Oakland University
Rochester Hills, Michigan · Public · 87.8% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 71/100 · Fair Value
Oakland University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $15,262/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $23,188/yr |
| Average net price | $9,120/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $36,480 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,612 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,750 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $241 |
| Estimated payback period | 7.5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 57.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 12,351 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,422 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $4,560 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,711 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,874 |
| $110,001+ | $19,217 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Oakland University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $81,667 | B |
| Psychology | $45,141 | D |
| Teacher Education | $48,396 | C |
| Health Professions, Residency Programs | $54,767 | D |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $90,737 | B |
| Biology | $55,991 | D |
| Human Resources Management | $70,347 | C+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $97,444 | B+ |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $63,534 | D |
| Marketing | $69,448 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Oakland University is $15,262/year ($23,188/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $9,120/year, or roughly $36,480 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $4,422/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $19,217/year. The school provides substantial aid to low-income students, making it significantly more affordable than the sticker price suggests.
The median graduate leaves with $22,750 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $241 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $58,612 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.57 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 60.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 58.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 61.4% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.8% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-590 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-640 |
| Enrollment | 12,351 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.0% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,527 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland University (this school) | 71 | $9,120 | $58,612 |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus | 74 | $23,805 | $66,479 |
| University of Hawaii at Manoa | 72 | $15,664 | $57,624 |
| California State University-Dominguez Hills | 71 | $8,615 | $57,162 |
| Central Michigan University | 51 | $17,597 | $55,874 |
| Eastern Michigan University | 42 | $15,407 | $51,793 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Oakland University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $9,120 per year leads to $36,480 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $58,612 a decade out. The payback period of 7.5 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include strong earnings premium over high school graduates. However, the data also shows concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $22,750 against $58,612 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.