Scholarships, Tuition and Financial Aid

Undergraduate Admissions

Wilson Hall, Room 2000
371 Wilson Boulevard
Rochester, MI 48309-4486
(location map)
(248) 370-3360
Text: (248) 712-3361

Office Hours
M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Appointments
M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Make an appointment

You can fit Oakland University tuition into your budget—and we can help.

Since our founding in 1957, Oakland University has made affordable tuition a major priority, including tuition-free opportunities for those who qualify. The whole community benefits when first-class education is accessible to everyone.

The Oakland University financial aid team can use a wide range of tools to help you meet the cost of OU tuition. Our advisers offer personalized attention to help you design a sustainable plan for paying OU tuition that:

Supports your educational goals.
Fits your short-term budget and long-range financial needs.
Integrates multiple sources of financial aid.
Won’t leave you with unmanageable debt.
Minimizes hassle and maximizes convenience.

Types of OU Financial Aid

More than half of our students receive financial aid to help them cover some or all of their Oakland University tuition. We disburse more than $150 million each year in financial aid, with the average award exceeding $7,000 per student per year.

OU financial aid is available in various forms, including:

Scholarships, which are based on academic merit and do not require repayment.
Grants, which are based on financial need and do not require repayment.
Loans, which are based on financial eligibility and must be repaid after graduation.
Work-study jobs and campus employment.

Determining your eligibility for all forms of OU financial aid begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. You can complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov, using OU’s school code (002307) to ensure the paperwork is routed correctly.

Priority deadlines for scholarships and financial aid eligibility have been extended. OU will now award new students through the start of fall classes.

OU scholarships and grants may be renewable if you meet the Oakland University scholarship and grant renewal criteria. Download the 2025-2026 Financial Aid and Scholarship Book. Scholarship details are listed below.

Golden Guarantee Net Price Calculator Cost of Attendance Financial Aid Events Apply for scholarships cost estimator (for admitted students)

First-Year Student Awards

First-Year Student Merit Scholarships - Fall 2024, Winter and Summer 2025

To be considered for merit scholarships, Oakland University typically must receive your admission application, transcript and SAT or ACT score (if applicable) by the priority deadline of March 1 for fall, December 1 for winter and July 1 for summer. You will automatically be considered for OU scholarships, and awards are based on your academic record, including GPA and SAT or ACT score (if applicable), at the time of admission (test superscores are not considered at this time). You may also submit updated transcripts and/or test scores for scholarship reconsideration. International students are not eligible for OU scholarships, except where reflected. The total amount of Oakland University institutional awards and tuition waiver benefits cannot exceed the cost of tuition (the Geographic Region Award is not included in this limitation of OU awards and benefits). Students may only receive one academic merit scholarship (except for the Non-Resident Award and Geographic Region Award, if applicable).

PLATINUM PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $48,000 for four years ($12,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1450 or higher
- ACT composite score: 33 or higher
Additional opportunity: The Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship. Platinum Presidential Scholar Award recipients are eligible to apply for this competitive scholarship, valued at full tuition.

GOLD PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $36,000 for four years ($9,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1390-1440
- ACT composite score: 31-32

DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $22,000 for four years ($5,500 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1300-1380
- ACT composite score: 28-30
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.80-3.89
- SAT score: 1300 or higher
- ACT composite score: 28 or higher

TALENTED SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $14,000 for four years ($3,500 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.80 or higher
- SAT score: 1200-1290
- ACT composite score: 25-27
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.7-3.79
- SAT score: 1200 or higher
- ACT composite score: 25 or higher
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.9 or higher
- No test score (or a score of up to 1190 on the SAT / 24 on the ACT)

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Amount: $8,000 for four years ($2,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.40-3.89
- SAT score: 1130-1190
- ACT composite score: 23-24
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.4-3.69
- SAT score: 1200 or higher
- ACT composite score: 25 or higher
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.50-3.89
- No test score (or a score of up to 1120 on the SAT / 22 on the ACT)

UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION AWARD

Amount: $4,000 for four years ($1,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.00-3.49
- No test score (or a score of up to 1120 on the SAT / 22 on the ACT)
- OR
- High school GPA: 3.00-3.39
- SAT score: 1130 or higher
- ACT composite score: 23 or higher

GEOGRAPHIC REGION AWARD

Amount: $6,000 for four years ($1,500 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Resident of Michigan counties outside of Macomb and Oakland who wish to live on campus
- Must live in university housing and have full semester housing charges each semester

NON-RESIDENT AWARD

Amount: In-state tuition rates
Requirements
- High school GPA: 2.5 or higher
- U.S. citizen (citizens and permanent residents of Canada and Mexico may also qualify)
- Non-Michigan resident
- Must live in university housing for their first two years

First-Year Student Merit Scholarships - Fall 2025, Winter and Summer 2026

PLATINUM PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $48,000 for four years ($12,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1450 or higher
- ACT composite score: 33 or higher
Additional opportunity: The Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship. Platinum Presidential Scholar Award recipients are eligible to apply for this competitive scholarship, valued at full tuition.

GOLD PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $36,000 for four years ($9,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1390-1440
- ACT composite score: 31-32

DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $22,000 for four years ($5,500 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.90 or higher
- SAT score: 1300-1380
- ACT composite score: 28-30
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.80-3.89
- SAT score: 1300 or higher
- ACT composite score: 28 or higher

TALENTED SCHOLAR AWARD

Amount: $14,000 for four years ($3,500 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.80 or higher
- SAT score: 1200-1290
- ACT composite score: 25-27
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.7-3.79
- SAT score: 1200 or higher
- ACT composite score: 25 or higher
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.9 or higher
- No test score (or a score of up to 1190 on the SAT / 24 on the ACT)

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Amount: $8,000 for four years ($2,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.40-3.89
- SAT score: 1130-1190
- ACT composite score: 23-24
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.4-3.69
- SAT score: 1200 or higher
- ACT composite score: 25 or higher
  OR
- High school GPA: 3.50-3.89
- No test score (or a score of up to 1120 on the SAT / 22 on the ACT)

UNIVERSITY RECOGNITION AWARD

Amount: $4,000 for four years ($1,000 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.00-3.49
- No test score (or a score of up to 1120 on the SAT / 22 on the ACT)
- OR
- High school GPA: 3.00-3.39
- SAT score: 1130 or higher
- ACT composite score: 23 or higher

GEOGRAPHIC REGION AWARD

Amount: $6,000 for four years ($1,500 per year)
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Resident of Michigan counties outside of Macomb and Oakland who wish to live on campus
- Must live in university housing and have full semester housing charges each semester

NON-RESIDENT AWARD

Amount: In-state tuition rates
Requirements
- High school GPA: 2.5 or higher
- U.S. citizen (citizens and permanent residents of Canada and Mexico may also qualify)
- Non-Michigan resident
- Must live in university housing for their first two years

First-Year Student Need-Based Grants - Fall 2024, Winter and Summer 2025

To be considered for need-based grants, entering first-year students who are Michigan residents must complete the FAFSA and fulfill all financial aid requirements by the priority deadline of March 1 for fall, December 1 for winter and July 1 for summer. Entering first-year Michigan residents who have financial need as determined by the completion of the FAFSA will automatically be considered for OU grants. A combination of Oakland University institutional awards and tuition waiver benefits cannot exceed the cost of tuition (the Geographic Region Award, the OU Housing Grant and OU departmental and endowed awards are not included in this limitation of OU awards and benefits). Financial awards from all sources cannot exceed financial need and/or the cost of attendance.

GOLDEN GUARANTEE

Focus on your degree and your future — without worrying about how to pay for it.

