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Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL·Private nonprofit·1,153 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. a private nonprofit school with 1,153 students.

45%
Accept
1,153
Students
$25,669
Net Price
45%
Grad Rate
$37,400
Earnings
10 yr
$27,000
Debt

About This School

Oakwood University is a private nonprofit institution located in Huntsville, Alabama with approximately 1,153 undergraduate students enrolled. The school is moderately selective, accepting approximately 45% of applicants. The average net price after financial aid is $25,669 per year. The graduation rate is 45%, 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$5,513

Popular Programs

Health Professions20%
Biological Sciences17%
Business & Marketing14%
Psychology9%
Computer Science4%
Communications4%
Social Sciences3%
Education2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

DavidoBrian McKnightClifton Davis

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$22,512
Out-of-State Tuition
$22,512
Avg Net Price
$25,669
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$23,999
$30–48k$22,444
$48–75k$24,501
$75–110k$28,074
$110k+$27,219

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants44%
Median debt at graduation$27,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
45%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
71%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$26,400
Female graduates$25,400

Gap: 4% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$25,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$37,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.4x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

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

Student Body

White1%
Black65%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian2%
Two or more races2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,153 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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