Oakland City University (OCU) is a private Christian university located in Oakland City, Indiana. Established in 1885, the university has a rich history and a strong commitment to providing a high-quality education rooted in Christian values. OCU's mission is to prepare students for lives of service, leadership, and stewardship, which is reflected in its emphasis on character development alongside academic achievement. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on liberal arts, education, business, and religious studies, catering to a variety of interests and career aspirations.

The campus of Oakland City University is known for its welcoming and supportive environment, fostering a close-knit community among students, faculty, and staff. With modern facilities and a commitment to student engagement, OCU encourages participation in various extracurricular activities, including sports, cultural events, and community service. The university's athletic teams, known as the Mighty Oaks, compete in the NAIA and provide students with opportunities to excel in sports while promoting teamwork and school spirit. Moreover, OCU boasts a strong network of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, enhancing the university's reputation and offering current students valuable connections for future careers. Overall, Oakland City University stands out for its dedication to holistic education that blends academic rigor with character development and community involvement.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Oakland City University

Oakland City University, a private institution, has shown notable trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. The data reveals a consistent increase in both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition fees, which rose from $19,200 in 2014 to $26,400 in 2023. This represents a substantial increase of approximately 37% over the decade. The rising tuition costs may pose a significant barrier for prospective students, particularly in an era where student debt is a growing concern across the United States.

Student enrollment figures have also fluctuated considerably. The number of undergraduate students peaked in 2014 at 2,311 but saw a sharp decline to just 699 by 2023. This 70% reduction in enrollment raises questions about the institution's appeal, especially in light of increasing tuition rates. The decline in student numbers could also have a knock-on effect on the university's financial stability and resources available for current students.

Graduation rates present another area of concern. The percentage of undergraduate students graduating on time fell drastically to 15.625% in 2023, a stark contrast from earlier years where graduation rates hovered around the mid-30s to lower 40s percentage range. This decline indicates potential issues within academic support systems or student engagement that could be contributing to lower graduation outcomes.

Lastly, the retention rate, which measures the percentage of students who continue their studies at the same institution, has seen fluctuations as well. After a peak of 85.4% in 2021, it decreased to around 71% in 2023. This trend suggests challenges in maintaining student satisfaction and engagement, which are crucial for both retention and overall institutional reputation.

In summary, while Oakland City University has maintained its status as a private educational institution, the rising tuition fees, declining enrollment, and troubling graduation rates reflect significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure its long-term viability and attractiveness to prospective students.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Oakland City University

The graduation data from Oakland City University in 2023 reveals notable trends in various academic disciplines, particularly in higher education degrees. The most striking observation is the significant number of doctoral graduates, particularly in Educational Leadership and Administration, where 28 individuals earned their doctorate. This could reflect the university's commitment to producing leaders in the educational sector, especially in light of the increasing demand for educational reform and leadership in the post-pandemic era.

In contrast, the data indicates a lack of international students graduating with bachelor’s degrees across various programs, with zero reported for most categories. This is a concerning trend, especially given the global emphasis on diversity and inclusion in educational institutions. The absence of international representation in undergraduate programs may limit cultural exchange and perspectives, which are essential components of a well-rounded educational experience.

Moreover, the data shows a modest number of graduates in the Business Administration field, with 15 earning a master's degree, but no bachelor’s degrees. This could suggest a potential bottleneck in undergraduate enrollment or a shift in students opting for immediate postgraduate education instead.

Lastly, the absence of graduates in certain disciplines such as Applied Mathematics and Digital Arts, raises questions about the university's program appeal and market alignment. In a rapidly evolving job market, it is crucial for educational institutions to adapt and offer programs that meet the demands of contemporary careers.

Overall, the graduation data reflects both strengths and areas for improvement within Oakland City University’s academic offerings, particularly emphasizing the need for strategic enhancements to attract a more diverse student body and align programs with workforce needs.

