At $13,584/yr net price, Oakland University graduates earn $58,612/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,612/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,584 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,612/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,612/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 56.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,004/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,807/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,229/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,508/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,034/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $104,510 | $44,928 |
| 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 | $25,785 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $80,858 | $37,444 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $80,391 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $78,488 | $25,971 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,962 | $21,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $25,783 |
The Risk Factor
56.9% of students at Oakland University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Oakland University delivers strong financial returns for engineering and nursing students but presents mixed outcomes across other programs. The $13,584 annual net price combined with $22,750 median debt creates manageable costs for a four-year degree, though the 57% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing.
Engineering programs lead the financial pack with electrical and mechanical engineering graduates earning over $96,000 annually. Nursing stands out with $104,510 median earnings, though the $44,928 debt load requires careful consideration. Business administration graduates earn $89,412 with more reasonable $25,785 debt levels. These technical programs justify the investment given Detroit's automotive industry and healthcare sector demand.
The school's 75% retention rate signals academic challenges that could extend your time to graduation and increase total costs. With only 30% of students receiving financial aid, merit opportunities appear limited compared to peer institutions. This makes Oakland University best suited for Michigan residents who can leverage in-state tuition rates and have clear career goals in engineering, nursing, or business.
You should look elsewhere if you're undecided on major or interested in liberal arts programs where earnings data suggests weaker returns. The combination of modest financial aid and below-average graduation rates creates financial risk for students without strong academic preparation or career focus. Oakland works best as a practical choice for technically-minded students who can complete their degrees efficiently and enter high-demand regional job markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakland University worth the cost compared to other Michigan schools?
Oakland University offers reasonable value with a net price of $13,584 and graduates earning $58,612 after 10 years. However, the 57% graduation rate is concerning and means many students don't finish their degree.
What are the best paying majors at Oakland University?
Nursing programs at Oakland University lead to strong earnings around $104,510, while engineering fields pay $96,000-$103,000. Business graduates earn a more modest $89,412, which may not justify the debt for some students.
How much debt do Oakland University graduates typically have?
Oakland University graduates carry a median debt of $22,750, which is manageable for nursing and engineering majors but creates financial strain for lower-paying degree programs.
Does Oakland University have good job placement after graduation?
Oakland University graduates earn $58,612 ten years after enrollment, which is solid for the region. The school's strength lies in healthcare and engineering programs, but outcomes vary significantly by major.