Mathematics at Oglethorpe University

Based on comparable mathematics programs across Georgia, Oglethorpe's bachelor's degree appears positioned in the middle of the state's range, with estimated first-year earnings around $44,400—close to what graduates from Georgia State typically earn, though trailing flagship programs like UGA by a few thousand dollars. The estimated debt load of $21,750 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 0.5, meaning monthly loan payments would consume roughly 5-6% of gross income on a standard repayment plan. That's manageable territory for a STEM degree, though it's worth noting these figures come from peer institutions rather than Oglethorpe's own track record due to limited graduate sample sizes.

The challenge is that these estimates put Oglethorpe graduates somewhat below the national median of $48,800 for math majors—a gap that compounds over time. Mathematics degrees typically open doors to diverse career paths from actuarial work to data analytics, but starting $4,000 behind the national average matters when you're servicing $22,000 in debt. The selectivity and smaller class sizes at Oglethorpe might offer networking advantages that don't show up in raw earnings data, but parents should verify whether recent graduates are landing the kinds of analytical roles that justify the investment.

The takeaway: The estimated numbers suggest a middle-tier outcome for Georgia—reasonable debt paired with modest but not exceptional earnings. Push the school for concrete placement data: where do math graduates actually work, and what leverage does a degree from this particular program provide?