Oakland vs. Capital University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI with Capital University in Columbus, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oakland University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (15,768 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakland University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Capital University is in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Oakland University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakland University 17:1; Capital University 9:1.

Oakland vs. Capital University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakland or Capital University? 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 Capital University ($12,208 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland University are 15.8% lower than at Capital University ($10,932 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 183.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oakland (about $27,972 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $15,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 86.4% higher at Capital University than at Oakland University (about $20,046 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $23,188.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Oakland University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 165.4% larger than aid received by Oakland University students ($34,471 vs. $12,988).

Oakland vs. Capital University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Oakland or Capital University? 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 Capital University and Oakland.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oakland University (1130) is 80 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oakland University 1030/1230; Capital University 910/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCapital University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakland - Test optional; Capital University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Oakland (3.51).
• Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Oakland vs. 11.8% at Capital University.

Oakland vs. Capital University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakland and Capital University? 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).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Oakland University's (40%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Oakland graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $46,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Oakland graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland students, three years after graduation. (64% 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.