Oakwood University: 68.1% Acceptance Rate

68.1%Acceptance

$21,838Tuition

1,253Students

50%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,488Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindLiberal ArtsNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCUSeventh-day Adventist

About Oakwood University

Oakwood University is one of the nation's few Seventh-day Adventist historically Black colleges, serving 1,253 students in Huntsville, Alabama. The university has maintained its dual identity as both an HBCU and a faith-based institution since 1896. Students find themselves in a close-knit academic environment with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The acceptance rate of 68% reflects the school's selective but accessible admissions process.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $23,384 annually, with tuition set at $21,838 regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median of $42,488 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a significant portion of early career earnings. Only 28% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule, suggesting financial challenges for many alumni.

The student body is predominantly African American at 69%, with women comprising 58% of enrollment. Most students come from out of state, creating a national community within Alabama. The Ambassadors compete in seven NAIA sports with 118 total athletes. However, the 50% graduation rate indicates that many students struggle to complete their degrees within six years.

Academics & Faculty

Oakwood University brings the Seventh-day Adventist educational philosophy to a historically Black university setting. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom environments where professors know students personally. However, the 47.75% four-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to complete degrees. The university emphasizes health sciences and education programs, reflecting Adventist values around wellness and service. Students benefit from small classes and close mentoring relationships with faculty. The 63.88% retention rate indicates some students struggle with the transition to college life. Academic programs integrate faith-based perspectives with professional preparation, particularly in nursing, education, and business fields that serve the Adventist community.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Full-Time Faculty: 60.5%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 47.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.9%
Retention Rate: 63.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,488
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

Oakwood's 1,100-acre campus sits just minutes from downtown Huntsville, putting you close to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and a growing tech center. With 1,266 housing spots for 1,253 students, nearly everyone lives on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. Alabama's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but plenty of sunscreen for long, hot summers.

The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and Seventh-day Adventist traditions shape daily rhythms. Classes pause Friday evenings through Saturday evenings for Sabbath observance, when the campus grows quiet and students gather for worship and community meals. With 69% of students being Black and strong HBCU traditions, step shows and homecoming celebrations bring energy to campus life. The small size means the seven NAIA sports teams, especially basketball, draw devoted crowds. Huntsville's aerospace industry provides internship opportunities, while the nearby Tennessee Valley offers hiking and outdoor recreation. Students often spend Sabbath afternoons exploring Huntsville's parks or the scenic mountains just an hour away.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 1,266 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1896

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	7	6
Fondling	2	1
Dating Violence	2	0
Aggravated Assault	1	0
Domestic Violence	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–52°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 54.3"
Annual Snowfall: 2.4"

Student Demographics

Oakwood draws students from across the country to its Huntsville campus, with nearly 90% coming from out of state. This reflects the university's role as a prominent Seventh-day Adventist HBCU with national reach. The student body is predominantly African American, aligning with Oakwood's historical mission as a historically Black institution. Women make up about 58% of students, typical for many liberal arts-focused universities. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking faith-based higher education within the Adventist tradition.

Men: 41.6%
Women: 58.4%
White: 1.5%
Black: 69.4%
Hispanic: 7.7%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 10.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.4%

Location

Oakwood University sits in Huntsville, Alabama, about 100 miles north of Birmingham and 20 miles south of the Tennessee border. Huntsville earned the nickname "Rocket City" for its role in America's space program through NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal. The city has grown into Alabama's fourth-largest with over 200,000 residents. Students benefit from a midsize urban environment that balances college life with internship opportunities in aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. The surrounding Tennessee Valley offers outdoor recreation with nearby mountains and lakes. Students considering colleges in Alabama may also compare Oakwood University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Huntsville, Alabama 35896

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,488
Median Earnings (5 years): $51,429
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 28.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Oakwood University?

Oakwood University accepts 68% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. This historically Black Seventh-day Adventist institution draws students primarily from out-of-state, with only 11% of enrollment coming from Alabama.

How much does Oakwood University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,384 after aid, with tuition set at $21,838 for all students regardless of residency. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, and those receiving institutional aid get an average grant of $19,004.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Oakwood University?

Oakwood maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,253 students. The university operates on a semester system and is known for its close-knit academic environment rooted in Adventist educational principles.

What are the graduation rates at Oakwood University?

About 48% of students graduate within four years, with the six-year rate reaching 50%. Graduates earn a median salary of $42,488 ten years after enrollment, though the retention rate of 64% suggests some students struggle to persist through their degree.

Where do students live at Oakwood University?

The campus housing capacity of 1,266 beds can accommodate nearly all of the 1,253 enrolled students. Located in mid-size Huntsville, Alabama, the university provides a residential college experience with room and board costing $9,384 annually.

Does Oakwood University have a diverse student body?

The student body is 69% Black and 58% female, reflecting Oakwood's identity as a historically Black university. Founded in 1896, it continues to serve primarily African American students within the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, with very low representation from other racial groups.