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Head-to-head comparison

Georgia Southern University vs Oglethorpe University: which has better ROI?

Public, Statesboro GA · vs · Private nonprofit, Atlanta GA

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Statesboro, GA

Georgia Southern University

Net price / year
$15,267
Earnings, 10 years
$53,236
Payback
12.5 yrs

Option B Atlanta, GA

Oglethorpe University

Net price / year
$19,509
Earnings, 10 years
$55,232
Payback
11.4 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureGeorgia Southern UniversityOglethorpe 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
Payback12.5 yrs11.4 yrs
20-year net return$36,452$59,404

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

Georgia Southern University vs Oglethorpe University: frequently asked questions

Is Georgia Southern University or Oglethorpe University a better value?
Oglethorpe University. It clears its $78,036 net cost in about 11.4 years versus 12.5 years at Georgia Southern University, on median earnings of $55,232 vs $53,236 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Georgia Southern University or Oglethorpe University?
Georgia Southern University: $15,267/yr net price after aid versus $19,509/yr at Oglethorpe University — a difference of $4,242 a year, or about $16,968 over four years.
Do Georgia Southern University or Oglethorpe University graduates earn more?
Oglethorpe University graduates earn a median $55,232 ten years after entry, versus $53,236 at Georgia Southern University — a $1,996 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.