In Huntsville, Alabama, there is a historically black private university called Oakwood University. The Seventh-day Adventist Church oversees its administration. Oakwood Industrial School was the name given to the institution when it was founded in 1896.
There were 16 students in the school’s inaugural class. The institution changed its name to “Oakwood Manual Training School” in 1904, and three years later it was granted a charter to operate as a college. When the institution began providing postsecondary secondary education, it changed its name to “Oakwood Junior College.”
The name was once more changed to “Oakwood College” in 1944 when bachelor degree programs were introduced. In 1958, SACS granted it institutional recognition. The college’s board decided to change the school’s name after receiving authority to offer graduate degree programs in 2007.
In Huntsville, the institution has a total of 1,185 acres. On 105 acres, the main campus is made up of 23 structures. A notable structure is J. L. Moran Hall, which was built in 1944 and named for the college’s first African American president.
The McKee Business & Technology Complex, the Bradford-Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center, Holland Hall, Wade Hall, Peterson Hall, and Cunningham Hall are some further significant structures. The institution airs WJOU, an FM station that plays Christian music. The Aeolians, a traveling musical group from the institution, performs.
As representatives of the university, they travel both inside and outside of the country. Division I of the USCAA is where the university sporting teams compete. Their official colors are blue and gold, and they go by the moniker “The Ambassadors.”
There are 15 academic departments in the university, which offer both undergraduate and graduate studies. Both bachelor’s and master’s degrees are awarded. Through the Adventist Colleges Overseas program, students at Oakwood can finish a portion of their studies abroad.
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Acceptance Rate
Oakwood University has a selective admission policy, and its acceptance rate is around 60%. This means that out of 100 applicants, only 60 are admitted. The admission process is competitive, and the university considers several factors, including academic performance, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal character.
Graduation and Retention Rate
The graduation rate at Oakwood University is 42%, which is slightly lower than the national average. However, the university’s retention rate is relatively high, with around 74% of students returning for their second year. This indicates that students are satisfied with the education and resources offered at Oakwood University, and that the university is able to provide the support students need to succeed.
Tuition Fee
The tuition fee at Oakwood University is moderate compared to other universities. For the 2021-2022 academic year, the tuition fee was $15,640. However, this fee does not include other expenses such as room and board, books, and transportation.
The university offers various scholarships and grants to help students cover their expenses, including merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and athletic scholarships.
Student Loans
Oakwood University offers various loan options to help students pay for their education, including federal loans, private loans, and alternative loans. Federal loans, such as the Direct Subsidized Loan and the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, are available to students who demonstrate financial need.
Private loans, on the other hand, are offered by private lenders and may have higher interest rates and less favorable repayment terms. Alternative loans are another option, but they should be considered as a last resort because they may have high interest rates and unfavorable repayment terms.
Average Salary of Oakwood University Graduates
The average salary of Oakwood University graduates varies depending on their field of study and level of education. However, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education, the average salary of graduates with a bachelor’s degree is around $40,000.
This is slightly lower than the national average, but it is important to note that the salary can vary greatly depending on the specific field of study and job market conditions.
Location
Oakwood University is located in Huntsville, Alabama, a city that is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to numerous museums, parks, and outdoor attractions, as well as a growing tech industry and a thriving arts community.
Huntsville is also home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, which provides numerous opportunities for students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Conclusion
Oakwood University is a historically black Seventh-day Adventist institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. The university has a selective admission policy and a moderate tuition fee, and it provides various loan options and scholarships to help students pay for their education.
The university’s graduation and retention rate is slightly lower than the national average, but its location in Huntsville, Alabama provides students with numerous opportunities to learn and grow both academically and personally.
