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Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL·Private nonprofit·1,253 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%. a private nonprofit school with 1,253 students.

51%
Accept
1,253
Students
$23,384
Net Price
49%
Grad Rate
$37,400
Earnings
10 yr
$21,500
Debt

About This School

Oakwood University is a private nonprofit institution located in Huntsville, Alabama with approximately 1,253 undergraduate students enrolled. Oakwood University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 51%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,384 per year. The graduation rate is 49%, and the typical graduate earns $37,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Oakwood University is a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university in Huntsville, Alabama. It is the only HBCU owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 49% graduation rate and 64% freshman retention suggest many students struggle to finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. That said, if you're looking for an HBCU with a tight-knit faith-based community and a relatively manageable debt load (median $21,500 at graduation), Oakwood offers something genuinely distinctive as the only Seventh-day Adventist HBCU in the country. Just go in with a clear plan for staying enrolled, because median earnings of $37,400 a decade out leave little room for financial missteps.

Founded
1896
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Biological Sciences21%
Health Professions16%
Business & Marketing7%
Psychology6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Computer Science4%
Education4%
Communications4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

DavidoBrian McKnightClifton Davis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$21,838
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,838
Avg Net Price
$23,384
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants47%
Median debt at graduation$21,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
49%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
64%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$25,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.7x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White2%
Black69%
Hispanic/Latino8%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,253 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Oakwood University

7000 Adventist Blvd NW

Huntsville, AL 35896

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Alabama

Browse all Alabama schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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