Oakland University

Oakland University admits approximately 70.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 7 in 10 applicants receive offers of admission. This places Oakland University in the Moderately Selective category, indicating that while admission is accessible, the institution maintains academic standards for enrollment.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Oakland University is somewhat more selective than typical institutions with similar characteristics, though still considerably more accessible than highly competitive universities. This selectivity level means most academically prepared students have strong admission prospects, particularly those with test scores and grades that align with the institution's enrolled student profile.

Students should approach Oakland University as a realistic option rather than a reach school, making it an excellent foundation for balanced college application lists. The combination of reasonable selectivity with strong post-graduation outcomes makes Oakland University particularly valuable for students seeking quality education without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes.

For students building comprehensive college lists, Oakland University represents solid middle ground between open-admission institutions and highly selective universities, offering meaningful academic rigor with manageable admission requirements.

Oakland University's published cost of attendance totals $25,016 annually, including $14,694 in-state tuition, $11,309 for room and board, and $700 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $23,188, though most students benefit from substantial financial aid that reduces actual costs significantly.

The average student pays $13,584 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,432 from the sticker price through grants, scholarships, and other aid programs. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $15,590, Oakland University students pay $2,006 more annually, though this difference reflects moderate cost positioning within public higher education.

The financial aid structure demonstrates Oakland University's commitment to accessibility, with lower-income students receiving the most substantial support. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $9,004 for families earning under $30,000 to $22,034 for families earning over $110,000.

This progressive pricing structure ensures that educational opportunity remains accessible across diverse economic circumstances while maintaining sustainable institutional financing.

Oakland University graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career periods. Median earnings rise from $49,017 six years after enrollment to $53,392 at eight years and $58,612 at ten years, representing 19.6% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 5,175 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures across the institution's diverse academic programs. Graduates earn $4,609 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Oakland University at the 72.6th percentile for earnings uplift.

This indicates the institution adds meaningful value beyond what would be predicted based on student demographics and program mix. Low-income graduates earn $45,000, demonstrating solid post-graduation outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds.

Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the gap between the 25th percentile ($36,515) and 75th percentile ($84,827) representing a 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 24.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

Oakland University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for comprehensive outcome analysis. Electrical and Electronics Engineering ranks #40 nationally and #2 in Michigan, producing 108 graduates with median earnings of $91,496 and a strong value score of 80.1.

Mechanical Engineering ranks #35 nationally and #3 in Michigan, graduating 182 students with median earnings of $89,376. Artificial Intelligence ranks #52 nationally and #4 in Michigan, with 155 graduates earning $87,350 and demonstrating strong market demand.

Adult Health Nursing represents the institution's largest program by enrollment, graduating 443 students annually with median earnings of $68,205 and ranking #114 nationally. Executive/Career Coaching ranks #10 nationally and #3 in Michigan, graduating 207 students with median earnings of $60,527 and an exceptional value score of 84.2.

General Studies ranks #55 nationally and #2 in Michigan, reflecting strong outcomes even in broadly focused academic programs. Several programs achieve #1 rankings in Michigan, including Banking and Financial Support Services and Forensic Social Work.