Amount: Full tuition for up to four years*
Requirements
- Family income of less than or equal to $70,000, and assets less than $50,000, as determined by the FAFSA
- Michigan resident, recipient of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship

HOUSING GRANT

Amount: Up to $20,000 for four years (up to $5,000 per year)*
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Family income of less than or equal to $70,000, and assets less than $50,000, as determined by the FAFSA
- Must live in university housing
- Must have full semester on-campus housing charges not covered by another housing award

*Grant amounts are dependent upon financial need established by completing the FAFSA.

First-Year Student Need-Based Grants - Fall 2025, Winter and Summer 2026

GOLDEN GUARANTEE

Focus on your degree and your future — without worrying about how to pay for it.

Amount: Full tuition for up to four years*
Requirements
- Family income of less than or equal to $70,000, and assets less than $50,000, as determined by the FAFSA
- Michigan resident, recipient of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship

HOUSING GRANT

Amount: Up to $20,000 for four years (up to $5,000 per year)*
Requirements
- High school GPA: 3.0 or higher
- Family income of less than or equal to $70,000, and assets less than $50,000, as determined by the FAFSA
- Must live in university housing
- Must have full semester on-campus housing charges not covered by another housing award

*Grant amounts are dependent upon financial need established by completing the FAFSA.

Transfer Awards

To be considered for scholarships, entering winter transfer students must apply and submit all admission materials to the university by the priority deadline of December 1; entering summer transfer students must apply and submit all admission materials by the priority deadline of July 1; entering fall transfer students must apply and submit all admission materials by the priority deadline of August 1.

If you meet these priority deadlines, you will automatically be considered for OU scholarships. Awards are based on your academic record, including cumulative GPA, at the time of application. U.S. citizens and permanent residents qualify for OU scholarships; international students are not eligible for OU scholarships, except where reflected Students may only receive one academic merit scholarship (except the non-resident award, if applicable). A combination of Oakland University institutional awards and benefits cannot exceed the cost of tuition (the Geographic Region Award, the OU Housing Grant and OU departmental and endowed awards are not included in this limitation of OU awards and benefits). Financial awards from all sources cannot exceed financial need and/or the cost of attendance.

Eligible incoming transfer students who have financial need (as determined by completion of the FAFSA) and fulfill all financial aid requirements by December 1 for winter, July 1 for summer or August 1 for fall, will automatically be considered for OU need-based grants.

Transfer Awards - Fall 2024, Winter and Summer 2025

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSFER AWARD

Amount: $10,000 for two years ($5,000 per year)
Requirements
- College GPA: 3.80 or higher
- 56 or more transferable credits*
- Must be coming from a Michigan community college

PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD

Amount: $5,000 for two years ($2,500 per year)
Requirements for community college students
- College GPA: 3.80 or higher
- 24-55 transferable credits*
  OR
- College GPA: 3.50-3.79
- 24 or more transferable credits
Requirements for four-year college or university students
- College GPA: 3.50 or higher
- 24 or more transferable credits*

TALENTED TRANSFER AWARD

Amount: $2,000 for two years ($1,000 per year)
Requirements
- College GPA: 3.0-3.49
- 24 or more transferable credits*

NON-RESIDENT AWARD

Amount: In-state tuition rates for two years
Requirements
- College GPA: 2.5 or higher
- Non-Michigan resident
- U.S. citizen (citizens and permanent residents of Canada and Mexico may also qualify)
- 24 or more transferable credits*

OU TRANSFER GRANT

Amount: $4,000 for two years ($2,000 per year)
Requirements
- Family income of less than or equal to $70,000, and assets less than $50,000, as determined by the FAFSA
- 24 or more transferable credits*

*Transferable credits must be earned by the scholarship deadline.

