Oakwood University
The Vibe Check
Oakwood University offers a deeply supportive and faith-centered community where students feel known and encouraged. The campus has a warm, familial atmosphere rooted in its Seventh-day Adventist heritage, fostering both spiritual growth and academic ambition. It's a place where personal development is as prioritized as professional preparation.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Optional
This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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Academics & Majors
Oakwood's academic strengths lie in its focused programs in biology, health professions, theology, and business, with a strong liberal arts core. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship-driven teaching from faculty who are invested in student success. While research opportunities exist, they are often undergraduate-focused and interdisciplinary, emphasizing hands-on learning.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Huntsville
Huntsville is a vibrant city known as the 'Rocket City,' offering students access to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and a growing tech and arts scene. Students enjoy hiking in Monte Sano State Park, exploring the downtown arts district, and attending local festivals. The city provides a mix of urban amenities and outdoor recreation at a manageable size.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($42,488):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is generally considered safe with a close-knit community and on-campus security presence. The surrounding urban area of Huntsville requires standard city awareness, but the university itself is a protective environment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Strong sense of community and spiritual support
- ✓ Personalized attention due to small class sizes
- ✓ Notable strength in biology and health science programs
- ✓ Affordable private education with significant financial aid
Cons
- ✗ Graduation and retention rates are below national averages
- ✗ Limited research infrastructure compared to larger universities
- ✗ Smaller campus size may offer fewer extracurricular options
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Oakwood University is historically known as a premier HBCU (Historically Black College and University) founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It is particularly renowned for its strong programs in biology, health professions, and theology, as well as its award-winning student gospel choir. The university emphasizes a holistic education focused on faith, service, and leadership.
With an acceptance rate of 50.51%, Oakwood University has a moderately selective admissions process. While it is not as competitive as some elite institutions, it looks for students with a solid academic record (typically a GPA of 2.5 or higher) and a demonstrated fit with its mission. Applicants with strong extracurriculars and clear academic goals will have an advantage.
Campus life at Oakwood is deeply communal and faith-based, with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth through weekly chapels and religious organizations. The small student body of about 1,253 fosters close relationships among peers and faculty, creating a family-like atmosphere. Students engage in various clubs, intramural sports, and community service, with the surrounding Huntsville area offering additional cultural and recreational activities.
Oakwood University can be a worthwhile investment, especially for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, as evidenced by the high Pell Grant rate of 47.3%. The average net price of $23,384 is reasonable for a private institution, and the median 10-year earnings of $42,488 indicate a positive return for degrees in fields like health professions. However, students should actively seek scholarships and internships to maximize the value of their degree.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,601
- In-State Tuition $21,838
- Zip Code 35896
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $23,384 and a high Pell Grant rate of 47.3%, Oakwood is relatively accessible for students with financial need. The 10-year median earnings of $42,488 suggest a moderate return on investment, particularly for degrees in high-demand fields like health professions. For students who leverage the strong support systems and internships, the degree can be a solid foundation for career entry.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.