Ogelthorpe vs. Sewanee

Comparable Facts

Compare Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA with The University of the South in Sewanee, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of the South is larger than Ogelthorpe based on total student enrollment (1,724 students vs. 1,425 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oglethorpe University is located in Atlanta, GA (Large Suburban setting); The University of the South is in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting).
• Oglethorpe University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oglethorpe University 13:1; The University of the South 9:1.

Ogelthorpe vs. Sewanee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ogelthorpe or Sewanee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Oglethorpe University than Sewanee ($20,490 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oglethorpe University are 1.5% lower than at The University of the South ($15,780 vs. $16,028).
• The University of the South is 17.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Ogelthorpe (about $8,530 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $47,590.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at Sewanee than at Oglethorpe University (about $8,530 more per year; $56,120.00 vs. $47,590.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oglethorpe University than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Oglethorpe University students is 5.1% larger than aid received by The University of the South students ($39,054 vs. $37,171).

Ogelthorpe vs. Sewanee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Ogelthorpe or Sewanee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Sewanee and Ogelthorpe.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 130 points higher than at Ogelthorpe (1200).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 26 at Ogelthorpe).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oglethorpe University 1090/1310; The University of the South 1260/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oglethorpe University 22/31; The University of the South 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Ogelthorpe - Test optional; Sewanee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ogelthorpe Jul 15, 2027; Sewanee Feb 1, 2027.
• Ogelthorpe has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Ogelthorpe vs. 17.9% at Sewanee.

Ogelthorpe vs. Sewanee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ogelthorpe and Sewanee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Oglethorpe University's (48%).
• Graduates of Oglethorpe University and Sewanee have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $49,800), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Ogelthorpe graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ogelthorpe graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Sewanee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ogelthorpe students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.