Oglethorpe University logo

Oglethorpe University

Atlanta, GA Private ยท Suburban oglethorpe.edu
Accept Rate
60.06%
Grad Rate
55.5%
Enrollment
1,429
Avg SAT
1230
Tuition
$45,806
Median Salary
$55,232
Overall Grade
C+
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Oglethorpe University offers a tight-knit, liberal arts community where students feel seen and supported, nestled on a beautiful 100-acre suburban campus. There's a strong sense of tradition and school spirit, especially during events at the historic Duvall Quadrangle. You'll find a collaborative atmosphere where professors know your name and classmates become close friends.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

60.06%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 123075th Pctl
11061320
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2775th Pctl
2330
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your intellectual curiosity and community involvement in your application, as Oglethorpe values students who engage beyond the classroom. Since the acceptance rate is 60%, aim for the average SAT of 1230 or higher to be competitive, and consider applying Early Decision to show your strong interest. Connect your academic interests to Oglethorpe's specific programs, like the business school's focus on entrepreneurship or the arts programs' integration with Atlanta's cultural scene.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1230
40080012001600
School range: 1106โ€“1320

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Oglethorpe's core curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking across the liberal arts and sciences. The university provides strong programs in Business & Marketing, Visual & Performing Arts, and Biology, with personalized attention from faculty rather than teaching assistants. Research opportunities are accessible even to undergraduates through partnerships with Atlanta institutions and faculty-led projects.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
23.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
17.1%
Biology & Biomedical
15.8%
Communications
11.5%
Psychology
11.1%
Social Sciences
9.4%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.4%
Engineering
2.1%
English & Literature
2.1%
Physical Sciences
1.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

55.5%
Graduation Rate
75.1%
Retention Rate
1,429
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$45,806
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,735
After financial aid
Total Cost
$59,320
Cost of attendance/year
33.7%
Receive Pell Grants
67.3%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Atlanta

Students enjoy easy access to Atlanta's vibrant cultural scene, including concerts, professional sports, and world-class dining in neighborhoods like Midtown and Buckhead. The MARTA train station near campus makes exploring the city convenient, with popular activities including visiting the High Museum of Art, catching shows at the Fox Theatre, and exploring the BeltLine trail. Many students also intern at Atlanta's major corporations and nonprofits during their time at Oglethorpe.

Local Rent Check

$1,643 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Atlanta
Explore Atlanta

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$183,224
$0Est. 4 Years: $183,224

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,232):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with 24/7 security patrols and an emergency alert system. The Brookhaven neighborhood is a safe, affluent suburb of Atlanta, though standard urban precautions are recommended when venturing into the city.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, personalized liberal arts education with small class sizes
  • โœ“ Prime location in Atlanta providing internship and career opportunities
  • โœ“ Beautiful, walkable suburban campus with a close-knit community feel
  • โœ“ Accessible faculty and undergraduate research opportunities

Cons

  • โœ— High sticker price of $45,806 despite aid and net price
  • โœ— Graduation rate of 55.5% is lower than national average
  • โœ— Smaller campus size may limit variety in course offerings and social scenes

Notable Alumni

William F. Buckley Jr.
Conservative commentator and founder of the National Review
Catherine C. Henson
Former CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank and business leader
Trey Gowdy
Former U.S. Representative and host of Sunday Night in America

Frequently Asked Questions

Oglethorpe University is known for its strong liberal arts core curriculum, the historic Gothic Revival architecture of its campus, and its highly regarded programs in business, visual and performing arts, and biology. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and close faculty mentorship, preparing students for diverse careers in Atlanta's thriving economy.

Oglethorpe University has an acceptance rate of 60.06%, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1230, so applicants with scores at or above this level have a stronger chance. A well-rounded application emphasizing extracurricular involvement and academic interest can improve your odds.

Campus life at Oglethorpe is characterized by a close-knit community on a scenic 100-acre suburban campus. Students enjoy a variety of clubs, NCAA Division III athletics, and traditions that foster school spirit. The location in Atlanta's Brookhaven neighborhood offers easy access to city amenities while maintaining a residential college feel.

The value of an Oglethorpe degree depends on your career goals and major. With a net price of $21,733 and median 10-year earnings of $55,232, the ROI is reasonable but not exceptional. Business, STEM, and communications majors may see better financial returns, while students should leverage Atlanta's internship opportunities to maximize their investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

The Coca-Cola Company Delta Air Lines Home Depot Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Georgia-Pacific
Smart Start Score
59

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 1,540
  • In-State Tuition $45,806
  • Zip Code 30319

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.1% โ™€ 61.9%

The Money Talk

With a net price of $21,733 and median 10-year earnings of $55,232, the financial return is moderate compared to similar private institutions. The 33.7% Pell Grant rate indicates decent accessibility for lower-income students, but the sticker price of $45,806 is high. The value ultimately depends on your major and career path, with business and STEM fields likely to provide better ROI than some humanities-focused degrees.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $45,806
Housing (12 mo) $19,716
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $72,722
With avg financial aid:
$21,735/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.