Oakland University, located in Rochester, Michigan, is a vibrant institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and student success. Established in 1957, the university has grown significantly and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including business, engineering, health sciences, and arts. The campus is beautifully set on a sprawling 1,443-acre landscape, providing students with a scenic environment that enhances their learning experience. The university is dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity, encouraging students to engage in extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and volunteer work.

One of the defining features of Oakland University is its focus on research and innovation. The university boasts a diverse faculty comprised of experienced professionals and scholars who are committed to providing high-quality education and mentorship to students. This emphasis on research allows students to collaborate on projects that advance their knowledge and skills. Additionally, Oakland University has a robust athletic program, with numerous sports teams competing at the NCAA Division I level, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among students. The university's motto, "Seek Knowledge, Transform Lives," reflects its mission to empower students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. With a strong alumni network and a commitment to career services, Oakland University graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Oakland University

Oakland University has seen notable trends in tuition fees, graduation rates, and student retention over the past decade. Tuition for in-state undergraduate students rose significantly from approximately $11,108 in 2014 to $16,429 in 2024, marking an increase of nearly 47%. This steep rise in tuition may pose challenges for students and families, particularly in light of increasing student debt levels nationwide.

In terms of student success, the graduation rates reveal a positive trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from about 12.5% in 2013 to approximately 31.3% in 2023. This nearly threefold increase suggests that the university has made strides in supporting students to complete their degrees within four years, which is crucial given the financial implications of extended studies.

Retention rates have also shown variability. The retention rate for undergraduates fluctuated over the years, peaking at around 78% in 2014 and then dropping to approximately 73% in 2022 before recovering slightly to 75.2% in 2023. While the retention rate remains relatively strong, the dips suggest that the university may need to enhance its support services to improve student satisfaction and persistence.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has slightly worsened, dropping from 21:1 in 2013 to 17:1 by 2023. While a lower ratio generally indicates more individualized attention for students, the decrease may also reflect a reduction in faculty numbers or an increase in student enrollment, affecting the overall quality of education.

Overall, while Oakland University is making progress in graduation rates and maintaining reasonable retention levels, the rising tuition costs and fluctuating student-to-faculty ratios highlight areas where further attention and improvement are necessary to enhance the overall student experience.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Oakland University

The graduation data from Oakland University in 2023 reveals significant trends, particularly in the fields related to health and medicine. Notably, Registered Nursing stands out with a substantial number of graduates, totaling 479 for the bachelor's degree. This indicates a strong focus on healthcare education, likely in response to the increasing demand for healthcare professionals in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of international students, with seven graduating in this field, also highlights the university's appeal to a global audience in nursing education.

Additionally, the data indicates a notable absence of master’s and doctorate graduates in certain disciplines, particularly in medicine and related sciences. For instance, while there are 113 doctorate graduates in medicine, there are no graduates at the bachelor or master levels. This may reflect the rigorous pathways in these fields, where students may pursue their education directly into specialized programs rather than completing earlier degrees at the same institution.

Moreover, disciplines such as liberal arts and business also contribute to the university's diverse academic offerings, albeit with smaller numbers of graduates. The low figures in these areas suggest a potential area for growth and recruitment, as many institutions are currently emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education in the workforce.

Overall, the data underscores a robust commitment to healthcare education at Oakland University, while also revealing opportunities for expansion in other fields. As the job market continues to evolve, the university may benefit from strategically enhancing its offerings to attract a broader range of students.

Analysis of Oakland University Admission Trends and Ranking

Oakland University's admission data illustrates a significant fluctuation in both its rankings and acceptance rates over the years. Notably, in 2025, the university achieved a rank of 315, reflecting a modest improvement from its previous year's ranking of 332. This upward trend may suggest a positive shift in the university's reputation and academic offerings, potentially attracting a higher quality of applicants. Examining the admission rates reveals that the acceptance rate for male applicants started from around 74% in 2009 and has generally hovered in the 80% range over the years, with a notable peak of 91.4% in 2022. Conversely, female applicants consistently experienced slightly higher acceptance rates, peaking at 92.5% in the same year. This gender disparity in acceptance rates is an interesting point for future studies regarding the university's recruitment strategy and demographic outreach. The enrollment figures have also seen volatility, with the highest enrollment recorded at 2,713 in 2016. The trend indicates that as the acceptance rates have fluctuated, so too has the number of students enrolling. For instance, despite a high acceptance rate in 2022, enrollment decreased to 2,025, suggesting potential issues in yield or student satisfaction. Overall, while the latest rankings and acceptance rates are encouraging, they also present challenges for Oakland University as it seeks to balance quality and access. Continuous monitoring of these metrics will be essential for the university's strategic planning and long-term goals.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at Oakland University

The admission statistics for Oakland University over the years reveal a consistent trend towards a higher percentage of applicants submitting ACT scores, with figures reaching up to 100% in 2013. This suggests a strong preference or requirement for the ACT among prospective students, which might reflect broader trends in college admissions where standardized testing remains a significant factor.

While the ACT submission rates remain high, the SAT data shows a contrasting picture. In recent years, particularly from 2016 onwards, there has been a notable increase in the submission of SAT scores, albeit at a lower percentage compared to the ACT. The percentage of SAT submissions peaked at 80% in 2018, indicating a growing acceptance or interest in the SAT among students. However, by 2023, this number dropped significantly, with only 1% of applicants submitting SAT scores, which raises questions about the future role of the SAT in the admissions process.

The reported SAT and ACT score ranges suggest that the academic caliber of admitted students is relatively stable. For instance, the 25th to 75th percentile scores demonstrate a competitive landscape, with students achieving substantial scores across both tests. The fluctuation in score ranges over the years indicates a dynamic applicant pool, which may be influenced by changing educational policies and test preparation methods.

