Oglethorpe University

Oglethorpe University is a private liberal arts university located in Atlanta, United States. It was originally chartered in 1835 and named after James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony.

The university is known for its small class sizes, personalized learning environment, and strong liberal arts focus, offering undergraduate programs across arts, sciences, business, and humanities, along with a few graduate programs.

Key Highlights

• Type: Private liberal arts university
• Campus: Suburban campus in Brookhaven (Atlanta area)
• Student population: ~1,500 students
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Motto: Nescit Cedere (“He does not know how to give up”)

History and Development

• Founded in 1835, initially in Midway, Georgia.
• Closed during the American Civil War (1862) and reopened briefly before closing again.
• Re-established permanently in 1913 in Atlanta.
• Known for innovations such as the “Oglethorpe Idea”, an early core curriculum emphasizing both career skills and personal development.

Rankings (Latest Available)

Global & National Rankings

• #4201 globally and #1093 in the U.S. (EduRank 2025)
• #29 in Georgia and #8 in Atlanta (EduRank)

Other Ranking Highlights

• #104 Best College Locations in America (Niche 2026)
• Ranked in categories such as Arts, Performing Arts, and Political Science programs
• #47 in the U.S. for Academic Stewardship (AcademicInfluence)

(Note: Rankings vary depending on methodology, and smaller liberal arts colleges often rank differently compared to large research universities.)