Oakland vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

Compare Oakland University in Rochester Hills, MI with Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Oakland University is larger than Carlow University based on total student enrollment (15,768 students vs. 2,416 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Oakland University is located in Rochester Hills, MI (Large Suburban setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Oakland University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Oakland University 17:1; Carlow University 12:1.

Oakland vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Oakland or Carlow 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 Carlow University ($12,208 vs. $21,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Oakland University are 20.8% lower than at Carlow University ($10,932 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 135.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Oakland (about $20,612 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $15,262.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.7% higher at Carlow University than at Oakland University (about $12,686 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $23,188.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Oakland University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 117.4% larger than aid received by Oakland University students ($28,233 vs. $12,988).

Oakland vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Oakland University (1130) is 70 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Oakland University 1030/1230; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Oakland - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Oakland (3.51).
• Oakland has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.7% at Oakland vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

Oakland vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Oakland and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Oakland University's (40%).
• Graduates from Oakland University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Carlow University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,700 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Oakland University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Carlow University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Oakland graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Carlow University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Oakland students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.