Oakland City University
Oakland City University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Oakland City University at a Glance
Oakland City University (OCU) was a private university affiliated with the General Baptist Church and located in Oakland City, Indiana, United States. It was the only General Baptist Church-affiliated college or university in the United States. Founded in 1885, it has slowly grown to a total enrollment of about 640.
1885
141 years old
143
100
Identity
Is Oakland City University Worth It?
Oakland City University offers moderate value at $15,210/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $43,283, which is 20% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Oakland City University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IN
Ranked #6 of 78 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Kehilath Yakov Rabbinical Seminary | 100 | $3,822 | $36,442 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #4 | Yeshiva Gedolah Imrei Yosef D'spinka | 52 | $5,646 | $36,545 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Oakland City University | 48 | $15,210 | $43,283 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Oakland City University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 5 in IN.
Best Programs at Oakland City University
The highest-earning program at Oakland City University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $47,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $24,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Oakland City University earns $47,900, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $24,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates carry $23,987 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,210/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,900 | $47,900 | $23,987 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,200 | $41,200 | $22,750 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $39,800 | $39,800 | $20,890 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $24,100 | $24,100 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in IN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Oakland City, IN
- Student Body
- 499 students
- Admission Rate
- 83%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,210
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,283
- Median Student Debt
- $16,758