Affordable Colleges Online has just recognized Oakland University as one of its Most LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities of 2018 in a newly released ranking. On the list of this year’s schools, OU is ranked No. 14 in the country.
Kyle Darland, community outreach director for Affordable Colleges Online said in an email, “We wanted to highlight schools that are leading the way to making a more inclusive campus for LGBTQ students. We analyzed many different factors to create the ranking, including having an LGBTQ support center, inclusive housing, LGBTQ scholarships, and college affordability.”
The profile of OU in the rankings reads, “Located in Rochester, Michigan, Oakland University puts its students’ happiness and comfort first. OU established its Gender and Sexuality Center not only foster a greater sense of community among all students, but to also give proper representation and advocation to student populations who have been marginalized due to their gender or sexual orientation. Today, OU holds a Campus Pride Index of 4.5 stars and is proud to offer its students resources on sexual health, safe sex and other campus organizations. Awards such as the Community Advocacy Scholarship are also available to students who exhibit a commitment to advocating for LGBTQ+ learners; this award also requires a 3.0 GPA or higher and comes in the amount of $1,000.”
 |
| Affordable Colleges Online ranks OU No. 14 nationally on its 2018 list of LGBTQ-Friendly colleges and universities. |
The specific criteria and scoring metrics for the ranking included:
General criteria for schools on this list:
- Accredited, not-for-profit 4-year public or private institution
- The school offers students a professionally run LGBTQ support center staffed by at least one paid professional or graduate assistant directing LGBT resources
- LGBTQ scholarships or scholarship resources are offered
- The school has gender-inclusive housing
- LGBTQ clubs, organizations, and events are offered
Scoring metrics:
- Average net price
- 6-year graduation rate
- Percentage of beginning, full-time undergrads receiving scholarship/grant aid from the school
- Campus Pride Index Ranking
Only three Michigan schools made this year’s list. Joining Oakland on the list are Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University.
Related story: Oakland University ranked as most LGBTQ-friendly campus in Michigan for 2017 by Campus Pride Index.
About Affordable Colleges Online:
Affordable Colleges Online began in 2012. The group, based in San Francisco, provides community resources and tools related to higher education with an eye on affordability and accreditation. Those resources help students choose a school to match their budget, career goals and lifestyle.