
Atlanta, GAprivate nonprofitoglethorpe.edu
Admit rate has ranged 60%–81% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Oglethorpe University is a small, intimate liberal arts college in Atlanta that punches above its weight with a distinctive Core curriculum, a strikingly diverse student body, and a rare blend of Southern charm and urban edge. With an 88% acceptance rate and a 56% graduation rate, it attracts students who want rigorous academics without the cutthroat competition of more selective schools—and who value its tight-knit community (average class size: 17) amid the opportunities of a major city.
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Oglethorpe’s admissions process is holistic but accessible, with an 88.6% acceptance rate (2,219 applicants for fall 2024, 1,966 admitted). The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 1080–1310 or ACT scores of 22–28, and most successful applicants boast a high school GPA of at least 3.4. Test scores are required, but the university emphasizes extracurricular involvement and personal statements alongside academics. Notably, 60% of students identify as people of color, reflecting Oglethorpe’s commitment to diversity.
Oglethorpe’s 60+ programs span traditional liberal arts and pre-professional tracks, with as the most popular majors. The and foster close mentorship, and . The —a four-year interdisciplinary curriculum—sets it apart, blending philosophy, history, and science in small, discussion-heavy seminars. Standout programs include a (BA + MAT with Georgia teaching certification) and a .
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Life at Oglethorpe balances small-campus camaraderie (41% live on campus) with Atlanta’s urban energy. Student organizations—from cultural clubs to activism groups—drive campus culture, with Instagram posts showcasing events like pet therapy sessions and Diwali celebrations. The vibe is inclusive and scrappy: 'You can be you here,' touts the university’s tagline, and students describe a community where 'all viewpoints and identities are respected.' Athletics (NCAA Division III) and Greek life exist but don’t dominate; instead, the TLCC student commons serves as a hub for support services and impromptu gatherings.
Oglethorpe’s 56% six-year graduation rate lags behind national averages, but its career outcomes shine: 92% of the Class of 2024 secured jobs, grad school placements, or fellowships within six months. Alumni earnings data is sparse, but the university emphasizes high-touch career support, including Atlanta-centric internships. Pell Grant recipients graduate at nearly the same rate (54%) as the overall student body, suggesting strong support for lower-income students.
At $49,430 tuition (total cost: ~$71,830 with room/board), Oglethorpe isn’t cheap, but 61% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $45,760. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator suggests many students pay closer to $20,094–$22,251 annually after grants. Merit scholarships are plentiful, and the university actively guides families through FAFSA paperwork.
Oglethorpe is Atlanta’s best-kept secret: a liberal arts college where students debate Aristotle over coffee, then intern at Fortune 500 companies 15 minutes away. Its Core curriculum forces intellectual collisions (think: science majors analyzing Plato), while its diversity stats (60% students of color) and urban setting keep it grounded. The graduation rate is a red flag, but for students who thrive in close-knit, discussion-driven classrooms—and want a low-stress admissions process—it’s a compelling alternative to pricier, more cutthroat peers.