Business/Commerce at Oakland University

Oakland University's business program launches graduates into solid starting salaries—$56,118 puts them in the 86th percentile nationally and ahead of most Michigan schools. The $27,250 in typical debt is manageable at roughly six months of first-year earnings. However, something unusual happens after graduation: earnings completely flatline over the next four years, staying at essentially the same $56K mark. This is rare for business programs, which typically see meaningful salary growth as graduates gain experience and move into management roles.

Within Michigan, this is a respectable mid-tier option. Oakland trails only Walsh College and Cleary University among in-state business programs, though the gap isn't dramatic. The admission profile (70% acceptance rate, 1110 SAT average) suggests Oakland is accessible while still selective enough to maintain program quality.

The stagnant earnings trajectory deserves attention. It could reflect graduates clustering in specific industries or roles that limit advancement, or it might be timing-related given the moderate sample size. For a student planning to stay in Michigan and work in business, Oakland delivers strong initial placement at reasonable cost. But families should ask pointed questions about career services and alumni outcomes beyond that first job—you want to understand why graduates aren't seeing the 20-30% earnings bump that typically comes with four years of career progression.