At $21,735/yr net price, Oglethorpe University graduates earn $55,232/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,232/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,735 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,232/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,232/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,338/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,628/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,321/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,263/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,561/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,750 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,668 | $27,000 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
53.9% of students at Oglethorpe University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Oglethorpe University delivers weak ROI with significant financial risks that make it a poor choice for most students. The median 10-year earnings of $55,232 barely justify the $21,735 annual net price, especially when paired with a concerning 54% graduation rate.
Accounting stands as the only financially viable major at $57,750 in median earnings, but even this program offers modest returns. Business Administration graduates earn just $38,289 despite carrying $25,000 in debt. Psychology and Writing Studies majors face particularly poor outcomes at $36,668 and $34,526 respectively, both with $27,000 in debt loads that will strain budgets for years.
Biology represents the worst financial decision at Oglethorpe, with graduates earning a dismal $21,052 while carrying $27,000 in debt. This creates an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio that will severely limit your financial options after graduation.
The school's 75% retention rate signals that many students recognize the poor value proposition and transfer elsewhere. Only 34% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial support for most families.
Oglethorpe might work if you receive substantial merit aid that drops your net price below $15,000 annually and plan to major in accounting. Otherwise, you will find better ROI at Georgia's public universities or private schools with stronger career services and alumni networks. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and weak earning potential across most majors makes this an expensive gamble with your future earning capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oglethorpe University worth the cost?
Oglethorpe's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $55,232 after 10 years against a net price of $21,735 annually. The accounting program shows strong earnings at $57,750, but other popular majors like psychology and biology offer weaker financial returns.
What are the highest paying majors at Oglethorpe University?
Accounting leads with median earnings of $57,750, while business management graduates earn $38,289. Psychology and writing majors earn significantly less at around $35,000, and biology graduates earn only $21,052.
How much debt do Oglethorpe University students graduate with?
The median debt is $25,000, which is reasonable given the school's net price. However, with a 54% graduation rate, many students leave without completing their degree but may still carry debt.
Does Oglethorpe University have a good graduation rate?
At 54%, Oglethorpe's graduation rate is below average for four-year colleges. This means nearly half of students don't finish their degree, which significantly impacts the school's value proposition.