A Celebration Of Scholarships

November 14, 2023

Thank you, Mike…for all that you and your team do to support and advance Oakland University.

And thank you to our scholarship donors here with us….and those whose philanthropy are making such a positive different in the lives of students….

Frankly, without the commitment and support of our scholarship donors, none of this would be happening.

As high as 65 percent of college students receive scholarships…. And as 58 percent of families use scholarships to help pay for college.

Your generous support is instrumental to our mission and our goal of being an accessible and affordable institution of higher learning.

In a few minutes, you’ll hear from Aaron Helander, a scholarship donor, along with scholarship recipients Zoe Rosario and Erika Head.

And you’ll be inspired to learn how scholarships not only provide opportunity, but lead to a transformative impact on students, their families….and in their communities.

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In September, we were encouraged by the findings of a Wall Street Journal assessment of the best colleges in America.

Oakland is also ranked as the “best value for investment” among our peer institutions.

Oakland ranks first among public universities in Michigan for enhancing students’ social mobility…and we are second after UM-Ann Arbor in preparing students for careers.

Scholarships at Oakland University are major reasons we offer education that is both accessible and affordable.

At Oakland….

19% of undergraduates will have their tuition fully covered
43% of incoming first-year class will have their tuition fully covered
74% of incoming first-year students whose family incomes <$70K will have their tuition covered fully by the Golden Guarantee
And…57% of incoming first-year students with family incomes <$70K will have their tuition and on-campus housing fully covered.
Scholarships fill the void left by public education funding cuts.
Scholarships support equitable outcomes and students and families in need.
Scholarships support students who excel academically.
Scholarships encourage diversity by supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds.
Scholarships lead to future job opportunities.
Scholarships stand out on a graduate’s resume.

< P A U S E >

There is no question…..Scholarships make a fundamental difference in the lives of students and families….
And thank you for making a fundamental difference here at Oakland University.