Oakland University's published cost of attendance is $25,182, but need-based aid meaningfully reduces what most families pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $4,422, while middle-income families pay around $6,711, and higher-income families pay approximately $19,217.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,182 |
| Tuition and Fees | $23,188 |
| Room and Board | $10,932 |
| Books and Supplies | $700 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$16,062 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $9,120 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,422 |
| $30–48k | $4,560 |
| $48–75k | $6,711 |
| $75–110k | $11,874 |
| $110k+ | $19,217 |
Oakland University's published cost of attendance is $25,182, but need-based aid meaningfully reduces what most families pay. Low-income families see a net price of approximately $4,422, while middle-income families pay around $6,711, and higher-income families pay approximately $19,217. Azimuth ranks Oakland University #188 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Oakland University participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and merit-based scholarships. The university's public-tuition structure keeps headline costs lower than many private alternatives, and need-based aid further narrows the gap for qualifying families. Students and families are encouraged to compare the net price — not the sticker price — when evaluating affordability, since the net price illusion is one of the most common sources of confusion in college cost planning. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $22,750, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $17,858; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $68,708, median federal debt of $22,750 projects to a monthly payment of about $257 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Oakland University earn median 4-year earnings of $68,708, placing Oakland University in the 72.2 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $10,843 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 87.0 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Oakland University #317 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing reports 520 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $81,667, ranked #184 nationally in its major. Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other reports 246 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $54,767, ranked #17 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 198 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $45,141, ranked #265 nationally in its major. Human Resources Management and Services reports 183 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $70,347, ranked #20 nationally in its major.
