Oakland University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit and competitive scholarships
- In-state and regional tuition options
- Honors College benefits and key deadlines
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~87%
- Middle 50% ACT: 20–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1260
- Average HS GPA (middle 50%): 3.4–3.9
Source: Oakland University Common Data Set 2024–25 and BigFuture. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Oakland University at a Glance
Last verified: October 19, 2025
Oakland University is one of Michigan’s most generous public universities when it comes to automatic merit aid. Every applicant is reviewed for OU Merit Scholarships, and top scholars can compete for the Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship, which covers full tuition for four years.
With permanent test-optional admissions, transparent “tuition-only” pricing (no mandatory fees), and a robust Honors College, OU makes high-quality education in metro Detroit both affordable and accessible for driven students.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Oakland University is permanently test-optional; GPA alone can qualify students for merit scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 20–27; SAT: 1020–1260 (for students who submitted scores).
What’s the average net price? About $13,584/year after aid (College Scorecard). See our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers? OU uses standard Michigan residency rules (no blanket in-state for all). Nonresidents can reduce costs with OU merit scholarships.
Scholarships page (merit tiers): https://www.oakland.edu/futurestudents/scholarships-cost-aid/
Undergrad aid overview: https://www.oakland.edu/financialaid/available-financial-assistance/undergrad/
Pescovitz Presidential Scholarship (Honors): https://www.oakland.edu/hc/pescovitz-presidential-and-study-abroad-scholarships/
Test-optional (permanent): https://oakland.edu/oumagazine/news/Admissions/2025/oakland-university-permanently-approves-test-optional-admission-for-incoming-first-year-students
Tuition & fees (no mandatory fees): https://www.oakland.edu/financialaid/costs/
Residency policy overview: https://oakland.edu/registrar/residency/
College Scorecard (average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?171571-Oakland-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Oakland University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $16,575 | $23,872.50 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,621 | $11,621 |
| Total (before aid) | $28,196 | $35,493.50 |
Note: Books & supplies, transportation, and personal/miscellaneous expenses are indirect costs that vary by student and are not paid directly to Oakland University, so they are excluded from the table totals.
Example: Tuition drops from $23,872.50 to $16,575 — saving about $7,297.50 (~$7,298) per year.
Cost & Tuition FAQ
Who qualifies for the Non-Resident Award? Non-Michigan residents with a 2.5 GPA or higher; first-year recipients must live in university housing for their first two years. Citizens of Canada and Mexico may also qualify.
How much can it save? Roughly the difference between the current out-of-state and in-state tuition rates — about $7,297.50 per year at the 2025–26 rates shown here.
Do I need a separate application? No — you’re considered automatically when admitted and you meet the GPA and housing requirements.
Tuition rates (2025–26): https://www.oakland.edu/financialaid/costs/tuition-rates/
Housing & meal plan (residence halls include meal plan): https://www.oakland.edu/housing/cost/
Cost of Attendance overview (no mandatory fees): https://www.oakland.edu/financialaid/costs/
Non-Resident Award (eligibility & housing requirement): https://www.oakland.edu/futurestudents/scholarships-cost-aid/non-resident-awards/
College Scorecard (Average net price): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?171571-Oakland-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Oakland University automatically considers every admitted student for merit awards. No separate application is required, and awards are renewable if GPA and credit-load requirements are met. The priority deadline for fall entry is March 1. Test superscores are not considered.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum Presidential Scholar | $12,000/yr ($48,000 total) |
GPA ≥ 3.90 and SAT ≥ 1450 or ACT ≥ 33 | No | Yes | Top 3.9+ GPA with 33+/1450+ scores | Mar 1 (priority) |
| Gold Presidential Scholar | $9,000/yr ($36,000 total) |
GPA ≥ 3.90 and SAT 1390–1440 or ACT 31–32 | No | Yes | 3.9+ GPA with high-30s ACT or 1400 SAT | Mar 1 |
| Distinguished Scholar | $5,500/yr ($22,000 total) |
GPA ≥ 3.90/SAT 1300–1380 or ACT 28–30 OR GPA 3.80–3.89/SAT ≥ 1300 or ACT ≥ 28 |
No | Yes | 3.8–4.0 GPA with upper-1200s+/high-20s+ | Mar 1 |
| Talented Scholar | $3,500/yr ($14,000 total) |
GPA ≥ 3.80/SAT 1200–1290 or ACT 25–27 OR GPA 3.70–3.79/SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25 OR GPA ≥ 3.90/test-optional |
No | Yes | Solid 3.7–3.9 GPAs with mid-20s ACT/1200s SAT or 3.9+ test-optional | Mar 1 |
| Academic Achievement | $2,000/yr ($8,000 total) |
GPA 3.40–3.89/SAT 1130–1190 or ACT 23–24 OR GPA 3.40–3.69/SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25 OR GPA 3.50–3.89/test-optional |
No | Yes | Mid-3s GPA, low-1100s SAT/low-20s ACT, or 3.5–3.8 test-optional | Mar 1 |
| University Recognition | $1,000/yr ($4,000 total) |
GPA 3.00–3.49 (test-optional) OR GPA 3.00–3.39/SAT ≥ 1130 or ACT ≥ 23 |
No | Yes | 3.0–3.5 GPAs; modest test scores | Mar 1 |
| Non-Resident Award | Covers out-of-state tuition difference (~$7,298/yr) |
GPA ≥ 2.5; must live on-campus 2 yrs; Canada/Mexico eligible | No | Yes | Nonresidents with GPA & housing; auto-applied | Mar 1 |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are approximate if not listed; based on OU’s award descriptions and historic recipient data. Actual criteria may shift annually depending on pool and funds.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No — you’re automatically considered when you apply and submit transcripts and (optional) scores.
