Oakland Community College (OCC) was founded in 1964, with its main campus located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It was the first public community college established in Oakland County. The college operates five campuses and six extension centers across Oakland County, spanning over 500 acres and featuring more than 400 classrooms within nearly 2.2 million square feet of facilities. As a public two-year college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, OCC has served over one million students and continues this mission today.
| Core Metrics | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1964 |
| President | Peter M. Provenzano |
| Campuses | 5 campuses, 6 sites |
| Total Enrollment | 13,430 students |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 24:1 |
| Average Class Size | 21.5 students |
| Academic Calendar | Fall, Winter, Summer semesters |
📊 Student Demographics | A Diverse Learning Community
OCC’s student body reflects rich diversity. Among the 13,430 enrolled students, women account for 54% and men 41%. In terms of age distribution, students aged 18-24 make up 61%, while those 25 and older represent 33%, with an average age of 24, reflecting the college’s mission to serve learners of all ages. Aftermath of Losing a Diploma
Racially, White students comprise 57%, African American 17%, Hispanic 5%, Asian 4%, and multiracial students 4%. Notably, approximately 17% of students are first-generation college attendees, and about 40% receive scholarships and grants.
Geographically, 85% of students come from Oakland County, 91% from the seven-county Southeast Michigan region, and 99% are Michigan residents, with international students making up 3%. Regarding enrollment patterns, 75% of students attend part-time (fewer than 12 credits), while 25% are full-time.
🎓 Academic Programs | 100+ Degree and Certificate Options
OCC offers over 100 certificate and degree programs across five associate degree types:
-
Associate of Applied Science: Designed for direct workforce entry, covering business, technology, and more
-
Associate of Arts: Focuses on humanities and social sciences, preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions
-
Associate of Business Administration: Provides business fundamentals including accounting and economics
-
Associate of General Studies: Flexible curriculum meeting personalized learning needs
-
Associate of Science: Emphasizes mathematics and science foundations, preparing for fields like medicine
Popular majors include General Studies, Business Administration, Art, Nursing, Science, Accounting, Dental Hygiene, and Early Childhood Education. By disciplinary area, Liberal Arts, General Studies & Communications account for 37.5%, Health Sciences 22.2%, Business, Management & Technology 22%, Public Services 10.5%, and Engineering & Manufacturing 7.8%.
The college also features specialized high-quality programs: The Oakland Fire Academy is Michigan’s only nationally and internationally accredited program. The Sign Language Interpreting Program was the first accredited program in Michigan and remains one of only four nationally accredited associate degree programs in this field. The Respiratory Therapy Program has earned national recognition from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care for its credential pass rates.
💰 Tuition & Financial Aid | State-Leading Affordability
OCC offers some of Michigan’s most competitive tuition rates. According to recent data, in-district students pay $3,020 annually, while in-state and out-of-state students both pay $5,560. Books and supplies average $1,866 per year.
| Expense Category | In-District | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $3,020 | $5,560 | $5,560 |
| Books & Supplies | $1,866 | $1,866 | $1,866 |
| Off-Campus Room & Board | $9,074 | $9,074 | $9,074 |
| Other Expenses | $3,128 | $3,128 | $3,128 |
| Total Budget (Off-Campus) | $17,088 | $19,628 | $19,628 |
| Total Budget (Living with Family) | $8,014 | $10,554 | $10,554 |
*Source: NCES College Navigator *
Regarding financial assistance, approximately 55% of undergraduate freshmen receive some form of aid. In the 2022-2023 academic year, 48% of full-time freshmen received grants or scholarships, averaging $6,918. 38% received Pell Grants, averaging $6,465. 21% took out student loans, averaging $3,594.
Most impressively, the average net price (tuition, fees, and books minus grants and scholarships) for the 2022-2023 academic year was just $4,834. For students from families earning under $30,000 annually, the average net price was only $2,628.
🏫 Campus Life & Support Services
OCC hosts more than 20 student clubs and organizations, including a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter. Student organizations span academic, cultural, and interest-based areas, providing rich extracurricular opportunities.
Support services are comprehensive, including academic and career counseling, career services, and an Office of Disability Services. Approximately 5.97% of students are formally registered with Disability Services. The college also serves veterans and has earned Gold status from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Regarding technology infrastructure, each campus has at least one staffed computer lab, with 2,501 computers available for student use and campus-wide wireless internet access. All students receive free student email accounts.
📈 Transfer Advantage | Michigan’s #1 Transfer College
OCC proudly claims to be Michigan’s number one transfer college. The college has established strong transfer partnerships with numerous four-year institutions, with graduates successfully transferring to top universities including:
-
Oakland University
-
Wayne State University
-
Michigan State University
-
Central Michigan University
-
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
-
Eastern Michigan University
-
Baker College
-
Grand Valley State University
-
Western Michigan University
-
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Regarding student outcomes, full-time student retention is 60%. Graduation rates range from 16-19%, and transfer rates from 22-25%. It’s important to note that community college student populations are highly diverse, with many attending part-time or transferring mid-program, so these figures should be understood in context.
🚀 Special Programs & Online Learning
OCC offers various learning formats and specialized programs to meet diverse student needs:
-
100% Online Courses: Covering arts, business, sciences, criminal justice, and more
-
Dual Enrollment/Early College: High school students can earn college credits at OCC
-
Continuing Education: Short-term training for personal or professional development
-
ESL English as a Second Language: Helping international students improve English proficiency
-
Short-Term Career Training: 14-week or shorter vocational skills programs
-
Applied Science Cooperative Internships: Work-based learning partnerships with businesses and industries
Notably, OCC’s curriculum is flexibly designed, offering academic, career, developmental (remedial), and recreational instruction. Non-credit education spans workforce development, contract training, personal enrichment, and continuing professional education.
🏆 Conclusion | Your Starting Point for Success
Oakland Community College, with its over half-century educational legacy, state-leading affordability, Michigan’s #1 transfer rate, and diverse, inclusive learning community, stands as an ideal starting point for students pursuing quality higher education. Whether planning to transfer to top four-year universities like Oakland University or the University of Michigan, or seeking direct workforce entry through career training, OCC provides clear pathways and comprehensive support. The convenient distribution across five campuses, flexible scheduling, over 100 program options, and holistic support for student success continue to cement this college’s position as a leader among Michigan’s community colleges. For students beginning their college journey in Detroit’s northern suburbs, Oakland Community College deserves serious consideration.
