IPEDS REPORT SHOWS OAKLAND CITY UNIVERSITY OUTPERFORMS PEER INSTITUTIONS

Oakland City University (OCU) is pleased to announce that the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) report, published annually by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), identifies OCU as outperforming its peer group, based on enrollment, persistence rates, and cost measures. Oakland City University has higher rates for the retention and graduation of students, lower costs, and a more diverse student population. 

The IPEDS report identifies Oakland City University as having higher retention and graduation rates than comparable institutions. OCU has a 78% retention rate compared to an average 69% rate of its peer group. President Ron D. Dempsey credited OCU faculty and staff for fostering a strong academic experience and campus environment that supports student success. “Our faculty and staff work diligently to create an engaging student learning experience and campus life,” said Dempsey. “Their personal commitment to Jesus Christ is reflected in how they treat our students which helps students be successful.” The college is also proud that its graduates minority students at a much higher rate. Black students have a 60% graduation rate as opposed to a 30% among our peer group. Hispanic students have a 60% graduation rate as opposed to a 49% among our peer group. Those students who identified as two or more races graduated at a 69% rate compared to 60% among our peer group. 

Oakland City University continues to offer one of the lowest college costs in the nation. Our 2024-2025 tuition and fees were $27,900 compared to $35,523 for our peer group. More importantly, OCU has a lower net cost to students of $16,437 due to scholarships and grants compared to $23,573 for our peer group. 

The report indicates that the university has a more diverse student population. Our student population consists of 14% black students (10% for peer group), 10% students of two or more races (7% for peer group), and 15% international students (3% for peer group). “The black population in southern Indiana is 2% and yet OCU mirrors the national average,” according to Dr. Dempsey. “For a small Christian college in a rural area, our student population represents 45 countries around the world. It’s wonderful to see such a high level of diversity and global exposure packed into a small campus! That really creates a unique, vibrant, and transformative learning experience." 
 
Oakland City University (OCU) provides students with a Christian learning environment that supports academic achievement, personal growth, and career preparation. OCU is ranked 19th nationally by U.S. News & World Report for social mobility and 4th nationally by OnlineU for its online forensic science degree program. OCU serves a diverse student body, with 38% student diversity and 29% first- generation college students, and awards more than $13 million annually in financial aid. The university boasts an 88% student-athlete success rate and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio across more than 50 career-focused academic concentrations. Founded on the motto Enter to Learn – Go Forth to Serve, Oakland City University is located at 138 North Lucretia Street, Oakland City, Indiana. Learn more at www.oak.edu and follow OCU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.