At $12,820/yr net price, Oakland City University graduates earn $43,283/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,283/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,820 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,280 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,283/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,283/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,758 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,787/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,218/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,898/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,171/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,881/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,702 | $33,639 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $56,544 | $18,750 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,933 | $19,500 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
70.0% of students at Oakland City University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Oakland City University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $12,820 annual net price makes this one of Indiana's more affordable private options, but median post-graduation earnings of $43,283 mean you'll need to pick your major carefully.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner, with top earners reaching $81,702 annually despite carrying $33,639 in debt. Criminal Justice graduates earn a solid $56,544, making the $18,750 debt load manageable. However, Teacher Education graduates face a harsh reality with earnings of just $28,816, creating a challenging debt-to-income scenario even with lower borrowing.
The 68% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled, which increases your risk of leaving with debt but no degree. With only 32% of students receiving financial aid, you'll likely pay close to the full net price unless you qualify for merit scholarships.
Oakland City works financially if you're pursuing business or criminal justice and can complete your degree without interruption. The low net price gives you breathing room that larger private universities don't offer. However, if you're considering education or liberal arts programs, you should seriously examine whether the earnings justify even this modest cost.
The school's rural Indiana location limits networking opportunities compared to urban campuses, but also keeps living costs low. You're gambling on a 70% chance of graduation, which beats many regional competitors but still leaves significant risk of non-completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland City University worth the cost?
Oakland City University offers decent value with a low net price of $12,820 per year and moderate debt levels at $16,758. However, the 10-year median earnings of $43,283 are below national averages, making it a reasonable choice mainly if you qualify for significant financial aid.
What are the best paying majors at Oakland City University?
Business Administration leads with $81,702 in median earnings, while Criminal Justice graduates earn $56,544. Education majors face the lowest returns at $28,816, which may not justify the debt load even at this affordable school.
How much debt do Oakland City University graduates typically have?
Oakland City University graduates carry a median debt of $16,758, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $12,820 helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Oakland City University have good job prospects after graduation?
With a 70% graduation rate and median earnings of $43,283, Oakland City University produces mixed results. Business majors see strong returns, but overall earnings lag behind what many students could achieve at comparable institutions.