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Oakwood University: Moran Hall
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Christian college

#22 Christian colleges with the strongest worship and chapel in America

Oakwood University

Huntsville, AL · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Seventh-day Adventist Church · Seventh-day Adventist

Real cost

Average price after aid $25,669 a year

Median debt at graduation: $27,000 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Oakwood University, sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, holds a weekly Thursday chapel for undergraduates who carry six or more hours. Its Office of Spiritual Life & Missions runs residence-hall worship, many small groups that meet weekly, and mission trips. The 2025-2027 bulletin requires two religion courses of every bachelor's student, and more for students who enter as freshmen; a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Languages is offered.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “Morning prayer services, small groups, and evening worships are available every day”

    Source: catalog.oakwood.edu

  • “Many groups meet weekly on campus for encouragement and spiritual development.”

    Source: catalog.oakwood.edu

  • “Oakwood participates in annual local, national and international mission trips where we seek to involve students, faculty and staff.”

    Source: oakwood.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Yes. Traditional undergraduates taking at least six hours a semester are required to attend weekly chapel and assemblies on Thursday mornings.

Source: catalog.oakwood.edu
What's a normal week?

Morning prayer, small groups and evening worships are available every day, and chapel meets Thursday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m.

Source: catalog.oakwood.edu
Where do I find community?

Many small groups meet weekly on campus for encouragement and spiritual growth.

Source: catalog.oakwood.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Oakwood takes part in annual local, national and international mission trips that involve students, faculty and staff.

Source: oakwood.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

B-Academic Excellence: B- (grade B-): 0 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
57 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.45%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.71%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.14 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$9,746

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

AWorship and chapel: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

85 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Morning prayer services are listed as available every day (residence-hall worship, bulletin); the required chapel is weekly (see schedules).)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Office of Spiritual Life and Missionscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Morning prayer services, small groups, and evening worships are available every day”
      Morning prayer services, evening worships and small groups are available every day for students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Weekly Thursday chapel is mandatory for undergraduates carrying six or more hours; residence-hall students must earn three worship credits each week.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Assembly/Chapelcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Attendance is mandatory for all traditional, undergraduate students taking at least six (6) hours per semester.”
      Chapel attendance is mandatory for traditional undergraduates taking at least six hours a semester.
      “Students residing on campus in one of the residence halls (Carter, Holland, Edwards, and Wade) are expected to attend a set number of services per week.”
      Residents of the four named residence halls are expected to attend a set number of worship services each week.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Evening worships are listed as available every day in the bulletin.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Office of Spiritual Life and Missionscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Morning prayer services, small groups, and evening worships are available every day”
      Morning prayer services, evening worships and small groups are available every day for students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Daily or always open (Morning prayer services are available every day, and the Prayer Ministries of the Chaplain's Office offer prayer opportunities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Office of Spiritual Life and Missionscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Morning prayer services, small groups, and evening worships are available every day”
      Morning prayer services, evening worships and small groups are available every day for students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (The bulletin refers to the Campus Chaplains without naming them; recorded as part-time under the same rule used for unnamed chaplains.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Campus Ministriescatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Campus Ministries is an organization led by the Campus Chaplains and student”
      Campus Ministries is led by the Campus Chaplains, who are not named in the bulletin.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Campus Buildingscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “classrooms for the Department of Religion and Theology, and the C. T. Richards Chapel.”
      The Moseley Complex houses the C. T. Richards Chapel.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

79 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Minimum for all bachelor's students: RG 202 Fundamentals of Seventh-day Adventist Beliefs and RG 301 The Gift of Prophecy (students who enter as freshmen also take RG 102 and one choice; transfer juniors and seniors take RG 202 and RG 301). Counted as theology.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, General Education Curriculumcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “juniors and seniors are required to complete RG 202 and RG 301”
      Transfer juniors and seniors must complete RG 202 and RG 301, the minimum religion requirement for all bachelor's students; RG 202 and RG 301 are the only religion courses required of every student.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsOne choice among others (RG 101 Introduction to the Bible is one choice among RG 101, RG 203, RG 321 and RG 350. No Old and New Testament course is required of all students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, General Education Curriculumcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Select one course from: RG 101, RG 203, RG 321, or RG 350”
      One Bible or religion course is chosen from four options, RG 101 among them.
      “An introductory course to the content, structure, and history of the Bible.”
      RG 101 Introduction to the Bible is an introductory course to the Bible's content, structure and history.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Stated in the university's mission as part of academic policy; the general education program is described as Christ-centered.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Mission and Curriculumcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “the integration of spiritual instruction and understanding as a part of intellectual growth”
      The university's mission integrates spiritual instruction into intellectual growth.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Languages, plus Ministerial Theology and Religion majors.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Biblical Studies and Languagescatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The program in Biblical Studies and Languages is designed both for the person who desires to enter pastoral ministry”
      A Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Languages is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (The Interim Vice President, Spiritual Life & Missions is listed by title; the Campus Chaplains are mentioned without names. Counted as 1 to 2 named or titled professional staff.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life and Mission | Oakwood Universityoakwood.edu/life-at-oakwood/spiritual-life-and-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Interim Vice President, Spiritual Life & Missions”
      The Office of Spiritual Life & Missions has an Interim Vice President.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Office of Spiritual Life and Missionscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Many groups meet weekly on campus for encouragement and spiritual development.”
      Many small groups meet weekly on campus for spiritual development.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (The bulletin names the expected worship services for all four residence halls (Carter, Holland, Edwards and Wade).)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Worshipscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students residing on campus in one of the residence halls (Carter, Holland, Edwards, and Wade) are expected to attend a set number of services per week.”
      Residents of the four named residence halls are expected to attend a set number of worship services each week.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life and Mission | Oakwood Universityoakwood.edu/life-at-oakwood/spiritual-life-and-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Office of Spiritual Life at Oakwood University supports the educational mission of Oakwood University”
      The Office of Spiritual Life & Missions is the university's office for spiritual life, with an Interim Vice President over it.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

