Price, a politician and native of Dahlonega, persuaded the regents to establish a branch of the college.
When the college officially opened it had 177 students, 98 men and 79 women making it the first co-educational institute in the state.
The core curriculum consisted of Latin, Greek, mathematics, natural science, English, and philosophy.
In 1875, the school began training teachers because of a recommendation from Governor James Milton Smith.
In the 1880s and 1890s the institution saw decreasing enrollment due to economic hardships in this part of the state and competition from other schools.
Although the school was isolated due to lack of good roads or railroads it was able to receive power from the generator at the Consolidated Mine to have electric lights.
Jonathan Clark Rogers became president in 1933 and set his sights on improving and expanding the campus.
At this time the campus consisted of 3 brick buildings and two wooden ones and more were needed to allow increased enrollment.
After sprucing up all the current buildings on campus Rogers began work on constructing a girls dormitory.
Instead Rogers named the building after chancellor of the Board of Regents Steadman Vincent Sanford.
The next construction project for the campus is currently known as the Nix Center but at the time it contained an auditorium, dining hall, and kitchen.
Talmadge disagreed with president Roosevelt policies which caused NGC and other colleges to not receive their fair share of funds during the New Deal era.
Enrollment slowly declined because of students joining the service until it was arranged for an Army Specialized Training Program to be located at the college.
In 1945 with the war ending in Germany and the GI Bill available to many veterans students flocked to NGC.
Things were looking up for the south's economy especially in North Georgia and the gains were felt at NGC by increase of those able to attend college.
Rogers had proven that his plans for the physical nature of campus were adequate and he was dedicated to improving the faculty.
Majors at the time were English, business, education, psychology, chemistry, biology, math, physics/radio, history, romance languages, and physical training.
Memorial hall was next to be completed a large gymnasium with a stage and armory it was named in honor of graduates who had served in the military.
Inspired by the results a similar project was started to gold leaf the steeple of Price Memorial.
In 1950 the old college farm ceased to be cultivated and was renovated to Pine Valley Recreation Area.
The INTRO program consisted of bringing incoming students in for orientation sessions directed by upperclassmen.
Following Allen's resignation in 1996, Sherman R. Day was named acting president, a term which was extended until 1999.