Oakland University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Thinking about Oakland University in Michigan? Here’s a plain-English guide to what families really pay, which scholarships are automatic, and where the hidden opportunities live. We’ll also point you to our Michigan state aid guide so you don’t miss local programs that stack with Oakland’s offers.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Oakland University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $16,575 | $23,872.50 |
| Housing & Meals | $11,454 | $11,454 |
| Books & Supplies | $700 | $700 |
| Transportation | $1,216 | $1,216 |
| Personal/Misc. | $3,320 | $3,320 |
| Loan Fees (avg.) | $68 | $68 |
| Total (before aid) | $33,333 | $40,630.50 |
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? Any admitted non-Michigan resident with a 2.5 GPA who commits to living in OU housing for the 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.
✅ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Distinguished Scholar | $5,500/yr ($22,000 total) |
GPA ≥ 3.90 with SAT 1300–1380 or ACT 28–30 OR GPA 3.80–3.89 with SAT ≥ 1300 or ACT ≥ 28 |
No | Yes | 3.8–4.0 GPA with upper-1200s+/high-20s+ |
| Talented Scholar | $3,500/yr ($14,000 total) |
GPA ≥ 3.80 with SAT 1200–1290 or ACT 25–27 OR GPA 3.70–3.79 with SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25 OR GPA ≥ 3.90 with no test |
No | Yes | Solid 3.7–3.9 GPAs with mid-20s ACT/1200s SAT, or 3.9+ test-optional |
| Academic Achievement | $2,000/yr ($8,000 total) |
GPA 3.40–3.89 with SAT 1130–1190 or ACT 23–24 OR GPA 3.40–3.69 with SAT ≥ 1200 or ACT ≥ 25 OR GPA 3.50–3.89 with no test |
No | Yes | Mid-3 GPAs with low-1100s SAT or low-20s ACT, or 3.5–3.8 test-optional |
| University Recognition | $1,000/yr ($4,000 total) |
GPA 3.00–3.49 (test-optional) OR GPA 3.00–3.39 with SAT ≥ 1130 or ACT ≥ 23 |
No | Yes | 3.0–3.5 GPAs; modest test scores when submitted |
| Non-Resident Award | Covers out-of-state tuition difference (~$7,298/yr) | GPA ≥ 2.5; must live on campus for first two years; open to Canada/Mexico citizens | No | Yes | Out-of-state students meeting GPA & housing commitment; automatically applied |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs are approximate when not explicitly stated on the OU site. They are based on official award descriptions and prior-year recipient data. Actual cutoffs may shift each year depending on the applicant pool and available funding.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No — you’re automatically considered when you apply and submit transcripts and scores (if provided).
Are test scores required? No, OU is test-optional. Test scores help with higher-tier awards but are not required for many scholarships.
Can these awards stack with others? Students may only receive one academic merit scholarship, but the Non-Resident Award can be combined with a merit scholarship if eligible.
🏆 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? |
|---|
Note: Any Honors-only or departmental/donor awards will appear in their respective sections below.
⭐ 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).
🎖️ 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 a clear academic curiosity.
- Priority registration and Honors housing access (e.g., Oak View community).
- Small seminars, faculty mentoring, and undergrad research opportunities.
- Study abroad support and exclusive Honors scholarships.
- Capstone/thesis option with close advising—designed to fit the 4-year plan.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pescovitz Presidential (Full-Tuition Top-Up) | Covers up to full tuition for 4 years (top-up over Platinum Presidential) | Incoming first-years who receive Platinum Presidential merit and are accepted into the Honors College | Yes — Honors application/portal; rolling review | Yes (maintain Honors standing and scholarship terms) | 3.9+ GPA with ~33+ ACT / 1450+ SAT, strong leadership, and clear Honors fit |
| Donna & Walt Young Study Abroad Scholarship | One-time study abroad award (competitive) | Honors sophomores–seniors with ~≥3.5 GPA and a defined program plan | Yes — Honors form; typical windows: Mar 15 (Summer), Apr 15 (Fall), Oct 15 (Winter) | No (one-time) | HC students with a purposeful, advisor-backed abroad plan |
| Moceri Housing Scholarship | ~$1,000 toward campus housing (amount may vary by year) | Returning Honors students in good standing; leadership/engagement considered | Yes — Honors application | Typically No (year-specific) | Active HC students who contribute to the community and apply early |
| Barry M. Klein Endowed Scholarship | Amount varies; supports tuition and fees | Incoming or current Honors College students; GPA ≥ 3.5; demonstrated financial need | Yes — Honors College application | Yes (if criteria maintained) | HC students balancing high achievement with financial need |
| Spirit of Discovery Award | Recognition award (amount varies) | Honors College students or TAs who show academic excellence, research achievement, and mentoring | Yes — internal Honors nomination process | No (one-time recognition) | HC members with strong research or teaching contributions inside the Honors community |
Note: Admission GPAs and award amounts reflect current published guidance and recent cycles. Always verify final criteria, timelines, and renewal rules on Oakland’s Honors College pages before applying.
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No. High-achieving admits may receive direct entry; others apply after OU admission. Transfers submit an interest form and meet with an Honors advisor.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No—requirements are designed to fit within a standard four-year plan when scheduled with an advisor.
Are there extra costs? No separate Honors tuition; some program activities (e.g., study abroad) have costs, but Honors offers targeted scholarships.
Key deadlines? Honors applications are accepted on a rolling basis; specific scholarship windows (e.g., study abroad) close Mar 15, Apr 15, and Oct 15.
📎 Official Links
- Oakland University Homepage
- Oakland University Honors College
- Scholarships and Financial Aid at Oakland University
Final Thoughts
Oakland University may not carry the national name recognition of Michigan’s flagships, but it offers a smart balance of affordability, automatic merit awards, and strong programs in nursing, engineering, and the arts. With the Non-Resident Award easing costs for out-of-state students and the Golden Guarantee protecting in-state families, OU has built in options that keep a degree within reach. If your student is aiming for a practical, career-ready path with plenty of support, Oakland is worth a serious look.
✅ Last updated: September 7, 2025