Founded in 1957, Oakland University. is a Public college. Located in Michigan, which is a city setting in Michigan, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 16,568 full time undergraduate students, and 3,444 full time graduate students.
The Oakland University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 21:1. There are 582 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Oakland University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
86%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
0
SAT Range
805-1110
ACT Range
20-27
Admissions at OU are considered Less Selective, with ,58% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 24 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
77% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 40% were in the top quarter, and 15% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Oakland University.
3%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
15%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
20%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
78%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
54%
“We bought the gear”
40%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
62%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
61%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
49%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
46%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
12%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
59%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
23%
“We only party on weekends”
6%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
17%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
74%
“There might be people who do”
8%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
1%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
3%
“We”re apathetic”
22%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
4%
“We save it for the classroom”
21%
“Sometimes, but not often”
60%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
15%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
1%
“I only go out in groups”
20%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
78%
“I feel extremely safe”
5%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
54%
“We bought the gear”
40%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
15%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
62%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
3%
“Available in class”
61%
“They keep regular office hours”
34%
“They”re always available”
2%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
49%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
46%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
3%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
158 Students rated on-campus housing 3.7 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
133 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
202 Students rated campus food 3.3 stars. 21 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
215 Students rated campus facilities 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
215 Students rated class size 4.2 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
214 Students rated school activities 3.7 stars. 27 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
214 Students rated local services 4 stars. 38 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
216 Students rated academics 3.8 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
Oakland University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Oakland University?
123 Students rated Oakland University
Devereaux
04/18/2025
I absolutely love it! An amazing place, the faculty and the students both are willing to help anybody in any way needed. Amazing atmosphere, couldn't be better!!!
Danila
Prospective04/14/2025
Oakland University had many qualities that checked my college list. For example I wanted to go to an instate college, as well as one that isn't too crazy out. The further I go away from home the crazier the weather gets. Oakland University is a relatively small college compared to others, while also being diverse and include. The more finite details being the diverse dinning options, a good gym, and a modern campus. I wanted a college that was up to date and has newer appliances. Not only is laundry free but there's free printing everywhere. Now down to the bigger details dorms, cost, and majors. I originally wanted to major in ASL while taking Air Force ROTC. Sadly every college cannot have everything so Oakland only offers a minor in ASL but I'll work my way up. Thankfully they had my back up major which is sociology, while still having ROTC. Dorms are a huge factor for me when picking a university, the dorms need to be modern, not too small, and preferable with no roommate or as close as I can get. Thankfully Oakland offers that to freshman first come first serve of course. Last cost, as I will be paying for University all on my own, most likely out of pocket because I do not want to take out loans. Oakland University offered me the most aid which solidified my decisions. Honorable mentions freshman parking!
Sophia
04/13/2025
I think it’s a really nice and big campus. I think they give and have a lot of opportunities for everyone. I can see myself being on this campus and joining activities to be apart of the community. My sister goes there and I have heard great things.
Nikolina
Prospective04/07/2025
I think Oakland is a great school, but it needs improvements on events for students to meet others.
Cassidy
Prospective04/04/2025
I've been a student at Oakland University for three years as an undergraduate student. Through my experiences, I have had many chances to join extracurricular activities that align with my interests and career goals. There are many opportunities to engage with the campus life. I appreciate how welcoming and diverse the campus is overall. I have also appreciated the academics and the bonds I have been able to build with professors. Professors in my major have been incredibly helpful in being an ally to my success. Overall, OU is a great choice for the pathway to success.
nie
02/26/2025
Overall, I believe that Oakland University is a decent school. It's not a bottom tier college, but it's not a top tier college either. It's in the middle range. I have friends who attend Oakland and they all have the same good opinions about it. Though I'm only a senior in high school, I think I will enjoy my future experience at Oakland. The campus is nice. The student to faculty ratio is normal, the dorms are decent, and the program they have for my major is relatively good. I also plan to join their media athletics team as I am a sports photographer. I have connections that can land me an internship with their Division 1 athletics media program as a freshman. Another benefit is that I can have my car on campus with no fees, which is a game changer for me. I believe that this would make my experience a true home away from home one. Lastly, the cost to attend Oakland is very affordable for most people, which is the reason why many people choose to further their education there. Oakland University is a very nice college that not enough people consider. My advice to high school seniors in the area is to look into Oakland and see how they feel about it.
Stephanie
08/09/2022
The campus is massive and offers a wide variety of majors. The University has lots of different food options on campus and lots of space to study/hang out. The staff are very helpful and do their best to help you with your problems. The advisors help steer you in the right direction and give good advice.
Kemiah
01/16/2022
As a freshman, OU is pretty decent. The main problem would be the very little help the financial aid office offers. OU has a system to alert all students and faculty about problems on campus and efforts to make sure they don't happen again. Campus itself to a very beautiful place to be, although the stores are a bit pricey.