Analysis of Oakland City University's Admission Trends

The admission data for Oakland City University reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in acceptance rates and enrollment numbers. The varying acceptance rates for male and female applicants highlight a notable disparity, with male admission rates often exceeding those of females. For instance, in 2009, the male admission rate was approximately 86%, while the female rate stood at around 54%. This trend continued in subsequent years, reflecting potential underlying biases or differing applicant profiles. Interestingly, the enrollment figures have not consistently aligned with the admission rates. In 2013, for example, despite a low admission rate of around 45% for males, the university enrolled only 136 students, indicating a possible decline in overall interest or a strategic shift in admissions processes. The data also shows a peak in admissions in 2014, with a significant percentage of accepted students deferring their enrollment, which may have implications for university planning and resource allocation. The most recent rankings from 2023 and 2024 indicate a downward trend, with the university ranked 263rd and 304th respectively. Such rankings can have a profound impact on student perception and recruitment efforts, as prospective students often consider institutional reputation when making decisions. Overall, the variability in acceptance rates, enrollment numbers, and declining rankings suggests that Oakland City University may need to reevaluate its recruitment strategies and address potential issues affecting female admissions to enhance its appeal and competitiveness in the higher education landscape.

Analysis of Admission Test Scores at Oakland City University

The data from Oakland City University's admission statistics reveals significant trends in SAT and ACT scores over the years. Notably, the number of students submitting SAT scores has fluctuated, with a peak of 240 students in 2007, gradually declining to 47 students in 2023. This decrease in submissions could indicate a shift in student preferences or test availability, especially as many universities have adopted test-optional policies in recent years.

The SAT reading and mathematics scores show a trend of gradual improvement, particularly from 2018 onward. The 25th percentile and 75th percentile scores reflect an increase, suggesting that the admitted students are achieving higher academic standards. For instance, by 2022, the 25th percentile score for reading and mathematics reached 480 and 590, respectively, which is an encouraging sign of academic prowess among the incoming class.

Conversely, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores remains relatively stable, hovering around 50-68%. The ACT composite score range also indicates a steady performance level among students, which aligns with national trends where ACT scores have remained relatively constant over the past decade.

This data could also reflect broader educational trends, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on standardized testing and college admissions. Many institutions have recognized that a singular focus on test scores may not fully encapsulate a student's potential, leading to more holistic admissions processes.

Overall, Oakland City University appears to be adapting to the changing landscape of college admissions while simultaneously witnessing a gradual rise in academic benchmarks among its admitted students.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Oakland City University in 2023

In 2023, Oakland City University showcases a diverse student body, highlighting trends in gender and racial composition among various categories of students. The data reveals that the largest group consists of undergraduate freshmen, with a total of 128 students. Among these, 58.6% are male and 41.4% are female, indicating a moderate gender imbalance favoring male students.

Undergraduate juniors represent the second-largest demographic, totaling 411 students. This group exhibits a slightly more balanced gender ratio, with 54.5% male and 45.5% female students. Interestingly, undergraduate transfer students show almost equal representation between genders, with 50.8% male and 49.2% female, reflecting a trend towards gender parity in this category.

Graduate students, however, present a different picture. With 181 students, only 40.3% are male, while a significant majority of 59.7% are female. This disparity could suggest an increasing trend of women pursuing advanced degrees, which aligns with national trends observed in higher education where female enrollment in graduate programs has been rising consistently.

The ethnic composition details are yet to be fully disclosed, but it is notable that the university emphasizes diversity across its student populations. The presence of various racial categories reflects a commitment to inclusivity, which could enhance the educational experience by bringing together diverse perspectives.

Overall, the demographic data from Oakland City University in 2023 underscores shifting trends in gender representation and a focus on diversity, which are essential for fostering a rich educational environment. As the university continues to adapt to these changes, it will be interesting to observe how these dynamics evolve in the coming years.

Analysis of Student Age Distribution at Oakland City University

The age distribution of students at Oakland City University in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding the demographics of both undergraduate and graduate populations. The data indicates that the majority of students fall within the younger age brackets, particularly those under 24 years old. For instance, students aged 18-19 and 20-21 comprise a significant portion of the undergraduate population, with a notable number of females in both categories, suggesting that the university attracts younger students, possibly straight out of high school.

