Oakwood University

Oakwood University is a private, nonprofit Seventh-day Adventist institution in Huntsville, Alabama, and a historically Black university with a mission that places faith, learning and service side by side. Its church-sponsored identity is part of daily campus life, not only a historical detail: prospective students should consider whether the university’s spiritual expectations and community culture suit them as carefully as they compare majors and cost. Oakwood offers associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees, including a mix of professional, liberal arts and ministry pathways.

Academic programs

The current catalog organizes programs across areas including business, health professions, education and social sciences, arts and sciences, and theology. Students can explore accounting, finance, management information systems, business administration, nursing, dietetics, medical technology, child development, social work, communication, visual media, computer science, biology, chemistry, applied mathematics, psychology, music, theology and public policy. Pre-professional preparation includes pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary study. Graduate options include business administration, public health, social work and theology-related fields. The university’s degree catalog is the best place to check a specific major, its current degree name and requirements; several health or licensure-related paths have prerequisites and professional standards to confirm with the department.

Campus and student experience

Oakwood’s main campus is at 7000 Adventist Boulevard NW, Huntsville, AL 35896. The campus includes academic departments, residence halls, the Eva B. Dykes Library, student services and the Oakwood University Church. The Google Maps listing shows the main campus open Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to noon, and closed on weekends; confirm access and office availability before visiting, especially outside the academic week. The published directory lists Admissions in Cunningham Hall and Financial Aid in Cunningham Hall as well.

Student comments often praise supportive faculty, friendships, spiritual growth and a strong sense of belonging. Other students describe the university’s worship expectations and campus rules as strict, and some raise concerns about dining, residence halls, financial-aid service or administrative follow-through. These are individual accounts, but they point to practical questions worth asking: what worship or spiritual-life requirements apply to your program and housing, what residence hall options are available, and how quickly the offices you need respond.

Tuition, scholarships and financial aid

Oakwood’s published schedule lists tuition at $570 per credit hour for academic years 2025–2027 and a matriculation/technology fee of $418. Other listed expenses include books and supplies at approximately $500 per semester and health insurance at $625 per semester; housing and meal charges depend on the residence and plan. These published rates are subject to change, so request an individual cost estimate for your credit load and housing choice.

Several forms of support are available, each with specific eligibility rules. The My Road to Graduation award can provide up to $3,000 annually to qualifying first-time freshmen who earn at least 15 Oakwood credits each semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA; the university says it cannot be combined with other Oakwood awards. A church-subsidy match may cover up to 30% of tuition and matriculation fees for students whose parent receives eligible 70% Seventh-day Adventist employer tuition assistance, with residency, FAFSA and other conditions; participation can affect eligibility for other aid. Oakwood also lists academic scholarships, transfer awards, federal and state aid, and external scholarships. Read the current scholarship conditions closely and confirm how awards interact with grants, housing and meal costs before relying on an estimate.

Admissions and contacts

The main university number is 256-726-7000. Undergraduate Admissions is at Cunningham Hall; call 256-726-7356 or email admissions@oakwood.edu. Financial Aid can be reached at 256-726-7210. Prospective students can start an application through Oakwood’s admissions portal or contact the university about a campus tour. For academic program questions, contact the department as well as Admissions so you can verify admissions requirements and the exact degree plan.