June 27, 2025
At its June 27 formal meeting, the Oakland University Board of Trustees approved a $318,060,735 budget for the 2025-26 academic year. The budget reflects the university’s mission to provide students with an accessible, high-quality education in a supportive environment.
The 2025-26 tuition rate for in-state undergraduate lower division students is $16,575 or $552.50 per credit, an increase of 4.50%.
The 2025-26 tuition rate for in-state graduate students is $22,836 or $951.50 per credit, an increase of 3.99%.
In addition, The Board approved an increase to OU’s housing rates that equates to an average of $475 per semester, or less than $5 per day. The cost for a double room will be $11,621. Even with the increase, OU will continue to offer one of the most affordable housing options of all state-funded universities, being in the bottom three in terms of cost.
OU’s continued no-fee policy keeps pricing transparent as there are no additional fees. The university’s 2025-26 budget includes $40.6 million in financial aid, resulting in a 29.6% net tuition discount for full-time resident undergraduate students. In addition, qualifying freshman students can attend OU tuition-free for four years through the Golden Guarantee program.
“Our financial planning process was much different than usual this year as we had to consider enrollment projections, financial aid support and operating costs like usual, but we had to take our best guess as to what the state appropriations number might be since it could vary widely based on what plan is adopted,” said Stephen W. Mackey, senior vice president for Finance and Administration and treasurer to the Board of Trustees. “Regardless of that variable, we always produce a budget that reaffirms Oakland’s tradition of sound fiscal management that seeks cost containment opportunities and produces a balanced general fund budget.”
Through a principled and collaborative approach announced with its Strategic Vision 2030 plan, OU will continue to foster a sense of belonging for students, faculty and staff. The university also cultivates an engaging learning environment through classroom work and via The Pledge, OU’s commitment to providing meaningful internships and work experiences via on-campus and community partnerships. OU continues to be a primary “brain gain” university for the state’s workforce, readying graduates for outstanding job opportunities in Michigan after graduation. A study by the Anderson Economic Group reported that in fiscal year 2024 OU generated over $1.9 billion in economic activity and supported a total of 6,417 jobs.
Oakland has also committed resources, programs and services to a holistic view of health that considers both the mental and physical health of its students as part of its Strategic Vision 2030 plan.
“It has been my charge as president to provide our students with an accessible, affordable and world-class education that serves as a catalyst for upward mobility and opportunity,” added Oakland University President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz. “And, we will continue to do that for the upcoming school year and into the future.”