Georgia College & State University vs Oglethorpe University: which has better ROI?
Georgia College & State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $82,744 in 8.5 years versus 11.4 years at Oglethorpe University, on median earnings of $58,140 vs $55,232 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Georgia College & State University | Oglethorpe University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,686 | $19,509 |
| Total net cost | $82,744 | $78,036 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,140 | $55,232 |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 8.5 yrs | 11.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $112,856 | $59,404 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Georgia College & State University or Oglethorpe University?
Oglethorpe University, at $19,509 a year after aid versus $20,686 — a gap of $1,177 a year, or $4,708 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Georgia College & State University or Oglethorpe University graduates earn more?
Georgia College & State University graduates report a median $58,140 ten years after entry, $2,908 more than the $55,232 at Oglethorpe University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Georgia College & State University or Oglethorpe University?
Georgia College & State University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Oglethorpe University, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
64% of students finish at Georgia College & State University, against 54% at Oglethorpe University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.