Oglethorpe University: 71.0% Acceptance Rate

71.0%Acceptance

$45,806Tuition

1,429Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,232Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe University builds tight bonds among its 1,429 students through small classes and personalized attention in suburban Atlanta. This liberal arts college emphasizes close faculty relationships and intellectual exploration across disciplines. Students benefit from Atlanta's internship and job opportunities while enjoying a true college campus experience. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just student ID numbers.

Students pay an average net price of $21,735 after financial aid, less than the sticker price of over $60,000. Graduates earn a median of $55,232 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,000 manageable for most careers. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting economic diversity on campus. The monthly loan payment of $265 represents a reasonable investment given Atlanta's job market.

The Stormy Petrels compete in 14 NCAA Division III sports with 288 student-athletes. Women outnumber men 62% to 38% on campus. The student body is diverse, with only 30% white students and strong representation from Black and Hispanic communities. The 76% retention rate suggests most students find their academic and social fit, though the 54% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish.

Academics & Faculty

Oglethorpe operates as a liberal arts college where students explore diverse fields before specializing, with faculty encouraging intellectual curiosity across disciplines. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide individualized attention. However, only 56% of students graduate in four years, suggesting the academic environment may be challenging for some. The college emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills that liberal arts education is known for. Students can engage deeply with literature, history, sciences, and arts in small seminar-style classes. The intimate academic setting allows for mentorship relationships with professors who are accessible and invested in student success.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 69.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 55.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.9%
Retention Rate: 75.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,232
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$57,750
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$38,289
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$36,668
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies.	Bachelor	$34,526
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$21,052

View all 32 programs →

Campus Life

Students at Oglethorpe navigate a compact suburban campus just 10 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. The housing capacity of 824 beds serves roughly 58% of the 1,429 students, creating a residential feel where most underclassmen live on campus. Georgia's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for humid summers that stretch well into September.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio translates to small seminars where professors know your name and academic struggles become personal conversations. With 61.93% women, the campus leans female, and the diverse student body reflects Atlanta's demographics with significant Black (20.22%) and Hispanic (28.27%) populations. Students call themselves Stormy Petrels, an unusual mascot that reflects the college's quirky personality. Weekend trips to Atlanta's music venues, museums, and internship opportunities are common, though many stay on campus for Division III athletic events or study groups. The close-knit community means campus traditions and social events draw strong participation from the small student body.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 824 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1835

Campus Safety (2023)

10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	4	1
Stalking	2	1
Dating Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 32°–51°F
July Avg: 69°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 51.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.5"

Student Demographics

Nearly 80% of students come from Georgia, reflecting Oglethorpe's strong ties to Atlanta's diverse communities. The student body is 62% women, typical for liberal arts colleges that emphasize fields like education and social sciences. With a 34% Pell Grant rate, the college serves many first-generation and working-class students seeking upward mobility. The campus brings together students from different racial backgrounds, with significant Black and Hispanic representation alongside white students. This mix creates a community where Atlanta natives study alongside peers from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Men: 38.1%
Women: 61.9%
White: 29.5%
Black: 20.2%
Hispanic: 28.3%
Asian: 3.8%
In-State Students: 79.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.7%

Location

Oglethorpe University sits in the Brookhaven area of Atlanta, Georgia, giving students direct access to one of the South's major metropolitan centers. The campus occupies 100 acres in a leafy suburban setting just 10 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta. Students can reach the city center via MARTA public transit or a short drive down Peachtree Road. The Atlanta metro area offers internships at major corporations like Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines, plus cultural attractions including the High Museum and Fox Theatre. The region's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor activities. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Oglethorpe University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Atlanta, Georgia 30319-2797

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,232
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,234
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 47.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Oglethorpe University?

Oglethorpe University accepts 70.99% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1065-1305 on the SAT, making this small liberal arts college moderately selective for students seeking a close-knit Atlanta education.

How much does Oglethorpe University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Oglethorpe is $21,735, lower than the $62,306 total cost of attendance. About 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $36,867, helping make this private college more affordable for Georgia families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Oglethorpe University?

Oglethorpe maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,429 total students. This small size creates the intimate learning environment that defines liberal arts education, though the 53.90% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.

How much do Oglethorpe University graduates earn?

Oglethorpe graduates earn a median salary of $55,232 ten years after graduation. With typical student loan debt of $25,000 and monthly payments of $265, graduates generally see solid returns on their liberal arts investment.

Where do students live at Oglethorpe University?

Oglethorpe houses 824 students on its suburban Atlanta campus. With 79.90% of students coming from Georgia, the campus creates a tight-knit community where students can enjoy both college intimacy and big-city opportunities.

Does Oglethorpe University offer athletic scholarships?

Oglethorpe offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a Division III institution. The Stormy Petrels field 14 varsity sports with 288 total athletes, emphasizing the liberal arts philosophy that values academics over athletic recruitment.