About Oakland University
Oakland University built its reputation around practical programs that get students jobs, especially its massive nursing school with over 2,000 students. The public research university enrolls 12,450 students in Rochester Hills, making it one of Michigan's larger suburban campuses. Notable graduates include the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, reflecting the school's diverse reach from arts to athletics.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most Michigan families. Students pay an average net price of $13,584, while graduates earn a median of $58,612 ten years after leaving school. Those from lower-income families (under $30,000) pay just $9,004 after aid. Typical debt loads hit $22,750, manageable given the earning potential. With 96% of students staying in-state, most benefit from the lower tuition rates.
The Golden Grizzlies compete in Division I athletics across 14 sports, though the real action happens in academics with strong job placement. The school maintains a 96% employment rate for graduates. Three-quarters of freshmen return for sophomore year, and the 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes reasonably sized. The campus houses 3,000 students, creating a blend of commuter and residential college life in suburban Detroit.
The financial picture looks reasonable for most Michigan families. Students pay an average net price of $13,584, while graduates earn a median of $58,612 ten years after leaving school. Those from lower-income families (under $30,000) pay just $9,004 after aid. Typical debt loads hit $22,750, manageable given the earning potential. With 96% of students staying in-state, most benefit from the lower tuition rates.
The Golden Grizzlies compete in Division I athletics across 14 sports, though the real action happens in academics with strong job placement. The school maintains a 96% employment rate for graduates. Three-quarters of freshmen return for sophomore year, and the 17:1 student-faculty ratio keeps classes reasonably sized. The campus houses 3,000 students, creating a blend of commuter and residential college life in suburban Detroit.
Academics & Faculty
Oakland University runs one of Michigan's largest nursing programs with over 2,000 students, reflecting its strength in health sciences and professional preparation. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors at this public research university. However, only 57% of students graduate within four years, suggesting many struggle with the academic demands or balance school with work obligations. The university has built a solid reputation in business, engineering, and education programs alongside nursing. Students benefit from research opportunities typically found at larger universities while maintaining a more personal scale with 12,450 total enrollment. The 96% employment rate shows strong career preparation across programs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 55.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.9%
- Retention Rate
- 75.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,612
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,510 |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | Master | $103,078 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $103,078 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $96,829 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $89,412 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $80,858 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $80,391 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,488 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,962 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 |
Campus Life
Oakland University sits on a sprawling 1,444-acre campus in Rochester Hills, just 25 miles north of Detroit. With housing capacity for 3,000 students but enrollment at 12,450, most students commute from nearby communities. Michigan winters demand heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking between classes.
The Golden Grizzlies compete in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and 272 total athletes. Basketball games at the O'rena draw solid crowds, especially during Horizon League play. Students gather at the Oakland Center for meals and study sessions between classes. With 96.59% of students from Michigan, the campus feels distinctly regional rather than cosmopolitan.
Weekends often empty out as commuter students head home or to jobs in metro Detroit. Those who stay find parties in nearby apartments or venture into Rochester for dining and shopping. The nursing program's demanding clinical rotations keep many of the school's 2,000+ nursing students busy on weekends. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes like at traditional residential campuses.
The Golden Grizzlies compete in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and 272 total athletes. Basketball games at the O'rena draw solid crowds, especially during Horizon League play. Students gather at the Oakland Center for meals and study sessions between classes. With 96.59% of students from Michigan, the campus feels distinctly regional rather than cosmopolitan.
Weekends often empty out as commuter students head home or to jobs in metro Detroit. Those who stay find parties in nearby apartments or venture into Rochester for dining and shopping. The nursing program's demanding clinical rotations keep many of the school's 2,000+ nursing students busy on weekends. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes like at traditional residential campuses.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 3,000 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1957
Campus Safety (2023)
62 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 9 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–31°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.0"
Student Demographics
Oakland University draws primarily from Michigan families, with 97% of students coming from in-state. The student body skews female at 57%, reflecting the university's massive nursing program that enrolls over 2,000 students. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families across metro Detroit. Students are predominantly white at 70%, with growing diversity including 10% Black students and 6% Asian students. The 90% acceptance rate makes Oakland accessible to average performers, while the strong local reputation keeps most graduates working in Michigan's healthcare and business sectors.
- Men
- 42.7%
- Women
- 57.3%
- White
- 70.1%
- Black
- 9.6%
- Hispanic
- 5.4%
- Asian
- 6.1%
- In-State Students
- 96.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 29.8%
Location
Rochester Hills sits 30 miles north of Detroit in southeastern Michigan's Oakland County. The suburban setting houses 12,450 students in one of Michigan's fastest-growing metropolitan areas. Rochester Hills blends upscale residential neighborhoods with corporate headquarters and shopping centers. Students find internship opportunities at nearby automotive companies and healthcare systems. The campus spans 1,444 acres with wooded areas and modern facilities. Over 96% of students come from in-state, creating a distinctly Michigan atmosphere. The Golden Grizzlies compete in NCAA Division I athletics as part of the Horizon League. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Oakland University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Rochester Hills, Michigan 48309-4401
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,612
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,905
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $241/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $22,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Oakland University?
Oakland University accepts 90.05% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The average SAT score is 1130, with the middle 50% ranging from 1015 to 1245.
How much does Oakland University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,584 after aid, with in-state tuition at $14,694. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,004 on average, while those earning over $110,000 pay $22,034.
What is Oakland University known for academically?
Oakland operates one of Michigan's largest nursing programs with over 2,000 students enrolled. The university maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs and was founded in 1957 as a public research institution.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Oakland University?
The six-year graduation rate is 56.90%, while graduates earn a median salary of $58,612 ten years after enrollment. The employment rate reaches 96.0%, and graduates typically leave with $22,750 in median debt.
Where is Oakland University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Rochester Hills, Michigan, a large suburban setting that houses 3,000 students in on-campus facilities. With 12,450 total students, the university fields 14 varsity sports teams competing as the Golden Grizzlies in NCAA Division I.
Does Oakland University have notable alumni?
The university counts Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, among its most famous graduates. Other notable alumni include U.S. Congressman Keith Ellison and NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, reflecting the school's diverse impact across entertainment, politics, and sports.
Similar Schools
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
University of California-Merced
Merced, California
California State University-San Bernardino
San Bernardino, California