Birmingham-Southern College vs Oakwood University
Oakwood University is moderately selective with a 50.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Birmingham-Southern College (51.9%). Graduates of Birmingham-Southern College earn $16,993 more per year at the 10-year mark ($59,481 vs $42,488). For families earning $48k–$75k, Birmingham-Southern College is more affordable at $21,634 net price vs $24,501. Students at Birmingham-Southern College graduate with less debt ($25,000 vs $27,000).
Admissions & Outcomes
Oakwood University has a higher yield rate (24.2%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference.
Birmingham, AL
Huntsville, AL
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Birmingham-Southern College is more affordable at $19,562 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $25,419 vs $27,219.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Oakwood University enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (47%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Birmingham-Southern College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations$33,993
- 2 Psychology, General$26,933
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Birmingham-Southern College
- 1 Business Administration, Management and Operations
- 2 Psychology, General
- 3 Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- 4 Biology, General
- 5 Computer and Information Sciences, General
Oakwood University
- 1 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- 2 Biology, General
- 3 Theological and Ministerial Studies
- 4 Psychology, General
- 5 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Birmingham-Southern College
- International students4%
- Tuition (international)$17,650
- Est. total cost/year$31,800
- School typePublic
Oakwood University
- International students15%
- Tuition (international)$18,974
- Est. total cost/year$29,364
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
- With 15% international enrollment, Oakwood University likely has a well-established international student community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Birmingham-Southern College or Oakwood University?
Oakwood University is more selective with a 50.5% acceptance rate, compared to 51.9%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Birmingham-Southern College or Oakwood University?
Birmingham-Southern College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $59,481 compared to $42,488. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Birmingham-Southern College or Oakwood University?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Birmingham-Southern College has a lower net price at $21,634 per year vs $24,501. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Birmingham-Southern College vs Oakwood University?
Birmingham-Southern College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 64.2%, compared to 46.9%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Birmingham-Southern College or Oakwood University?
Oakwood University has a larger international student population at 15% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Birmingham-Southern College and Oakwood University?
At Birmingham-Southern College, Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates earn a median of $33,993 within two years. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.