Oakland University SAT scores, ACT scores, acceptance rate, and admissions requirements
A score above Oakland’s admitted-student range can matter financially. With 79% submitting SAT scores, aim beyond 1160: a 1300 SAT with a 3.80 GPA can qualify for up to $22,000, while 1390+ with a 3.90 GPA can open awards up to $36,000.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Oakland University facts and stats
Oakland University enrolls 12,587 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Oakland has a 78% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 58% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Oakland is test-required for admissions.
Rochester Hills, MI
How do your scores compare at Oakland?
Key Oakland University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
November 7, 2026
Registration deadline: October 23, 2026
December 5, 2026
Registration deadline: November 20, 2026
March 6, 2027
Registration deadline: February 19, 2027
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
February 27, 2027
Registration deadline: January 22, 2027
Plan to take your first SAT or ACT by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes. Because Oakland is test-required and its top merit awards list score thresholds, the November retake is a safe last fall test to have scores back before the March 1 financial aid priority deadline.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at Oakland University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Oakland is a public Horizon League university with in-state tuition of $16,920 and out-of-state tuition of $23,188. About 63% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
Out-of-state tuition at Oakland University is $23,188, compared with $16,920 in-state, and room and board adds $10,932 before other expenses. Financial aid is common, with 63% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $16,870. Merit awards average $3,746, which can help reduce the bill but may not cover a large share of costs. Graduates leave with an average debt of $24,892.
Student life at Oakland University
17% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MIAcceptance rate: 89.8%
SAT: 970–1200
ACT: 21–27
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MIAcceptance rate: 84.6%
SAT: 980–1200
ACT: 22–29
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MIAcceptance rate: 91.5%
SAT: 900–1120
ACT: 20–24
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MIAcceptance rate: 84%
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.