide range of exciting opportunities for personal and communal growth. Living and studying abroad deepens students’ understanding of other languages, peoples and cultures, and thus contributes to a better understanding of our own ways of seeing the world.
YHC offers multiple international programs each year so that students can study at prestigious schools overseas like Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Spain and Harlaxton College in England. Students can spend a semester, summer, or full academic year abroad in Asia, Latin America, Africa, or Europe. YHC also provides opportunities for students to travel and study abroad under the direct supervision of YHC faculty.
IMMERSIVE LEARNING
Young Harris College has the setting, programs, people and philosophy that create the ideal learning environment for real achievement. Our unique programs provide students with opportunities and responsibilities on campus so they graduate as proven leaders. All of YHC’s immersive learning programs help build character through the skills gained. Educating the whole person in our distinctive liberal arts tradition, these special programs further ensure you graduate well-rounded and ready for any path you choose.
INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Stepping outside the familiar four walls of the classroom to present original ideas and research is an enriching element of the YHC student experience. Through research and partnerships with peers and faculty, students improve upon skills for intellectual inquiry and problem solving, making YHC graduates better prepared for graduate or professional school, as well as competitive job markets.The annual Undergraduate Research Day empowers students from across the academic disciplines to work alongside faculty and peers to enhance learning and boost résumés.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 4%
Hispanic/Latinx: 6%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 9%
White, non-Hispanic: 69%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 0%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 3%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 7%
With a student/faculty ratio of 11:1 and a typical class size of 13, YHC students don’t get lost in the crowd. This setting allows students and faculty to work closely, forging nurturing relationships and strong bonds that endure well past graduation. Young Harris has been able to accomplish more because of the College’s size. Widespread opportunities exist in the classroom, on the field, on stage, and in the community. Because of this, students can build their skills, experiences, and résumés.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP
This unique degree program educates students in the aspects of environmental education through a strong foundation in the liberal arts that encourages inquiry, investigation, and the development of skills that enable responsible decisions and actions that impact the environment. Knowledgeable faculty help students to analyze the natural science components of environmental issues while also exploring facilitation and experiential teaching skills and techniques. Students receive training in field methods related to the environmental sciences, learn to work collaboratively with others, and develop technical competencies in both outdoor and environmental education. Students have opportunities to participate in ongoing initiatives within the Biology and Outdoor Studies departments, such as the Hemlock Project, the YHC Beekeeping Institute, and the Appalachian Teaching Project, as well as engage with collaborative partners, such as the U.S. Forest Service, MountainTrue, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Mountain High Hikers Trail Club, and the Georgia Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
CREATIVE WRITING
The creative writing major trains students to effectively communicate innovative ideas in poetry and prose. Students develop their writing technique and practice, gaining an understanding of their place in the literary tradition. Through its rigorous, diverse curriculum, which includes craft classes, workshops, and seminars, the major is designed to introduce students to the genres, then allow for individual growth and mentorship as students come into their own as thinkers and writers. By enrolling in YHC’s English or Creative Writing Program, students join a rich tradition in literature. Byron Herbert Reece, an alumnus and faculty member of the College, was a nationally recognized poet and was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Dr. Bettie Sellers, who taught English at YHC for 32 years, was named Poet Laureate of Georgia in 1997. Current faculty members are award-winning, published authors who encourage students to be part of a strong community of writers, sharing their work and receiving feedback from professors and peers.
FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
The mission of the First Year Foundations (FYF) program is to support entering first-year students in making a successful transition into the scholarly life and social community at Young Harris College. To do so, it provides opportunities for personal growth through academic planning, decision-making, and use of support services. Each section of FYF is taught by a faculty or staff member and assisted by a peer mentor.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The Success Center is the place to find tutoring services, where student tutors are available to help one-on-one in over fifteen different academic areas from chemistry to Spanish and psychology to math. In addition, you’ll find lots of help from our Writing Center, where tutors will assist you with writing papers for any class. It also includes academic coaches who help students fine-tune efforts in any class, maximizing opportunities for success. Coaches help students with academic difficulty develop an individually crafted recovery plan.
Young Harris College students are encouraged to get involved and make the most of their four years by exploring all that’s going on around campus. When it’s time to put down the books and take a break, students have the opportunity to branch out, try new things, and meet students with similar interests in more than 60 campus organizations. By running for a student government office or organizing a fundraiser with a fraternity or sorority, students will make new friends, broaden their horizons, boost their résumés, and have fun doing it.
PLANETARIUM & OBSERVATORY
The O. Wayne Rollins Planetarium features a state-of-the-art GOTO Chronos Space Simulator star projector, a device that uses light guide technology to project a realistic and beautiful starry sky. Installed at Young Harris in 2002, the projector was the first installation of the Chronos model anywhere in the world. A Sky-Skan Definiti full-dome digital projection system was added more recently. Representing the next generation in planetarium technology, the system creates an immersive and engaging image over the entire dome surface and a powerful experience for the audience.
The Young Harris College Observatory is located at an elevation of more than 2,000 feet on the flanks of Brasstown Bald, the tallest peak in Georgia. It features a Schmidt Cassegrain telescope housed in a 15-foot dome just a few minutes from campus. The observatory benefits from its high elevation and access to the wonderfully dark skies of northern Georgia.
CAMPUS GATE ART GALLERY
The Campus Gate Art Gallery hosts exhibitions by nationally recognized professional artists, the annual Student Juried Art + Design Exhibition, and a Senior Thesis Exhibition. Typically, each exhibition has a free opening reception where guests–campus and community alike–can meet and mingle with the exhibiting artist and discuss the artwork. The gallery hosts a wide variety of exhibitions throughout each academic year, ranging from contemporary mixed media installations to traditional arts and crafts.
