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Oglethorpe University

Atlanta, GA

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

1,429
Total Students
$46K
Tuition (In-State)
$46K
Tuition (Out-State)
$22K
Avg Net Price
60%
Acceptance Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
6-year
75%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe University: A historic Atlanta gem with Gothic charm and a legacy of resilience.

Nestled on Atlanta's iconic Peachtree Road, Oglethorpe University offers a unique blend of rich history and vibrant academic life. Its stunning Gothic revival architecture, with buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places, creates an inspiring backdrop for learning and personal growth. From its foundational roots as one of the South's earliest denominational institutions to its modern-day status as a dynamic non-denominational university, Oglethorpe stands as a testament to perseverance and intellectual pursuit.

The university's journey began in 1834, weathering the challenges of the Civil War and financial difficulties with remarkable resilience. Re-chartered in 1913 by Thornwell Jacobs, whose family ties to the institution ran deep, Oglethorpe found its permanent home in Brookhaven. The campus flourished with significant gifts from figures like William Randolph Hearst, who donated 400 acres and a substantial financial contribution, ensuring the university's continued development and impact. Its unique past even includes a fascinating period in the early 1940s when it housed a medical school, complete with unexpected research subjects.

Today, Oglethorpe University invites prospective students to join a community that values both its storied past and a forward-looking approach to education. With its prime location, distinctive campus, and a history marked by continuous evolution and academic dedication, Oglethorpe provides an engaging and supportive environment for students seeking a college experience rich in tradition and opportunity.

Key Highlights

  • Chartered in 1834, making it one of the South's earliest denominational institutions.
  • Features distinctive Gothic revival architecture; 100-acre campus listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Received a gift of 400 acres and a $100,000 donation from publisher William Randolph Hearst.
  • Housed a medical school in the early 1940s, engaging in unique research.
  • Located on historic Peachtree Road in the vibrant Brookhaven area of Atlanta.
  • Successfully re-chartered as a non-denominational institution in 1913 after two prior closings.

Timeline

1834
Oglethorpe University was chartered in Midway, Georgia.
1862
The school closed due to the American Civil War.
1870
Began holding classes at the present site of Atlanta City Hall.
1872
Closed its doors for a second time due to financial difficulties.
1913
Re-chartered as a non-denominational institution by Thornwell Jacobs.
1915
Cornerstone for the new campus laid at its present location on Peachtree Road.
1936
William Randolph Hearst gifted 400 acres to the university.
1940
In the early 1940s, Oglethorpe University had a medical school.
1948
William Randolph Hearst made a donation of $100,000.
1965
Oglethorpe University became Oglethorpe College.
1972
Reclaimed the designation "university".

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Oglethorpe University

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Medical School

Oglethorpe University operated a medical school in the early 1940s.

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