Overview
Oakwood University is a less selective private four-year institution in Huntsville, Alabama. The school accepts 68.1% of applicants and enrolls 1,253 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 68.1%
- Total Enrollment
- 1,253
Admission Guide
Oakwood University weighs your spiritual commitment and service record heavily alongside academics, so dedicate significant space in your application to faith-based activities and community service. Your personal statement should connect your Christian values to your academic and career goals, as this Seventh-day Adventist institution seeks students who align with its mission.
Highlight involvement in church leadership, mission trips, or faith-based volunteer work prominently throughout your application. The admissions team expects to see evidence of your spiritual development, not just academic achievement. If you're applying for the nursing program, emphasize any healthcare volunteering or shadowing experiences, as this is one of Oakwood's strongest and most competitive programs.
The university operates on a semester system with rolling admissions, giving you flexibility in application timing. Submit your materials by February for the best financial aid consideration, though applications continue through summer. Your essay should reference specific Oakwood programs or faculty you've researched, particularly if you're interested in the School of Business or the music program, which has strong regional recognition.
Campus culture revolves around daily chapel attendance, evening worship, and strict lifestyle guidelines including no alcohol, tobacco, or dancing. Students who flourish here genuinely embrace these standards rather than simply tolerating them. The close-knit community means professors know students by name and academic support is readily available.
If your grades fell short during high school, Oakwood offers conditional admission pathways and strong academic support systems. Don't let a lower GPA discourage you from applying, especially if you can demonstrate growth and commitment to the university's values. The application includes a pastoral recommendation form, so secure this from a church leader who knows your character well.
Submit your FAFSA early, as the university provides substantial need-based aid that can significantly reduce costs. Many students work on campus to supplement financial aid packages, and these jobs integrate well with the academic schedule.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $23,384/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $21,838
- Students Receiving Aid
- 47%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,488/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 63.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for Oakwood University?
Oakwood University operates on rolling admissions, so applications are accepted and reviewed throughout the year until enrollment capacity is reached. Apply early to secure your spot and maximize financial aid opportunities.
Does Oakwood University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Oakwood University requires either SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. Test scores help determine both admission eligibility and merit scholarship consideration.
How many credit hours can transfer students bring to Oakwood University?
Transfer students can bring up to 64 credit hours from previous institutions to Oakwood University. All transfer credits must be from regionally accredited colleges or universities with grades of C or better.
What GPA do you need to get into Oakwood University?
Oakwood University typically admits students with a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. However, students with higher GPAs have better chances for admission and merit-based financial aid.