Oglethorpe University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
Quick answer
USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Oglethorpe University costs about $183,224 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $42,691 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 23.8 years (20-year ROI: -16%).
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$183,224
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$7,691/yr
above high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
23.8 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-16%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Oglethorpe University's in-state tuition is $45,806. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $29,791. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $42,691, and ten years after graduation, they reach $55,232. The median debt for graduates is $25,000, and 67.3% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, the earnings one year after graduation are less than the tuition cost. The five-year earnings are also less than the tuition cost. The ten-year earnings are greater than the tuition cost.
With a median debt of $25,000 and an average annual salary of $29,791 one year after graduation, the debt-to-income ratio is approximately 0.84. To calculate the break-even timeline, one would need to factor in living expenses and other costs.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$45,806
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$42,691
Graduation Rate
56%
Receive Financial Aid
67%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $58,110 | 152% |
| Biology, General | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Accounting and Related Services | $77,243 | 361% |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $52,488 | 91% |
| Psychology, General | $49,884 | 62% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.