Douglas Olsen
Oakwood University is a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university located in Huntsville, Alabama. Founded in 1896, the university has grown significantly since its inception, with an initial enrollment of 16 students, increasing to more than 1,300 undergraduate students today. Oakwood University has a strong history of and commitment to the education of black Americans, offering associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. The university is accredited by several organizations and is known for its diverse student body, with a good mix of traditional college-age students and those from different geographic locations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Institution | Private, Adventist university |
| Location | Huntsville, Alabama |
| Year founded | 1896 |
| Initial Enrollment | 16 students |
| Current Enrollment | 1,305 undergraduate students |
| Acceptance Rate | 68% |
| Student Gender Ratio | 798 female students and 576 male students |
| Student Age Diversity Score | 53.89% traditional college-age students (18-21 years old) |
| Geographic Diversity | 83.84% of students come from out of state, 6.39% are international students |
| Number of Clubs and Organizations | Over 30 |
| Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists |
| Degrees Offered | Associate, baccalaureate, master's, and graduate degrees in religion |
| Starting Salary for Alumni | $21,800 |
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What You'll Learn
- Oakwood University's current student population is 1,305
- The university has grown since its founding in 1896 with 16 students
- By 1974, Oakwood's student population had surpassed 1,000
- Oakwood University is a historically black college
- The university has a gender imbalance, with 798 female students and 576 male students
Oakwood University's current student population is 1,305
Oakwood University is a private, historically black, Seventh-day Adventist university located in Huntsville, Alabama. It was founded in 1896 as Oakwood Industrial School, a post-Civil War and post-slavery effort to fund higher education for African Americans. The current student population of Oakwood University is 1,305, with a gender breakdown of approximately 798 female students and 576 male students. The university has a strong commitment to the education of black Americans and is the only HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Oakwood University's student population reflects its diverse and inclusive nature. With an acceptance rate of 68%, the university attracts students from various backgrounds and ages. Approximately 83.84% of Oakwood students come from out of state, and 6.39% are international students. The university has a traditional college-age population of 53.89%, compared to the national average of 60%, indicating its appeal to students of all ages.
The university offers a range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors including Biology, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Health Service Preparatory Studies. Oakwood University also provides distance education courses and online learning opportunities. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and authorized to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.
Oakwood University has a rich history and a strong focus on extracurricular activities and community engagement. The university has over 30 clubs and organizations on campus, including a premier touring ensemble called The Aeolians, founded in 1946. The university also hosts the annual Camp Meeting for the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a 10-day spiritual, educational, and recreational retreat that accommodates 8,000-10,000 attendees.
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The university has grown since its founding in 1896 with 16 students
Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, has grown significantly since its founding in 1896. Originally called Oakwood Industrial School, the institution began with just 16 students. The university has a strong history of educating black Americans and is the only HBCU (Historically Black College or University) owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The growth of Oakwood University can be traced through the years. By 1917, the student population had increased to over 100, and by 1927, enrollment peaked at 200. Oakwood's enrollment continued to climb, surpassing 1,000 students in 1974. During this period, the university underwent several name changes, reflecting its academic advancement. In 2003, Oakwood offered liberal arts and professional degrees, with an enrollment of approximately 1,700 students, including international representation from 38 countries.
The university's growth and reputation continued to flourish. In 2008, Oakwood College became Oakwood University and was approved to offer a graduate program in religion. Enrollment increased to 1,865 students, with representation from 42 U.S. states. Oakwood University's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges placed it at #182 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Today, Oakwood University has an enrollment of 1,305 undergraduate students, with a gender breakdown of approximately 798 female students and 576 male students. The university's acceptance rate is 68%, and it offers a range of popular majors, including Biology, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Health Service Preparatory Studies. Oakwood University's impact extends beyond academics, as it has been hosting the annual Camp Meeting for the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists since 1946, accommodating 8,000 to 10,000 attendees.
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By 1974, Oakwood's student population had surpassed 1,000
Oakwood University, a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university, has seen significant growth in student enrollment since its founding in 1896. The university, located in Huntsville, Alabama, was established to provide higher education to African Americans in the post-Civil War and post-slavery era. Oakwood's student population has grown steadily over the years, reflecting its commitment to educating the black community.