71 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes (The Office of Spiritual Life & Missions runs the university's mission trips and outreach.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life and Mission | Oakwood Universityoakwood.edu/life-at-oakwood/spiritual-life-and-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Oakwood participates in annual local, national and international mission trips where we seek to involve students, faculty and staff.”
      The university runs annual local, national and international mission trips for students, faculty and staff.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Service-Learningcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each academic department offers at least one course that integrates service-learning.”
      Every academic department offers at least one service-learning course; service-learning is not required of all students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Annual local, national and international mission trips; no statement of how many each year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Spiritual Life and Mission | Oakwood Universityoakwood.edu/life-at-oakwood/spiritual-life-and-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Oakwood participates in annual local, national and international mission trips where we seek to involve students, faculty and staff.”
      The university runs annual local, national and international mission trips for students, faculty and staff.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome (OU 205 Global Service (international service participation) and international mission trips.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, OU 205 Global Servicecatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The second component is international service participation and is”
      OU 205 Global Service includes international service participation in a foreign country.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Service-Learningcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Courses designated as service-learning provide students with opportunities to explore the meaning and value of service within the context of the Christian faith.”
      Service-learning courses explore service within the context of the Christian faith.

Strengths

  • Many small groups meet weekly on campus for spiritual development.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Office of Spiritual Life and Missionscatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Many groups meet weekly on campus for encouragement and spiritual development.”
      Many small groups meet weekly on campus for spiritual development.
  • Weekly chapel is required on Thursday mornings for undergraduates carrying six or more hours.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Assembly/Chapelcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Registered students carrying six (6) or more credit hours are required to attend weekly chapel/assemblies on Thursday mornings from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.”
      Weekly chapel is required on Thursday mornings, 10:00 to 11:00 AM, for undergraduates carrying six or more hours.
  • A global service course (OU 205) and annual mission trips are offered to students.
    Sources (2)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, OU 205 Global Servicecatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The second component is international service participation and is”
      OU 205 Global Service includes international service participation in a foreign country.
    2. Spiritual Life and Mission | Oakwood Universityoakwood.edu/life-at-oakwood/spiritual-life-and-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Oakwood participates in annual local, national and international mission trips where we seek to involve students, faculty and staff.”
      The university runs annual local, national and international mission trips for students, faculty and staff.
  • Service-learning courses explore service within the context of the Christian faith.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Service-Learningcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Courses designated as service-learning provide students with opportunities to explore the meaning and value of service within the context of the Christian faith.”
      Service-learning courses explore service within the context of the Christian faith.

Concerns

  • No Old or New Testament course is required of all students. RG 101 Introduction to the Bible is one choice among four.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, General Education Curriculumcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Select one course from: RG 101, RG 203, RG 321, or RG 350”
      One Bible or religion course is chosen from four options, RG 101 among them.
      “An introductory course to the content, structure, and history of the Bible.”
      RG 101 Introduction to the Bible is an introductory course to the Bible's content, structure and history.
  • The bulletin refers to the Campus Chaplains without naming them.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Campus Ministriescatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Campus Ministries is an organization led by the Campus Chaplains and student”
      Campus Ministries is led by the Campus Chaplains, who are not named in the bulletin.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Office of Spiritual Life & Missions

  • Address: 7000 Adventist Blvd NW, Huntsville, AL 35896
  • Distance from campus: 0.5 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
  • Facilities: C. T. Richards Chapel (Moseley Complex), Oakwood University Church (chapel services are held here unless otherwise stated)

View on map ↗

Source: oakwood.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, catalog.oakwood.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, catalog.oakwood.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Spiritual Life and Mission | Oakwood Universityoakwood.edu/life-at-oakwood/spiritual-life-and-mission · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “The Office of Spiritual Life at Oakwood University supports the educational mission of Oakwood University by championing the transformational ministry of Seventh-day Adventist education”
    The Office of Spiritual Life supports the university's mission.
    “The Office of Spiritual Life at Oakwood University supports the educational mission of Oakwood University”
    The Office of Spiritual Life & Missions is the university's office for spiritual life, with an Interim Vice President over it.

