Oakland City University stands out for making private higher education genuinely affordable, with net prices that rank among the lowest 20% nationally across all family income levels.
The university's zero percent default rate demonstrates that graduates successfully manage their educational investments, even with modest post-graduation earnings.
Oakland City University is a small private nonprofit institution in Indiana that focuses on providing accessible higher education with strong affordability outcomes. The university serves a substantial population of first-generation students—about 44% of the student body—and maintains net prices that rank in the top 20% nationally for affordability across all income levels. With roughly 32% of students receiving Pell Grants, Oakland City demonstrates a commitment to serving working-class families seeking private college opportunities.
The institution's approach emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than research intensity. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention that comes with enrollment at a smaller institution. While long-term earnings outcomes are modest compared to larger research universities, graduates typically earn around $43,283 ten years after enrollment, which reflects the university's focus on stable, middle-class career preparation.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Oakland City University provides meaningful access to higher education for students who might not otherwise attend college, particularly first-generation and transfer students. The university's 70% six-year graduation rate, combined with very low default rates and manageable debt levels, suggests that most students who enroll are able to complete their degrees and enter the workforce with sustainable financial obligations.
Oakland City University's academic portfolio centers on practical, career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Business Administration serves as the institution's flagship offering, graduating 44 students annually with early-career earnings of $44,933—representing both the largest enrollment and strongest financial outcomes among the university's programs. This concentration reflects Oakland City's mission as a professionally-oriented institution serving students who want direct pathways to management and business careers.
The university's program mix emphasizes fields that provide stable, middle-class employment opportunities throughout Indiana and the broader Midwest region. Rather than pursuing research intensity or highly specialized academic programs, Oakland City focuses on delivering practical education that translates directly into job readiness. This approach serves the university's student population well, particularly first-generation college students who benefit from clear career preparation and direct connections to regional employers.
While the program portfolio may appear limited compared to larger universities, this focused approach allows Oakland City to concentrate resources on areas where it can deliver strong outcomes for its specific student population. The emphasis on business and professional programs aligns with the career goals of working-class students seeking reliable pathways to economic stability.
Oakland City University graduates earn a median of $43,283 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to larger research universities, they reflect the university's focus on preparing students for stable, middle-class careers in fields like business administration, education, and other professional services. The relatively consistent earnings levels suggest that most graduates find steady employment in their chosen fields.
Business Administration stands out as the university's flagship program, graduating 44 students annually with median earnings of $44,933 two years after graduation. This program represents the institution's largest and most successful academic offering, combining solid enrollment numbers with competitive early-career outcomes. The concentration in business reflects Oakland City's practical, career-oriented approach to education, preparing students for management roles in small to mid-sized organizations throughout Indiana and the broader Midwest region.
The university's earnings outcomes, while not exceptional, provide graduates with the foundation for middle-class financial stability. Most students enter careers that offer steady advancement opportunities and benefits, even if starting salaries are more modest than those seen at larger research institutions or highly selective colleges.
Oakland City University delivers exceptional affordability across all income levels, ranking in the top 20% nationally for net price accessibility. Low-income students pay approximately $9,787 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $10,898 per year—both figures representing substantial savings compared to typical private college pricing. Even high-income families pay just $16,881 annually, making Oakland City one of the most affordable private nonprofit options available.
The university's financial aid strategy focuses on making private education accessible to working families who might otherwise be priced out of the private college market. This approach results in predictable, manageable costs that allow families to plan confidently for the full four-year degree experience. The relatively small gap between net prices across income bands suggests that Oakland City uses institutional aid strategically to keep education within reach for families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most graduates. Federal student loan debt averages $16,758, while Parent PLUS borrowing is minimal at just $8,000 on average. With a 0% federal loan default rate, Oakland City demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their educational investments, even with the more modest earnings typical of the institution's career-focused programs.
Oakland City University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