Initially starting with only 16 students in 1896, Oakwood's enrolment increased to over 100 by 1917 and reached 200 in 1927. During this period, the university underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving academic status, from Oakwood Industrial School to Oakwood Manual Training School, and later to Oakwood Junior College in 1917. By 1943, Oakwood had achieved accreditation as a junior college and began awarding its first baccalaureate degrees.
The university continued to expand and by the 1974-1975 academic year, Oakwood's student population had surpassed 1,000, marking a significant milestone in its history. This growth is indicative of the university's increasing appeal and recognition. During this time, Oakwood was making strides towards full senior college accreditation, which it had achieved nearly 70 years prior to 1974. The university's enrolment continued to climb, and by 2003, it had approximately 1,700 students, with representation from 38 countries.
Oakwood University's student population growth is a testament to its dedication to academic excellence and its mission to serve the black community. The university has a strong history of educating black Americans and providing them with the tools to succeed in their chosen careers. Today, Oakwood University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Biology, Liberal Arts and Humanities, and Health Service Preparatory Studies. The university is also committed to extracurricular activities, with over 30 clubs and organizations on campus, including a premier touring ensemble called The Aeolians, which has performed internationally.
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Oakwood University is a historically black college
The college's founders were prominent SDA World Church leaders: co-founder and author Mrs Ellen G White, President O. A. Olsen, Treasurer H. Lindsey, and G. A. Irwin, the Southern District director. The name was changed to Oakwood Manual Training School in 1904, and in 1917 it became Oakwood Junior College. By this time, student numbers had risen to over 100. The college was first accredited in 1943, and in 1945 the school's first baccalaureate degrees were awarded. In 1946, the college began hosting the annual Camp Meeting for the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a 10-day spiritual, educational, and recreational retreat.
In 1964, Oakwood joined the United Negro College Fund. By 1974, enrollment had reached over 1,000 students, and in 2003 the college offered its first liberal arts and professional degrees. In 2008, Oakwood College became Oakwood University and was approved to offer a graduate program in religion. That year, enrollment increased to 1,865, with representation from 42 US states.
Today, Oakwood University is a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university in Huntsville, Alabama. It is the only HBCU owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Department of Education of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (through the Adventist Accrediting Association) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees.
The university has around 1,300 undergraduate students, with a student body that is 53.89% traditional college age (18-21). There are approximately 798 female students and 576 male students, and 60% of the culturally diverse faculty hold doctorate degrees.
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The university has a gender imbalance, with 798 female students and 576 male students
Oakwood University, a private, historically black Seventh-day Adventist university in Huntsville, Alabama, has a gender imbalance, with 798 female students and 576 male students. The university was founded in 1896 as Oakwood Industrial School, with an initial enrolment of 16 students, 13 of whom were male, and three female. The university's enrolment increased to more than 100 by 1917 and 200 in 1927. It was accredited as a junior college in 1943 and became a senior college in 1958. By 1974, Oakwood's enrolment had exceeded 1,000 students. The university's enrolment peaked in 2011, reaching the 2,000-student milestone.
Oakwood University is the only HBCU (Historically Black College or University) owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The university has a strong history of and commitment to the education of black Americans. It is also the only HBCU within the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. The university's mission is to transform students through biblically-based education. The university's founders were prominent SDA World Church leaders, including co-founder and author Mrs Ellen G White, President O. A. Olsen, Treasurer H. Lindsey, and G. A. Irwin, the Southern District director.
The university's gender imbalance may be attributed to various factors, such as the university's historical focus on the education of African Americans, the influence of its founding members, and the gender distribution within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Additionally, the university's popularity among women may have contributed to the higher number of female students. Oakwood University's gender imbalance reflects a broader trend within Adventist institutions, which often report a higher proportion of female students and teachers.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, Oakwood University has an enrollment of 1,305 undergraduate students.
In 2008, Oakwood College was renamed Oakwood University and its enrollment increased to 1,865 students.
Oakwood University had an enrollment of 200 students in 1927.