Lorena
08/02/2021
From the moment I heard about Oakland University, I knew that this was the school for me. The entire school faculty are always reliable, helpful, and patient with whatever problem you have. I never feel like my problems are ignored or downsized. They always guide me to a solution. Golden Grizzlies take pride in their student-oriented activities. And the entire school has such a welcoming energy. The only downside I see is the overall tuition. Because I don't qualify for FAFSA, OU are very limited in their financial help. And the financial aid that they do provide is in student loans. But overall, I really do love Oakland university.
Carmella
05/24/2021
I love Oakland University. As a visitor, I was able to see what it like around the campus and my sister recently graduated from this school! It is a safe environment for future colleagues and overall, I would say they have opportunities out of this world.
Mustafa
05/30/2020
Oakland University is a great place to go for college if you live in Michigan. It is a great spot for studying near home if you are in the metro Detroit area. If you are studying from out of state or even internationally, our campus is considered the third safest in the nation. The teachers hold office hours and try to assist you with your education. They are down to earth people, and the facilities on campus are great places to hang out with friends. I really enjoy the night event that the Student program board creates, and there are a variety of clubs to enjoy. I think that anyone could enjoy their experience on campus, and there is always an opportunity to grow professionally and developed important skills. I hope you enjoy Oakland University!
Aaliyah
05/04/2020
Oakland University is a wonderful school to be apart of. There are so many wonderful people to meet which made my college experience wonderful. There are a wide range of activities and events to take part in all around which makes campus life lively and exciting. I am so glad I chose to attend Oakland University. Go Grizzlies!!
DeAna
04/10/2020
I think Oakland University is a great school. The community is very welcoming and it seems very relaxing being on-campus. I like being able to study and hang out with friends. The only thing I would say is problematic about Oakland University is having to eat the same restaurants everyday but other than that it's a pretty cool school, I recommend it to anyone.
Renee
03/14/2020
I believe that Oakland University is a good choice for a university. Professors are flexible, and are usually available during weeks and through emails (or other forms of contact) to answer questions. Student life is thriving, and community here is happening in many ways (clubs, sports, etc). Overall, I recommend anyone applying for colleges to give Oakland University a tour, and to check out the website!
Nicole
02/11/2020
Oakland University is overall a good school. The best part about it is how safe the environment feels. Campus police are everywhere, along with many help buttons that are scattered around. Most of the professors are willing to help, but there are a few old school ones who need to change their teaching habits to become more modern day. Cafeteria food isn't the best. But, they are willing to accommodate to your needs if you have class during meal time or have allergies.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Oakland University is 86%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
My college experience so far has opened the door to acadamia in a way I never before believed possible. Rather than the teachers becoming annoyed if you answer too many questions, or being ridiculed by your classmates for being younger than they are, yet in the same grade, they seek out and pride intellectualism. I've become better at time management, working and going to school full time, and have been able to make connections with my teachers that would be frowned upon in high school, talking after class about books, films, and politics in a way that no high school teacher would have ever dared do. All in all, college has renewed my love for study, and has opened my mind to the idea that I really can do whatever I set my mind to, all it takes is a little hard work.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Someone who is very independent, and likes to experience a lot of new things. Going to school here ends up feeling like high school. The classes are all small, the workload is about the same, and you eventually start to see the same people all the time.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
What's unique about Oakland University is the 7 to 1 girl to guy ratio of students on campus. Now for any prospective student searching for the right school who does not know where to go, this fact alone could be a draw for many guys not just looking for a degree. Being a great school that draws many future female teachers to Oakland's exceptional education and nursing programs, guys will find themselves emersed with attractive females in every classroom. Now I wasn't aware of this fact before i started going there, but it definitely was a plus!
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?
I wish I had known how different university was than community college. Before attending classes at Oakland University, I had been going to school at Macomb Community College. There, the class sizes were much smaller and overall the way the classes were structured were much different. Going into Oakland University, I wasn't used to the "three exams then one final" structure that made up the majority of my courses. It's a much harsher grading system than I had become acclimatized to at MCC. I simply hadn't fully realized this increase in difficulty before I started my courses.
The kind of person that should attend Oakland University is someone that is serious about education. The University experience is unique in that it is only a few things is life that you can learn to appreciate. I attended college directly out of high school for a few reasons; one of which being that's what everyone expected me to do. I don't think that I really appreciated how valuable the experience was at the time. I now realize how important a college degree is in life. Not only for career goals but for personal achievement.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
the financial aid process and the housing selection. financial aid sometimes takes to long to process everything and the housing process is just something that needs to be changed.
I love Oakland University. There are so many things to do here and so many things that are free that you need as a college student. Many opportunities!!
culture shock. you have to get used to not being with family everyday. college work is definitely different from high school so you have to focus twice as hard.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
86% of students attending Oakland University receive some sort of financial aid.
33% were awarded federal grants.53%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