FINE ARTS PERFORMANCES
The Division of Fine Arts at YHC offers quality programming that benefits student development and enhances the local culture. Theatre Young Harris, YHC’s performing arts organization, presents a full lineup of notable productions, including full-length musicals, innovative dramas, classic plays, children’s shows, and more. The Department of Music hosts countless concerts each semester featuring the College’s many musical ensembles.
LECTURES
YHC constantly strives to provide students and faculty with access to thought-provoking speakers and guest lecturers. The College currently features distinct lecture series, such as the Byron Herbert Reece Lecture Series, Heinze Lecture Series, Miller Lecture Series (named for former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor Zell Miller, ’51), and Ragsdale Lecture Series as well as various guest lectures for each academic discipline at the College.
SUSTAINABILITY
Many YHC students have a passion for preserving their breathtaking North Georgia home in common. Nearly all of YHC’s sustainability initiatives are student-led, from campus-wide recycling to tree planting and energy and water conservation programs. In fact, the Student Government Association instituted a “Green Fee” to assist with sustainability efforts on campus.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Students can enjoy social- and service-related experiences both on campus and in the local community through Student Government Association, residence hall council, Greek organizations, honor societies, service and faith-based groups, professional organizations, and special interest clubs. YHC also offers club sports, like the bass fishing team.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Young Harris, Georgia is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains of northeastern Georgia, just 100 miles from Atlanta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; Greenville, SC; and Asheville, NC.
ATHLETICS
- Member of the NCAA Division II
- 15 intercollegiate sports
- 7 men’s: baseball, tennis, golf, cross country, soccer, basketball, lacrosse
- 8 women’s: softball, tennis, golf, cross country, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, volleyball
- Intramural sports offered each semester, including basketball, flag football, softball, dodgeball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, corn hole, and climb-a-thon.
- Mascot: Luke the Mountain Lion
- Colors: Purple and White
RESIDENCE LIFE
Percent of students living on campus.
First-time, first-year (freshman) students: 92%
Undergraduates: 80%
Campus housing options.
Coed dorms
Men’s dorms
Women’s dorms
Apartments for single students
Young Harris College is a small, private institution that has launched thousands of careers. YHC alumni stand out in competitive graduate programs and are accomplishing amazing things in various industries around the globe. There is one thing Young Harris alumni have in common: a fierce loyalty to the College and a lifelong relationship with the people who helped them realize their true potentials.
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
YHC internships provide students with an opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in a particular field. Students who complete internships gain marketable skills for the workplace, have greater confidence in job interviews, and are better prepared for the transition from the classroom to the workplace after graduation. An internship can be full-time or part-time, paid or unpaid, and may be approved for academic credit.
STANDOUT GRADUATES
YHC students have been accepted into prestigious graduate and professional programs at institutions across the country. Recently, biology majors from YHC landed two of 60 coveted spots in the only dental school in Georgia. Both students worked on senior research projects directly related to the dental field during their studies and presented their research at the Georgia Academy of Science Annual Meeting. Three more biology graduates were recently accepted into the highly competitive School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Georgia.
PROMINENT ALUMNI
Young Harris College has cultivated a number of successful alumni over its 130+ year history, including Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston, ’74; Waffle House co-founder Tom Forkner, ’37; Grammy-winning country music sensation Trisha Yearwood, ’84; Baltimore Orioles right fielder and 2011 Gold Glove Award winner Nick Markakis, ’03; and former U.S. Senator and Georgia Governor Zell Miller, ’51.
CAREER SERVICES
The Office of Career & Professional Development is committed to providing Young Harris College students and alumni with a broad range of personalized services to prepare them for professional success. Students have the opportunity to develop essential skills and discover their career identities through major and career exploration, employer interaction, and learning opportunities. YHC students constantly build new skills that contribute to overall personal and professional development. Many of these skills and experiences can be used to help you be career ready even before graduation. The Office of Career & Professional Development is available to help students explore competencies such as communication and critical thinking skills, effective leadership and teamwork, and professionalism.
Admission
ADMISSIONS FACTORS
Very Important
Rigor of secondary school record | Academic GPA | Standardized test scores
Considered
Interview | Talent/ability | Character/personal qualities
Alumni/ae relation | Level of applicant’s interest
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 590
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 450 | 75th Percentile: 570
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 26
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 16 | 75th Percentile: 24
ACT English
25th Percentile: 15 | 75th Percentile: 23
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Young Harris College encourages students to apply for fall semester admission as early as the summer prior to their senior year of high school. A complete application file includes the Application for Admission, available online at yhc.edu/apply, and official high school and/or college transcripts. Students wishing to transfer to Young Harris College from other institutions must submit transcripts from all other colleges attended. Transfer students with less than 30 hours of college coursework will also need to submit high school transcripts and test scores. YHC uses a rolling admissions process, and students are encouraged to apply by the end of the first semester of their senior year.
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $28,612
Fees: $1,055
Room: $5,126
Board: $6,386
Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS
All students are considered for merit-based scholarships based on academic performance, and the Application for Admission serves as the application for these scholarships. In addition, athletic and fine arts scholarships are available. Families should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students who submit a completed FAFSA receive a $1,000 scholarship, regardless of need. Students who are active members of a United Methodist Church can apply for scholarship funds through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (www.gbhem.org) and the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (www.umhef.org).
Contact Young Harris College
Contact Admissions
www.yhc.edu/admissions
(800) 241-3754
admissions@yhc.edu
Campus Location
1 College Street
Young Harris, GA 30582
(800) 241-3754