Oakwood University Overview
Oakwood University, a historically Black university located in Huntsville, Alabama, was founded in 1896 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a private, faith-based institution, Oakwood University is deeply rooted in Christian values and offers students a holistic education that balances academic excellence with spiritual growth and community service. The university is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, health sciences, education, theology, and social sciences. With a mission to transform students into servant leaders, Oakwood University provides an environment that emphasizes moral development, leadership, and a commitment to service.
Oakwood University is renowned for its nurturing campus environment, its dedication to diversity and inclusion, and its leadership in the Seventh-day Adventist educational system. The university has a close-knit community of approximately 1,800 students, where strong faculty-student relationships foster academic achievement and personal growth. Oakwood University is also known for its contributions to the local and global communities through various outreach programs, initiatives, and its robust alumni network.
Average GRE Score for Oakwood University
Oakwood University offers primarily undergraduate programs, and there is limited data on GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores for the institution because most of its programs do not require the GRE for admission. Oakwood focuses on undergraduate education, and the university’s graduate-level offerings are relatively limited in scope. As a result, Oakwood University does not provide historical or current GRE score data for its students.
For students preparing for graduate programs elsewhere, Oakwood offers resources such as test preparation assistance and advising services to help students succeed on the GRE and other standardized tests. While there is no university-wide GRE requirement at Oakwood, students who pursue graduate studies after completing their undergraduate degree often achieve competitive GRE scores, reflecting the strong academic foundation they receive at Oakwood.
Average GRE Scores Over the Past 10 Years
Since Oakwood University does not require the GRE for most of its programs and does not provide specific GRE data, a detailed 10-year history of GRE scores is not available. Students looking for GRE preparation can access national averages and resources offered by Oakwood to support their success in applying to graduate programs at other institutions. For graduate schools that require GRE scores, students from Oakwood typically score within the national average or above, especially in fields like business, health sciences, and education, where standardized test scores may play a critical role in admissions.
Average GPA for Oakwood University
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is one of the most important factors in Oakwood University’s admissions process. The university considers GPA as an essential measure of academic readiness and a student’s potential for success. Oakwood’s commitment to academic excellence means that students are expected to maintain solid academic records, both before admission and during their studies at the university.
Undergraduate GPA Requirements
For undergraduate admissions, Oakwood University generally requires a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. However, the average GPA of admitted students is often higher, typically falling between 3.0 and 3.4. The university evaluates each application holistically, taking into account a student’s academic history, test scores, personal statement, extracurricular involvement, and letters of recommendation.
Oakwood’s admissions philosophy reflects its mission to provide opportunities to students from diverse backgrounds. While a student’s GPA is important, the university also looks for indicators of potential leadership, service, and alignment with its Christian values. Students who fall below the average GPA but demonstrate strengths in other areas, such as leadership or community service, may still be considered for admission.
Additionally, Oakwood University offers support services for students who may need additional academic help, including tutoring, advising, and mentoring, to ensure that all students can meet their academic goals and succeed in their chosen programs.
Graduate GPA Requirements
While Oakwood University primarily focuses on undergraduate education, it does offer limited graduate programs, primarily in partnership with other institutions. For graduate-level programs at Oakwood, the GPA requirement is typically higher, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 being the standard for admission to most programs.
Students interested in pursuing graduate studies after their time at Oakwood University are encouraged to maintain strong academic records, as most graduate schools require a GPA of at least 3.0 for admission, and many competitive programs prefer applicants with GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Oakwood provides academic advising to assist students in preparing for the transition to graduate programs, offering guidance on GPA requirements and strategies for academic success.
Admissions Statistics for Oakwood University
Oakwood University’s admissions process is designed to assess both academic qualifications and personal attributes that align with the institution’s values of service, leadership, and Christian commitment. Admissions statistics offer insight into the academic profile of Oakwood’s student body and the university’s selectivity.
