Oakland City University: 55.7% Acceptance Rate

55.7%Acceptance

$27,150Tuition

470Students

70%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,283Earnings

#12 in IndianaPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNAIAData: 2023-24General Baptist

About Oakland City University

Oakland City University draws students seeking a tight-knit Christian education rooted in General Baptist values. This small private university enrolls just 470 students in rural Indiana, creating an intimate academic environment where personal attention thrives. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just number. Founded in 1885, the university has built a reputation for practical, career-focused programs that prepare graduates for immediate employment.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for families seeking affordable private education. While sticker price hits $27,150 for tuition, most students pay far less after aid. The average net price drops to $12,820, making private university education surprisingly accessible. Graduates typically leave with $16,758 in debt and earn a median salary of $43,283 within ten years. The 95.9% employment rate suggests the university delivers on its promise of career preparation.

Athletics play an outsized role in campus culture for such a small school. The Mighty Oaks field 18 varsity sports teams, with 315 student-athletes comprising two-thirds of the entire student body. Men outnumber women at 66.6% to 33.4%, reflecting the university's strong athletic programs. The 70% six-year graduation rate demonstrates solid academic support despite the heavy athletic involvement.

Academics & Faculty

Oakland City University operates as a small General Baptist university that emphasizes personal attention and practical career preparation. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know their students by name and can provide individualized guidance. The university is particularly known for its business, education, and nursing programs, which align with its mission of preparing students for immediate workforce entry. With a 70% six-year graduation rate, students benefit from close mentoring relationships that help them persist through their degrees. The curriculum blends liberal arts foundations with professional training. Class sizes rarely exceed 20 students, creating an intimate learning environment where academic discussions flourish and professors serve as both instructors and mentors.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 18.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 62.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 70.0%
Retention Rate: 68.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,283
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$81,702
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$56,544
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$44,933
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$41,789
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$28,816
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$26,896

View all 46 programs →

Campus Life

This tiny General Baptist university sits in rural southern Indiana, about 45 minutes from Evansville and two hours from Louisville. With just 470 students total, Oakland City feels more like an extended family than a traditional college. Nearly all students can live on campus since housing capacity reaches 478 beds. The campus centers around historic brick buildings dating to the school's 1885 founding.

Two-thirds of students are men, largely due to strong athletics programs that field 18 varsity sports teams. With 315 total athletes at a school of 470, sports dominate weekend social life. The Mighty Oaks compete in NAIA athletics with over $8 million in athletic scholarships available. Students bundle up for cold Indiana winters but enjoy mild springs and falls perfect for outdoor activities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. Small-town life means weekend entertainment often involves team events, campus activities, or trips to nearby Evansville for shopping and dining.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity: 478 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1885

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 21°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.9"
Annual Snowfall: 12.2"

Student Demographics

Oakland City draws students who value close-knit community and affordable Christian education. The student body tilts heavily male at two-thirds, reflecting the university's strong emphasis on business, athletics, and vocational programs. About half the students come from Indiana, giving OCU solid regional roots while still attracting students from across the Midwest. One in three students receives Pell Grants, showing the Baptist institution's commitment to serving working-class families. The 470-student enrollment creates a tight campus culture where most students know each other by name.

Men: 66.6%
Women: 33.4%
White: 55.3%
Black: 16.4%
Hispanic: 5.3%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 55.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.9%

Location

Oakland City University sits in Oakland City, Indiana, about 40 miles northeast of Evansville and 130 miles southwest of Indianapolis. The campus serves 470 students in Indiana's rural southwestern region, where farmland and small communities define the landscape. Oakland City itself has fewer than 2,500 residents, creating an intimate college town atmosphere where the university anchors local life. The General Baptist-affiliated institution draws 55% of its students from within Indiana, reflecting its deep regional ties. This rural-distant setting offers students a close-knit campus experience away from urban distractions. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Oakland City University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Oakland City, Indiana 47660-1099

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,283
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,485
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $178/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,758

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Oakland City University?

Oakland City University accepts 55.72% of applicants. This General Baptist institution looks for students with an average SAT score of 1000 and ACT score of 20. The university offers personalized attention with just 470 students total.

How much does Oakland City University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,820 after financial aid. The university charges $27,150 for tuition regardless of residency status. About 32% of students receive financial aid, with average institutional grants of $23,197.

What academic programs is Oakland City University known for?

Oakland City University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio for close mentorship. The university has strong roots in teacher education and business programs reflecting its General Baptist heritage. Students benefit from small class sizes in this rural Indiana setting.

Does Oakland City University have good job placement rates?

Graduates achieve a 95.9% employment rate after completing their degrees. Alumni earn a median salary of $43,283 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $16,758. The 70% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's commitment to student success.

Where do students live at Oakland City University?

The campus houses 478 students in residence halls that accommodate the entire enrollment of 470. Men make up 66.6% of the student body while women represent 33.4%. The rural-distant setting creates a tight-knit community atmosphere.

What athletic opportunities exist at Oakland City University?

The Mighty Oaks compete in NAIA athletics with 18 varsity sports programs. About 315 students participate in athletics, representing two-thirds of the total enrollment. The university awards $8.3 million in athletic scholarships annually.