Interestingly, the number of graduate male students aged 30-34 and 35-39 is considerable, with 25 and 28 respectively. This trend may reflect a growing inclination among older students to pursue further education, possibly driven by career advancements and the need for specialized knowledge in an increasingly competitive job market.

Moreover, the total number of female students remains higher than that of male students across most age groups. This gender distribution aligns with national trends in higher education, where female enrollment has surpassed that of males in recent years.

However, the university also has a noticeable decline in student numbers beyond the 30-34 age range, which may highlight challenges for older adults in balancing education with other life responsibilities. The absence of students aged 50-64 in undergraduate programs might suggest that the university has yet to attract this demographic, which could be an area for growth.

Overall, the data from Oakland City University reflects broader trends in higher education, emphasizing the importance of understanding age and gender dynamics to better cater to the diverse student population.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Oakland City University

The data from Oakland City University reveals significant fluctuations in international student enrollment over the years. In 2005, international undergraduate students made up only 2.41% of the total undergraduate population. This percentage experienced a notable decline until 2009, when the number of international undergraduates fell to just 0.26%. This drop can be attributed to various factors, including economic conditions and changes in immigration policies that may have influenced international students' decisions to study in the United States.

A gradual recovery began in 2014, with the percentage of international undergraduates increasing to 1.64%. The trend accelerated remarkably in recent years, culminating in 2023, when international students constituted an impressive 8.15% of the undergraduate population. This increase may reflect a growing global interest in U.S. higher education and efforts by the university to enhance its international recruitment strategies.

However, the situation for graduate students appears less stable. The percentage of international graduate students has remained relatively low, with a peak of 3.96% in 2007, but it has fluctuated significantly since then, with some years recording no international graduate students. This inconsistency could indicate challenges in attracting graduate applicants, possibly due to competition from other institutions or shifts in academic programs.

Overall, the increasing presence of international students at Oakland City University, particularly at the undergraduate level, highlights the institution's evolving role in the global education landscape. With ongoing efforts to improve its international appeal, the university may continue to see growth in this demographic, fostering a diverse academic community that benefits all students.

Here are some notable universities near Oakland City University:

1. Indiana University-Bloomington - Ranked 73rd in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is well-known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life.

2. University of Louisville - With a rank of 179, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.

3. DePauw University - A highly regarded liberal arts college, DePauw is ranked 50th and is known for its strong emphasis on student engagement and academic excellence.

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - This prestigious university is ranked 33rd and is recognized for its research programs and vibrant campus community.

5. Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th, Vanderbilt is a leading research institution that offers a unique blend of academic rigor and a close-knit community.

6. Washington University in St Louis - This university is ranked 21st and is famous for its excellent programs in various disciplines and a strong commitment to research.

These institutions provide a wealth of educational opportunities and resources for students in the region.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Oakland City University

The crime data from Oakland City University reveals a concerning trend in recent years. Starting from a low average of 0.08 incidents per 1,000 students in 2013, the crime rate saw a significant increase in 2014 to 2.40, followed by further escalation in subsequent years. The peak occurred in 2023, with a striking average of 7.95 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a dramatic rise in criminal activity on campus.

Particularly alarming are the arrest rates for gun-related offenses and drug-related incidents, which have shown notable fluctuations. The data suggests that while incidents may have decreased in some years, the overall trajectory points toward an escalation in crime, with a marked increase in violent offenses such as assaults and domestic violence in recent years. For instance, the number of arrests for drug-related offenses appears to have spiked, raising concerns about substance abuse among the student population.

The increase in crime rates could reflect broader societal issues, including the impact of the pandemic and heightened tensions within communities. Such trends are not unique to Oakland City University but resonate with national statistics indicating rising crime rates in many urban centers.

Universities must address these challenges through enhanced safety measures, educational programs on substance abuse, and support services for students. The rising figures underscore the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community.

For more information on calculating crime rates, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.