Oakwood University
OU
Huntsville, Alabama 35896
Data last updated: May 29, 2026
Campus Vibe
Known for biology — close-knit campus
Oakwood University is a private institution in Huntsville with particular strength in biology and health sciences.
A small campus of 1.3K undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
49% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $42,488 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,384.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
Admissions
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
42.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
5.3%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$21,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
9
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (57)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
64%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Ambassadors and
History & Fun Facts
- •In January 1896, the committee bought for $6,700 the 360-acre (1.
- •That same year, Oakwood University was founded as Oakwood Industrial School in Huntsville, Alabama, under the authority of the General Conference.
- •Classes commenced in November 1896 with 16 students enrolled.
- •Solon Marquis Jacobs served as the school's first principal beginning in 1896 and, in 1917, James Irving Beardsley was appointed the first president.
- •Prior to 1917, the school was renamed Huntsville Training School and Oakwood Manual Training School before it became Oakwood Junior College.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from AL state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
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