Median GPA for Admission
The median GPA for students admitted to Oakwood University falls within the range of 3.0 to 3.4. This GPA range reflects Oakwood’s commitment to enrolling students who are academically prepared for the rigor of the university’s programs. However, Oakwood also takes a holistic approach to admissions, looking beyond GPA to evaluate a student’s leadership potential, character, and alignment with the university’s mission of service.
While the minimum GPA required for admission is 2.0, most students admitted to Oakwood perform above this threshold, particularly in more competitive programs such as nursing, biology, and business.
Acceptance Rate
Oakwood University has an acceptance rate that typically ranges between 65% and 75%, depending on the applicant pool and the specific academic programs to which students apply. The university’s relatively high acceptance rate reflects its mission to provide access to education for a diverse range of students, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Oakwood’s focus on holistic admissions allows it to consider a variety of factors when evaluating applicants, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement. While academic performance is important, the university also values leadership experience, community service, and a commitment to its faith-based mission.
Programs such as nursing or health sciences, which have limited enrollment capacity, may have slightly lower acceptance rates due to the competitive nature of these fields and the high demand for slots in these programs.
TOEFL Requirement for International Applicants
TOEFL and English Proficiency Requirements
Oakwood University welcomes international students and values the diversity they bring to campus. For non-native English speakers, the university requires proof of English language proficiency as part of the admissions process. The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is the most commonly accepted test, though Oakwood also considers other standardized tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
TOEFL Score Requirements
The minimum TOEFL scores required for admission to Oakwood University are:
- Internet-based test (iBT): 61
- Paper-based test (PBT): 500
These scores are the baseline requirements for most programs at the university. However, students applying to more competitive programs, particularly in fields such as nursing or business, may need to demonstrate stronger English proficiency and may be expected to achieve higher TOEFL scores.
IELTS Score Requirements
In addition to TOEFL scores, Oakwood University accepts IELTS scores as an alternative measure of English proficiency. The minimum IELTS score for admission is 6.0. Higher scores may be preferred or required by certain academic programs that place a greater emphasis on communication skills.
Conditional Admission for English Language Proficiency
For students who do not meet the minimum TOEFL or IELTS requirements, Oakwood University offers conditional admission. Under this arrangement, students are admitted with the understanding that they must complete additional English language instruction before beginning their regular academic coursework. Oakwood provides resources such as tutoring and language support services to help international students meet the university’s English proficiency standards and succeed in their studies.
Oakwood University Facts
Oakwood University is a unique institution that combines academic excellence with Christian values and a commitment to service. The university provides a nurturing environment where students can develop intellectually, spiritually, and socially.
General Information
- Established: 1896
- Type: Private, Historically Black University (HBCU)
- Religious Affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist Church
- Location: Huntsville, Alabama
- Mascot: Ambassadors
- Colors: Blue and Gold
Oakwood University is widely recognized for its strong emphasis on character development, leadership training, and community service. The university’s affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church influences every aspect of campus life, from academics to extracurricular activities, and Oakwood encourages students to live out their faith in all that they do.
Oakwood offers more than 60 undergraduate programs across various disciplines, including business, biology, nursing, and theology. The university also has a strong reputation for its music programs, particularly its internationally known choir, the Oakwood University Aeolians.
Contact Information
- Website URL: www.oakwood.edu
- Admissions Email: admissions@oakwood.edu
- Phone: (256) 726-7000
- Street Address:
Oakwood University
7000 Adventist Blvd NW
Huntsville, AL 35896
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: Applicants must have completed high school or an equivalent program to be eligible for admission.
- GPA: The minimum GPA for undergraduate admission is 2.0, though the average GPA for admitted students is between 3.0 and 3.4.
- Standardized Test Scores: Oakwood University typically requires ACT or SAT scores for undergraduate admission. However, the university may waive this requirement in certain cases, depending on the applicant’s academic background or during specific admissions cycles.
- Application Fee: A non-refundable application fee is required as part of the admissions process.
Graduate Admissions Requirements
While Oakwood University focuses primarily on undergraduate education, students interested in pursuing graduate studies through partner programs or institutions should meet the GPA and standardized test requirements (such as the GRE or GMAT) set by those programs.