Oakland University reports third consecutive year of new undergraduate enrollment growth

Oakland University has announced its Fall 2024 enrollment numbers, showcasing growth in new undergraduate students, particularly among first-time freshmen and transfer students. As of September 25, 2024, OU welcomed a total of 15,768 students, comprising 12,587 undergraduates, 2,680 graduate students and 501 medical students. 

New Undergraduate Enrollment Growth

OU surpassed its new undergraduate enrollment goals for the third consecutive year, enrolling 2,268 first-time freshmen and 1,369 transfer students this fall. This represents a 0.9% increase in total new undergraduate students and a 1.7% increase in new undergraduate credit hours compared to last year, marking the largest incoming freshman class since Fall 2019.

In addition, this is the most diverse incoming first-year class in Oakland University’s history. 

Key enrollment highlights include:

• 39% of the incoming first-year class and 35% of the incoming transfer class is considered a first-generation student, reflecting OU’s commitment to supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. This is a slight increase over last year.
• The incoming First Time in Any College (FTIAC) class is composed of 27% underrepresented minority students (a 4.8% increase in underrepresented minority (URM) first-time freshmen) along with 16% URM transfer students.
• A 2.2% increase in new adult learner undergraduate students
• First Year students represent 45 Michigan counties
• Transfer students represent 35 Michigan counties.

The university's Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) plan, including initiatives like the DREAM pilot program for first-generation students, the Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) program and the expansion of need-based aid for transfer students, has played a crucial role in driving this success. These targeted efforts contributed to new undergraduate enrollment growth and supported the increase of both first-generation and underrepresented students. 

Honors College and Housing Growth

This year, Oakland University’s Honors College is serving approximately 524 first-year and 34 transfer students, the largest cohort in its history, contributing to the overall rise in new undergraduate enrollment.  

In university housing, approximately 963 new undergraduate and graduate students are living on campus, along with 1,241 returning students. This is an increase of 4% compared to the fall of 2023.  

Challenges and Retention Focus

While Oakland University celebrates strong new undergraduate student enrollment, the institution also acknowledges a slight decline in returning student enrollment, with a 1.9% decrease in undergraduate retention. To address this, OU is reinforcing retention strategies that focus on academic support, expanded experiential learning opportunities and student engagement.

Graduate enrollment saw a mixed trend this fall, with a 6.2% decline in new graduate students. However, returning graduate student enrollment is up by 1%, signaling growth in the retention of advanced degree-seeking students.

Despite these challenges, Oakland University experienced a 1% increase in total credit hours, signaling steady overall progress. 

Stability Amid FAFSA Delays

Despite nationwide FAFSA processing delays, which impacted many institutions, Oakland University continued its pattern of controlled new undergraduate student growth.

“We’re thrilled that more students are choosing to join the Golden Grizzly community, marking our largest incoming class since 2019, alongside a significant increase in first-generation and underrepresented minority students. Our unwavering commitment to affordability, social mobility and student success resonates deeply with prospective students and their families,” said OU’s Vice President of Enrollment Management Dawn Aubry. “This achievement is a testament to our strategic enrollment management plan and the dedication of our incredible faculty, staff, and enrollment management team, who work tirelessly to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all.”

Looking Ahead

As Oakland University continues to grow its first-year and transfer classes, the university remains focused on enhancing student success and providing a robust academic experience. By fostering diversity and belonging, improving student retention, and building strategic partnerships, OU aims to continue this upward trajectory in the coming years.

For more information about Oakland University’s programs and enrollment initiatives, visit oakland.edu/sem.