Oglethorpe University
Oglethorpe University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Oglethorpe University at a Glance
Oglethorpe University is a private liberal arts college in Brookhaven, Georgia, United States. It was chartered in 1835 and named in honor of General James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of the Colony of Georgia.
1835
191 years old
$55M
$55.1 million (2025)
1,500
700 acres
Identity
Is Oglethorpe University Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, Oglethorpe University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,232 — 3% above average — while paying $19,509/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Oglethorpe University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Oglethorpe University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #45 of 122 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #45 | Oglethorpe University | 38 | $19,509 | $55,232 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Oglethorpe University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in GA.
Best Programs at Oglethorpe University
The highest-earning program at Oglethorpe University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $34,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies at $33,000/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Oglethorpe University earns $34,000, while a Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies graduate earns $33,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $28,627 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,509/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,000 | $34,000 | $28,627 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $33,000 | $33,000 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Atlanta, GA
- Student Body
- 1,352 students
- Admission Rate
- 88%
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,509
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,232
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000