Overall, Oakland University's data reflects the evolving nature of college admissions and the impact of standardized testing. As higher education institutions increasingly explore holistic admissions processes, the reliance on these scores may continue to shift, potentially leading to a more diverse and inclusive applicant pool in the future.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Oakland University in 2023

The student body at Oakland University in 2023 reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and gender distributions. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 2,117, with a gender ratio of 43% male and 57% female. This trend continues among the undergraduate juniors, where the total population is 9,166, showing a similar male-to-female ratio.

Notably, the undergraduate transfer students, numbering 1,343, have a slightly lower percentage of male students at 38.4%, indicating that female students are more likely to transfer into the university. The graduate student population, which consists of 3,267 individuals, also shows a predominance of female students at 58.1%.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, while detailed breakdowns for all categories are not fully available, it is evident that the majority of students identify as White. This demographic trend aligns with national statistics regarding higher education, where institutions often see a larger representation of White students compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Overall, the gender distribution indicates a continuing trend in higher education where female enrollment is increasing relative to males. This is particularly significant in light of ongoing discussions around gender equity in educational institutions. The university is encouraged to continue fostering an inclusive environment that supports all students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, as they pursue their academic goals.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Oakland University

The age distribution of students at Oakland University reveals intriguing insights into the demographic makeup of the institution. A significant portion of the student body falls within the traditional college age range of 18-24, with those aged 18-19 and 20-21 collectively representing approximately 54% of the total student population. This aligns with national trends where universities often attract younger students directly from high school.

Interestingly, the data shows a notable decline in student numbers as age increases, particularly after 24. For example, the age group of 25-29 constitutes around 12% of the total enrollment, while the 30-34 age group drops to about 5%. This trend could be indicative of the challenges non-traditional students face, such as balancing work, family responsibilities, and education.

The gender composition also provides valuable insights. Among the undergraduate population, there are more females than males in nearly every age category, particularly in the younger groups. This trend reflects a broader societal shift, as more women pursue higher education than ever before.

Moreover, the presence of older students, particularly those aged 30 and above, suggests an increasing recognition of lifelong learning and the importance of advanced degrees in a competitive job market. This demographic diversity can enrich the university environment, fostering a broader range of perspectives and experiences.

In conclusion, Oakland University’s student age composition not only showcases a predominance of younger students but also highlights the importance of inclusivity for older learners, as higher education continues to evolve in response to societal needs.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Oakland University

The data on international student enrollment at Oakland University reveals a dynamic trend over the years. For undergraduate students, the percentage of international students has seen fluctuations, peaking at 2.29% in 2019 before slightly declining to 1.94% in 2023. The rise and fall in international undergraduate enrollment can be attributed to various factors, including global events, changes in immigration policies, and shifting perceptions about studying abroad.

In contrast, the percentage of international graduate students has shown a more consistent increase, rising from 7.85% in 2004 to 15.52% in 2023. This growth suggests that Oakland University has become an attractive destination for graduate studies, possibly due to its programs, faculty, and research opportunities. The increase in graduate international students reflects a broader trend observed in many U.S. universities, where graduate programs are increasingly appealing to international applicants seeking advanced degrees.

The overall numbers indicate that while undergraduate international student enrollment has been somewhat stagnant, graduate enrollment continues to thrive. This divergence may signal a shift in the university's international recruiting strategies or changes in the job market that influence postgraduate education decisions among international students.

As we look to the future, it will be essential for institutions like Oakland University to adapt to global educational trends and maintain an inclusive environment that attracts a diverse student body, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions. The rising enrollment of international graduate students is a positive sign, reflecting the university's potential to foster a global academic community.

Here are some notable universities near Oakland University:

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Ranked 21st in the 2025 US News, this prestigious institution is renowned for its research programs and diverse academic offerings.

2. Wayne State University - Holding the 179th position, Wayne State is a significant urban public research university located in Detroit, known for its commitment to community engagement and a wide range of degree programs.

3. Michigan State University - With a rank of 63, MSU is one of the largest universities in the US, recognized for its strong emphasis on research and its vibrant campus life.

4. University of Notre Dame - This highly esteemed university ranks 18th and is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong athletic tradition.

5. Hillsdale College - Ranked 50th, Hillsdale is a liberal arts college that emphasizes classical education and the principles of American constitutionalism.

6. Case Western Reserve University - With a rank of 51, this university is known for its strong engineering, business, and law programs.

These institutions represent a diverse array of educational opportunities in the region, catering to various academic interests and career aspirations.

Analysis of Crime Data at Oakland University

The crime data from Oakland University over the years presents an intriguing trend. Notably, the overall crime rate per 1,000 students has seen a significant decline from 2016 onwards, dropping from 7.75 to just 3.54 by 2023. This reduction highlights the university's efforts to enhance campus safety and security, which may include improved policing strategies, better educational programs on crime prevention, and increased awareness among students.

In examining specific crime categories, incidents of gun-related arrests have been a particular concern. Despite fluctuations in the overall crime figures, gun-related issues have remained a persistent threat, indicating that further targeted interventions may be necessary. However, the sharp decrease in drug and alcohol-related arrests in recent years suggests effective outreach programs may be yielding positive results.

The dramatic drop in crime rates from 2020 to 2022, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic, warrants consideration. The reduced presence of students on campus likely contributed to fewer incidents, a phenomenon seen in many educational institutions during this period. As students return to campus life, it will be crucial for the university to maintain vigilance in crime prevention strategies to ensure a safe environment.

Overall, while the decline in crime rates is encouraging, ongoing efforts to foster a secure campus community are essential. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures will be key to addressing potential issues as university life returns to normal post-pandemic. For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further information can be found at this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.