Are test scores required? No, OU is test-optional. Test scores can help with higher-tier awards but are not needed for many scholarships.
Can these awards stack with others? One merit award per student; Non-Resident Award can combine with merit if eligible.
https://oakland.edu/financialservices/undergraduate-costs/scholarships/#first-year
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards typically require extra steps beyond admission (applications, essays, interviews) and are available to the entire student body. Based on current official information, Oakland University does not publish any university-wide competitive scholarships outside of Honors or departmental programs.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | What Makes It Competitive | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive scholarships currently listed by OU (excludes Honors and departmental awards). | |||||||
Note: Any Honors-only or departmental/donor awards will appear in their respective sections below.
https://oakland.edu/financialservices/undergraduate-costs/scholarships/#first-year
🎖️ Honors College
Oakland’s Honors College is built for curious, motivated students who want small seminars, close mentoring, and real research—without adding time to graduation. Admission is invite or application-based, with clear pathways for high-achieving seniors and strong transfers.
- Invite / Direct Entry: Generally for high-achieving admits (e.g., HS GPA around ≥3.7).
- Self-Apply: HS GPA ~3.3–3.69 considered via Honors application after OU admission.
- Transfers: College GPA ~≥3.3; submit interest form and meet with an Honors advisor.
- GPA: ~3.7+ for direct entry; strong rigor (AP/IB/DE) helps.
- Tests: Optional; 30+ ACT / 1360+ SAT strengthens competitive applications.
- Profile: Sustained leadership/service, writing strength, and clear academic curiosity.
- Priority registration and Honors housing access (Oak View community)
- Small seminars, faculty mentoring, and research
- Study abroad support and exclusive Honors scholarships
- Capstone/thesis option that fits the standard 4-year plan
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pescovitz Presidential (Full Tuition Top-Up) | Covers up to full tuition for 4 years (top-up over Platinum Presidential) | New first-years; must win Platinum Presidential merit and be accepted into Honors College | Yes — apply to Honors, rolling review | Yes (Honors standing & award rules) | 3.9+ GPA, 33+/1450+, leadership, research, academic fit | Mar 1 (priority); rolling |
| Donna & Walt Young Study Abroad Scholarship | One-time award (amount varies) | Sophs–seniors in Honors; GPA ~3.5+, approved plan | Yes — Honors app; Mar 15/Apr 15/Oct 15 | No (one-time award) | Honors students who plan abroad with faculty support | Mar/Apr/Oct 15 (see above) |
| Moceri Housing Scholarship | ~$1,000 for campus housing | Returning Honors, good standing, engagement/leadership | Yes — Honors | No (year-specific) | Contributing, engaged Honors residents | May 1 |
| Barry M. Klein Endowed Scholarship | Varies; supports tuition/fees | Incoming/current Honors; GPA 3.5+; demonstrated need | Yes — Honors College app | Yes (GPA/criteria) | Honors students excelling academically with need | Rolling, Mar 1 best |
| Spirit of Discovery Award | Recognition only (amount varies) | Honors/TAs with research, mentoring, academic impact | Yes — Honors nomination/app | No (one-time) | Nominated for major research or community work | April/May |
Note: Admission and scholarship values based on current info; always check Oakland’s pages for the latest application rules.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No. Direct admits or applicants/transfer interest forms—criteria and review apply.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No—requirements fit a standard four-year schedule when planned with an advisor.
Extra costs? No extra Honors tuition. Some activities (e.g., study abroad) may trigger costs, but Honors offers targeted scholarships.
Key deadlines? Rolling for Honors apps; scholarship windows are Mar 1 priority, Mar/Apr/Oct 15 (study abroad), May 1 (housing/recognition).
https://oakland.edu/hc/
https://oakland.edu/financialservices/undergraduate-costs/scholarships/
⭐ College Specialty
Oakland University is a public research university in suburban Detroit with a strong reputation for preparing students in career-ready fields. While not classified as an R1, OU is an R2 research university that still gives undergraduates access to meaningful research and professional partnerships — especially in health and technology fields that connect directly to Michigan’s workforce.
Nursing and Health Sciences — Among the largest nursing programs in Michigan, OU graduates more than 600 nurses annually and is recognized statewide for clinical partnerships with major health systems like Beaumont and Henry Ford.
- Engineering & Computer Science (SECS): Strong automotive and robotics pipeline; located near industry headquarters in Metro Detroit. ABET-accredited with high job placement.
- Eye Research Institute (ERI): Nationally respected biomedical research center; offers undergraduates rare chances to participate in vision science research.
- Performing Arts & Music Theatre: Oakland’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance is one of the most recognized in Michigan; graduates perform regionally and nationally.
- Business (Accounting & Finance): OU’s business programs are AACSB-accredited; accounting ranked among top programs in Michigan for CPA exam pass rates (per Michigan Board of Accountancy reports).
📎 Official Links
- Oakland University Homepage
- Oakland University Honors College
- Scholarships and Financial Aid at Oakland University