Accounting at Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe's accounting program shows promising outcomes, though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Starting salaries of $56,121 place graduates solidly above Georgia's median of $50,583 and in the 60th percentile statewide—not quite matching UGA's $64,000, but outperforming larger state schools like Georgia State. More impressive is the trajectory: earnings jump 38% to $77,243 by year four, suggesting graduates move into stronger positions as they gain experience and complete CPA requirements.

The $26,000 debt burden sits right at both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that most financial advisors would consider manageable. For context, graduates earn roughly twice their debt in their first year—a healthy starting point for accountants who typically see steady career progression. The 34% Pell Grant population suggests Oglethorpe serves economically diverse students without sacrificing outcomes.

The caveat here matters: fewer than 30 graduates means one unusually successful (or unsuccessful) cohort could dramatically alter these figures. But if the pattern holds, you're looking at a program that delivers competitive Atlanta-area accounting jobs with reasonable debt, particularly for students who want a smaller campus environment while maintaining strong professional placement.