Transfer Awards - Fall 2025, Winter and Summer 2026

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSFER AWARD

Amount: $10,000 for two years ($5,000 per year)
Requirements
- College GPA: 3.80 or higher
- 56 or more transferable credits*
- Must be coming from a Michigan community college

PHI THETA KAPPA AWARD

Amount: $5,000 for two years ($2,500 per year)
Requirements for community college students
- College GPA: 3.80 or higher
- 24-55 transferable credits*
  OR
- College GPA: 3.50-3.79
- 24 or more transferable credits
Requirements for four-year college or university students
- College GPA: 3.50 or higher
- 24 or more transferable credits*

TALENTED TRANSFER AWARD

Amount: $2,000 for two years ($1,000 per year)
Requirements
- College GPA: 3.0-3.49
- 24 or more transferable credits*

NON-RESIDENT AWARD

Amount: In-state tuition rates for two years
Requirements
- College GPA: 2.5 or higher
- Non-Michigan resident
- U.S. citizen (citizens and permanent residents of Canada and Mexico may also qualify)
- 24 or more transferable credits*

OU TRANSFER GRANT

Amount: $4,000 for two years ($2,000 per year)
Requirements
- Family income of less than or equal to $70,000, and assets less than $50,000, as determined by the FAFSA
- 24 or more transferable credits*

*Transferable credits must be earned by the scholarship deadline.

Tuition

While you don't need to worry about any hidden fees at Oakland, you should consider other costs of attending college such as living arrangements and textbooks. The cost of books and supplies will vary depending on the courses you take, but a general estimate is $784 per year. See OU's cost of attendance for more information and estimates.

OU's cost per credit hour differs depending on your residency and class standing. Many out-of-state students (including citizens of Canada and Mexico) qualify for a scholarship that covers the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. See the scholarship tab for more information.

Students who plan to attend Oakland University on a student visa (F-1) or an exchange visa (J-1) should check the tuition and cost tab in the international section of this website for prospective students.

BASE TUITION RATES apply to courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education and Human Services.

Lower-division rates apply to freshmen and sophomores with fewer than 56 credits, and non-matriculating (non-degree seeking) students.
Upper-division rates apply to juniors and seniors with 56 or more credits, students who have earned undergraduate degrees and are admitted to OU for a second undergraduate degree program, all students with post-bachelor admission status, and guest students from other colleges.
Non-resident tuition rates apply to non-Michigan residents and are also based on upper- and lower-division status.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES COURSES
Lower Division	$485.75
Upper Division	$562.50

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COURSES
Lower Division	$485.75
Upper Division	$562.50

NON-RESIDENT*
Lower Division	$795.75
Upper Division	$853.25

All rates are per credit hour.
*Some online programs are approved for in-state tuition. Visit oakland.edu/online for a list.

DIFFERENTIAL TUITION RATES apply to courses offered by the School of Business Administration, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing.

Course numbers determine tuition rates in the academic units with differential tuition: courses 0001-2999 and courses 3000 and above.

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COURSES
0001-2999 level courses	$506.50
3000+ courses	$595.50

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES
0001-2999 level courses	$517.00
3000+ courses	$608.25

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES COURSES
0001-2999 level courses	$499.50
3000+ courses	$584.00

SCHOOL OF NURSING COURSES
0001-2999 level courses	$511.75
3000+ courses	$600.50

All rates are per credit hour.

Housing

While on-campus housing is not required at OU, more than 3,000 students choose to live on campus and enjoy benefits like wireless Internet, cable TV, lounges with big screens, free parking and free laundry facilities. Residents can get academic help right in their halls, and may also take advantage of employment and leadership opportunities within University Housing.

With six residence halls, six student apartment buildings, a grouping of townhomes and several special interest floors, OU offers enough options to provide the perfect fit for you.

On-campus dining options include an all-you-can-eat dining hall and a mall-style food court. Learn more about our meal plans.

Double occupancy on-campus housing and meals is estimated to be $10,352 per year.

Cost Comparison

Oakland University offers a quality education at a great value, with no added fees. Compare the "all-in" cost with other public universities. Click the button below to view a cost comparison chart (for first-year students enrolling for the first time in any college) during fiscal year 2023-2024.

Cost Comparison