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$3,020Tuition
11,772Students
19%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,395Earnings
Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Oakland Community College

Oakland Community College serves as Michigan's workforce development engine, training students for careers in healthcare, automotive technology, and skilled trades. The college enrolls 11,772 students across multiple campuses in metro Detroit's suburbs. Students here are serious about getting job-ready skills quickly, with programs designed around what local employers actually need.

The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $2,628 net price annually, while those from higher-income families pay up to $11,208. Graduates earn a median of $37,395 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of only $9,105. Monthly loan payments average just $97, making this education affordable even on entry-level salaries. The college keeps costs reasonable with in-state tuition at $3,020.

The student body reflects Detroit's diversity, with 51% white students and 21% Black students creating a multicultural learning environment. Nearly all students (99%) come from Michigan, giving the campus a strong local flavor. With 90% of graduates finding employment, OCC delivers on its promise of career preparation. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes, but the focus stays on practical skills that translate directly to paychecks.

Academics & Faculty

Oakland Community College serves as a practical stepping stone for metro Detroit students, with nearly all 11,772 students coming from in-state. The college offers traditional transfer programs alongside career-focused training in automotive technology, nursing, and skilled trades that match Michigan's industrial economy. Students work with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, which means larger class sizes but affordable access to higher education. The 18.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many community college students attend part-time while working or transfer before completing degrees. Strong employment connections help graduates find work quickly, with a 90.2% employment rate showing the college's focus on job-ready skills over academic theory.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
18.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,395

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $55,813
Science Technologies/Technicians, Other. Associate $47,260
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $44,468
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $43,798
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Associate $41,025
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $39,729
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Associate $35,416
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. Associate $29,685
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. Associate $29,359
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $28,960

View all 81 programs →

Campus Life

Oakland Community College sits in suburban Auburn Hills, about 30 miles north of Detroit. Michigan winters mean snow boots and heavy coats from November through March, while summers bring humid 80-degree days. The 99.23% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly local feel where many students already know each other from high school.

As a commuter campus with no residence halls, students drive to class then scatter back to jobs and families. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls but also night and weekend classes that fit working schedules. With 55.65% women and an average age higher than traditional colleges, you'll find single parents between classes and shift workers grabbing coffee before evening sessions. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers rather than college town charm. Weekends revolve around work, family, and studying at home rather than campus activities. The 62 student athletes represent just a tiny fraction of the 11,772 enrollment, so don't expect packed games or school spirit rallies.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1964

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
15°–29°F
July Avg
61°–82°F
Annual Precipitation
31.8"
Annual Snowfall
36.1"

Student Demographics

Oakland Community College draws almost exclusively from Michigan, with 99% of students staying close to home for affordable education. The student body is 55% women, reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and other fields that attract female students. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families in the Detroit suburbs. The diverse mix includes 51% white students and 21% Black students, mirroring the demographics of southeastern Michigan. Most students juggle work and family responsibilities while pursuing career training or preparing to transfer to four-year universities.
Men
44.4%
Women
55.7%
White
51.2%
Black
21.1%
Hispanic
6.7%
Asian
2.9%
In-State Students
99.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
27.4%

Location

Auburn Hills, Michigan sits about 25 miles north of Detroit in Oakland County. The suburb houses approximately 24,000 residents and serves as home to major employers like Chrysler's headquarters. Students find themselves in Michigan's automotive heartland, where manufacturing and technology companies create abundant internship opportunities. The area offers suburban amenities while maintaining easy access to Detroit's cultural attractions and job market. Winter temperatures average around 30 degrees, typical for southeastern Michigan's climate. Auburn Hills blends residential neighborhoods with business districts, giving students exposure to professional environments. The region's economy has diversified beyond automotive into healthcare and technology sectors. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Oakland Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326
Oakland Community College Auburn Hills Campus
Oakland Community College Auburn Hills Campus
OCC Royal oak Interior
OCC Royal oak Interior
Oakland Community College campus
Oakland Community College campus

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,395
Median Earnings (5 years)
$47,117
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,700
Loan Repayment Rate
20.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$97/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$9,105

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Oakland Community College?

As a community college, Oakland Community College has open enrollment, meaning nearly all students who apply are admitted. The school serves 11,772 students across multiple campuses in the Detroit metro area. Open access makes OCC a popular starting point for students pursuing transfer degrees or career certifications.

How much does Oakland Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,568 annually after financial aid. In-state tuition starts at just $3,020, making OCC one of the most affordable options in Michigan. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $2,628 net price on average.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Oakland Community College?

The student-faculty ratio is 22:1, which is typical for large community colleges. OCC operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation and transfer programs. The college is known for its strong nursing, automotive technology, and business programs that connect directly to local employers.

What are the graduation outcomes at Oakland Community College?

The six-year graduation rate is 18.5%, reflecting the diverse paths community college students take. Graduates earn a median of $37,395 ten years after enrollment with relatively low debt of $9,105. The 90.2% employment rate shows OCC's success in preparing students for the workforce.

Where is Oakland Community College located?

The main campus sits in Auburn Hills, a large suburban area in southeastern Michigan. Nearly all students (99.23%) come from in-state, drawing heavily from Oakland County and the greater Detroit region. The suburban location provides easy access to major employers in automotive and healthcare industries.

Does Oakland Community College offer athletics?

OCC fields seven varsity sports with 62 total athletes competing as the Owls in the NCCAA. The athletic program receives $147,764 in scholarship funding annually. Sports provide a traditional college experience while students complete their associate degrees or prepare to transfer to four-year universities.