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
The financial return at Oakwood University is weak. You pay about $23,384 a year net, leave with median debt of $27,000, and ten years after enrolling the median earnings are $42,488. That earnings figure is low enough that carrying $27,000 in debt against it puts real strain on your budget in the years right after graduation.
The completion risk is the bigger problem. Only about half of students graduate, and only 64% return after their first year. If you take on debt and land in the third who don't come back after year one, you carry the loans without the degree that was supposed to pay them off. That is the sharpest financial risk here, and it applies before you ever reach the job market.
The net price tiers barely move with income. A family under $30,000 pays $21,428. a family over $110,000 pays $28,244. That is only about a $6,800 spread across the entire income range, so lower-income families get limited price relief. If your family earns under $30,000, you are still asked to cover more than $21,000 a year, which is steep against a $42,488 median outcome.
This school is a better financial fit if you are confident you will finish and you have a specific reason to be here that outweighs the low earnings and thin aid discount. If you are choosing mainly on return, and especially if graduating on time is uncertain for you, look at lower-net-price options first.
If you can share the program-level salary data (with credential levels), I'll add the majors comparison and expand the risk section accordingly.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.