Lake Superior State University vs. Oakland

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI with Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oakland University is larger than Lake Superior State University based on total student enrollment (15,768 students vs. 1,567 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Superior State University is located in Sault Ste Marie, MI (Remote Town setting); Oakland University is in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Lake Superior State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Oakland University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Superior State University 13:1; Oakland University 17:1.

Lake Superior State University vs. Oakland Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Superior State University or Oakland? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Oakland University than Lake Superior State University ($12,208 vs. $12,339).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland University are 4.6% lower than at Lake Superior State University ($10,932 vs. $11,459).
• Oakland University is 2.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Superior State University (about $372 more per year; $15,262.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at Oakland than at Lake Superior State University (about $8,298 more per year; $23,188.00 vs. $14,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Oakland University than at Lake Superior State University (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Superior State University students is 12.7% larger than aid received by Oakland University students ($14,632 vs. $12,988).

Lake Superior State University vs. Oakland Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Superior State University or Oakland? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Oakland and Lake Superior State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oakland University (1130) is 20 points higher than at Lake Superior State University (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 1000/1225; Oakland University 1030/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Superior State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Superior State University - Not reported; Oakland - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Oakland students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Lake Superior State University (3.2).

Lake Superior State University vs. Oakland Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Superior State University and Oakland? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Oakland University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Lake Superior State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Oakland University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than Lake Superior State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than Oakland graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Lake Superior State University graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Oakland graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Lake Superior State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland students, three years after graduation. (57% vs. 51%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.