At $23,384/yr net price, Oakwood University graduates earn $42,488/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $8,488/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,384 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $42,488/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$8,488/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,428/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,305/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,185/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,190/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,244/yr |
The Risk Factor
49.9% of students at Oakwood 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
Oakwood University delivers below-average financial returns with median earnings of $42,488 ten years after graduation against a net price of $23,384 annually. The numbers point to financial strain for most graduates.
Your biggest risk here is the 49.9% graduation rate, meaning half of students leave without a degree but often with debt. The 63.88% retention rate signals many students transfer or drop out after freshman year, wasting tuition money. With median debt at $27,000, you face monthly payments around $300 for a decade while earning less than many community college graduates.
The school's location in Huntsville provides some advantages through proximity to aerospace and defense contractors like NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and Redstone Arsenal. If you study engineering or computer science and successfully graduate, you could access higher-paying technical roles that boost your return significantly above the median.
Business and education majors face tougher prospects in Alabama's job market, where starting salaries often fall below $35,000. Healthcare programs might offer better outcomes given regional demand, but verify specific placement rates and starting salaries before enrolling.
Only 47.35% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited institutional support for affordability. Merit scholarships exist but appear competitive given the aid percentage.
This school makes financial sense if you receive substantial aid, plan to study high-demand technical fields, and have strong academic preparation to avoid the dropout risk. Otherwise, Alabama's public universities or community colleges followed by transfer offer better value. The combination of high dropout rates, modest earnings, and limited aid creates significant financial downside for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oakwood University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Oakwood University's graduates earn $42,488 ten years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $23,384 annually, the return on investment is modest compared to many four-year institutions.
What is the graduation rate at Oakwood University and does it affect value?
Oakwood University has a 49.9% graduation rate, meaning about half of students don't complete their degree. This significantly impacts the school's value proposition since non-graduates typically don't see the earnings benefits of a college degree.
How much debt do Oakwood University students typically graduate with?
The median debt for Oakwood University graduates is $27,000. Given that graduates earn around $42,488 ten years out, this debt level represents a manageable but not ideal debt-to-income ratio.
Which programs at Oakwood University offer the best return on investment?
Healthcare and business programs typically offer better earning potential at historically black colleges and universities like Oakwood. Students should research specific program outcomes, as earnings vary significantly by major and career path.