Overview
Founded in 1896 as Oakwood Industrial School, Oakwood University is a historically Black college affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, located in Huntsville, Alabama. It began as an institution dedicated to educating formerly enslaved people and their descendants, evolving over more than a century into a fully accredited university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees. Oakwood is widely recognized for its strong pre-professional programs, particularly in the sciences, and for producing generations of doctors, ministers, and community leaders rooted in Adventist values.
At a Glance
| Type | Private |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Founded | 1896 |
| Total students | 1,700 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 14:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 40% |
| Graduation rate | 45% |
| Average starting salary | $42,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $18,500 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,500 |
| Room & board | $9,500 |
| Average financial aid | $12,000 |
| Students receiving aid | 90% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 870-1050 |
| ACT range | 16-21 |
| Average GPA | 3.10 |
| Regular deadline | August 1 |
Top Programs
- Biology/Pre-Med
- Business Administration
- Religion/Theology
- Music
- Social Work
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.