Oglethorpe University is succeeding at providing access to higher education and helping students make life-changing progress in pursuit of their career goals, according to the first-ever Student Access and Earnings Carnegie Classification. 

The new classification, published by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, designated Oglethorpe University as one of 479 national “Opportunity Institutions” because of its level of student access and success outcomes.  

“We appreciate this recognition of Oglethorpe’s impact on our students,” said Oglethorpe President Kathryn McClymond. “Oglethorpe delivers on its promise to help students reach their career goals. This new classification reflects our success at achieving our mission.” 

The outcomes survey from the class of 2024 showed that within six months of graduating, 92 percent are working in their field, attending graduate school, serving in a volunteer capacity or serving in the military. The data in the new classification system show that the median earnings of OU graduates eight years after enrollment is more than double the median debt load, meaning grads are able to build and save economic capital.  

“Hundreds of institutions nationwide are providing students an excellent opportunity to use higher education as a springboard to a better life,” said Ted Mitchell, president of ACE, in the release. “The Student Access and Earnings Classification highlights the depth and breadth of schools where student success is front and center.” 

More information about Oglethorpe’s designation within the Student Access and Earnings Classification can be found on the Carnegie website.