Georgia Southern University vs Oglethorpe University: which has better ROI?
Oglethorpe University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,036 in 11.4 years versus 12.5 years at Georgia Southern University, on median earnings of $55,232 vs $53,236 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Georgia Southern University | Oglethorpe University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,267 | $19,509 |
| Total net cost | $61,068 | $78,036 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,236 | $55,232 |
| Median debt | $23,250 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 12.5 yrs | 11.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $36,452 | $59,404 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Oglethorpe University?
Georgia Southern University, at $15,267 a year after aid versus $19,509 — a gap of $4,242 a year, or $16,968 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 Southern University or Oglethorpe University graduates earn more?
Oglethorpe University graduates report a median $55,232 ten years after entry, $1,996 more than the $53,236 at Georgia Southern 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 Southern University or Oglethorpe University?
Georgia Southern University: its completers carry a median $23,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Oglethorpe University, a difference of $1,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
55% of students finish at Georgia Southern 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.