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's financial return is mixed and leans risky. You'll pay a net price that's steep for a school where median earnings ten years out sit around $55,000, and only about half of students finish in six years. That combination means you carry real cost with no guarantee you'll graduate to collect the payoff.
The program you pick decides everything here. Accounting is the clear winner, with graduates out-earning every other major on the list by a wide margin. Business administration lands far below that, and psychology, writing studies, and biology all report early earnings under $37,000 while carrying $27,000 in debt. Biology graduates in particular report the lowest earnings on the list against the highest debt load, which is a bad trade if you plan to stop at a bachelor's. If you're headed into one of those lower-paying majors here, you should have a specific plan for graduate school or a licensed field.
The main risk is the gap between what you borrow and what you earn early on. A $25,000 median debt is manageable against accounting salaries but heavy against psychology or biology paychecks. The 75% retention rate and 54% graduation rate also mean a meaningful share of you will leave with debt and no degree.
Atlanta's job market gives accounting and business graduates room to work, which supports the stronger outcomes on that end of the list. If you're aiming at accounting or business and will finish, Oglethorpe can pay off.
On price, families earning under $30,000 pay noticeably less than those above $75,000, but even the lowest tier still owes over $17,000 a year. If your family income is above $110,000, you'll pay close to full net price, so weigh that against cheaper public options unless a high-earning major is your target.
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.