Christian clubs and student life

7 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 2

  • OU 205 Global ServiceOff campus
    A two-credit course in servant leadership with a classroom part and international service participation in a foreign country.
    catalog.oakwood.edu
  • Mission trips (local, national and international)
    Annual
    Annual mission trips that involve students, faculty and staff.
    oakwood.edu

Faith formation 1

  • Campus ministry leaders' monthly meetingsOn campus
    Monthly
    Monthly meetings for student campus ministry leaders, led by the Campus Chaplains.
    catalog.oakwood.edu

Clubs and groups 1

  • Small groupsOn campus
    Many small groups meet weekly on campus for encouragement and spiritual development; facilitators are trained each semester.
    catalog.oakwood.edu

Worship and prayer 2

  • Thursday chapel and assemblyOn campus
    Thursdays, 10:00 to 11:00 AM
    Weekly worship, reflection and assembly for the campus, with guest speakers during the school year.
    catalog.oakwood.edu, catalog.oakwood.edu
  • Residence hall worshipsOn campus
    Morning prayer and evening worships, available every day
    Worship services for residents of Carter, Holland, Edwards and Wade halls; residents earn worship credits.
    catalog.oakwood.edu, catalog.oakwood.edu

Other 1

  • Student Training Entrepreneur Program (STEP)
    Supports tuition through scholarship acquisition and gospel literature distribution, run through the Office of Spiritual Life & Missions.
    catalog.oakwood.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Thursday10:00 AM–11:00 AMOakwood University Church · Weekly chapel/assembly, required for undergraduates carrying six or more hours (2025-2027 bulletin). Held at the church unless otherwise stated.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. 2025-2027 Undergraduate and Graduate Bulletin, Assembly/Chapelcatalog.oakwood.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/pdf_generator/20252027-undergraduate-and-graduate-bulletin.pdf?v=1791303770 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Registered students carrying six (6) or more credit hours are required to attend weekly chapel/assemblies on Thursday mornings from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.”
    Weekly chapel is required on Thursday mornings, 10:00 to 11:00 AM, for undergraduates carrying six or more hours.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$23,999
$30,001–$48,000$22,444
$48,001–$75,000$24,501
$75,001–$110,000$28,074
Over $110,000$27,219

Full cost of attendance before aid: $40,176 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,279
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 44% · Women 56%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
18%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
82%
Total students1,319
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$25,669
Cost of attendance (per year)$40,176
Median federal debt at graduation$27,000
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
45%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
36%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
38%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
28%
First-year retention71%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$42,488
Admission rate45%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,136 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants44%

Value index: 25 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

MajorMedian earnings
Human resources$62,069
Liberal arts$55,834

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Applied mathematics, Biochemistry, Biology, Broadcasting, Business administration, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, English, Family and human development, Finance, General studies, Health administration, Health sciences, History, International relations, Journalism, Management information systems, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Networking, Nursing, Other health professions and related clinical sciences, Pastoral counseling, Political science, Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, Pre-health, Psychology, Public Policy Analysis, Public relations, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious Education, Romance languages, Secondary education, Social work, Teacher education, Theology, Visual and performing arts, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

FieldShare of degrees
Health professions20%
Biology17%
Business14%
Liberal arts and general studies10%
Psychology10%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingCity
Part-time undergraduates4%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older8%
On-campus room and board (per year)$9,384
SportsNAIA · HBCU Athletic Conference
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member14 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability officeAbout 5%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time50%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$10,836IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 99% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceHuntsville International Airport (HSV)About 11 miles away
Nearest major airportNashville International Airport (BNA)About 95 miles away
Town population222,791Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreNashville-DavidsonAbout 98 miles away
Typical weather43°F in January · 81°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Huntsville International Airport, AL, about 11 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary2.450.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Christian churches nearby

Map of Oakwood University, its Christian center and nearby Christian churches0.25 mi0.5 miOffice of Spiritual Life & Missions: 0.5 miOakwood University (campus)N0.25 mi
CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Oakwood University a Christian college?
Yes. Oakwood University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Seventh-day Adventist Church.
What is Oakwood University’s Compass Score?
73 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Oakwood University?
Chapel is listed at Oakwood University Church. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 101912
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (arts & sciences)
  • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Seventh Day Adventist
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  • Respond as this school

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