Best Colleges in Oklahoma – 2024
July 2, 2024
There are 25 public universities in the state of Oklahoma as well as a number of private options, so how can Sooner state residents make the best decision? The following list of the best colleges in Oklahoma is meant to give you an idea of how to narrow down your search and find the perfect-fit institution to meet your unique needs. The data in each profile card is intended to give a better sense of the academic offerings and outcomes at each institution.
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Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges in Oklahoma. As you鈥檒l see, some schools with spectacular (and deserved) reputations simply do not happen to fare well on metrics such as student-to-faculty ratio or spending per student. We understand that a list based solely on prestige/general reputation would look different than what you will find below.
Best Colleges in Oklahoma
Here鈥檚 a quick preview of the top Oklahoma-based institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats can be found when you scroll below.
1) University of Oklahoma
2) Oklahoma State University
3) University of Tulsa
4) Oklahoma City University
All of the Best Colleges in Oklahoma profiled below have a history of sending graduates to the most desirable employers and graduate schools in the country. 国产第一福利影院草草 will provide you with鈥攚hen available鈥攅ach school鈥檚:
- Enrollment
- Cost of Attendance
- Acceptance Rate
- 惭别诲颈补苍听
- 惭别诲颈补苍听
- Retention Rate
- Graduation Rate
We will also include a longer write-up of each best college in Oklahoma’s:
- Academic Highlights 鈥 Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
- Professional Outcomes 鈥 Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.
Also view our:
University of Oklahoma
- Norman, OK
Academic Highlights:聽The University of Oklahoma offers students a robust selection of 170+ academic programs with the ideal balance of a large research university’s resources and personalized attention (17:1 student-faculty ratio). OU excels in undergraduate research through its innovative Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (UReCA), established in 2022 as a centralized hub that awards 50 competitive summer fellowships annually and hosts the UReCA Showcase. This commitment to hands-on learning is complemented by global perspectives, with 25% of Sooners participating in international experiences.
Professional Outcomes: OU graduates launch successful careers quickly, with 79% of the Class of 2024 entering the workforce directly at top employers like Boeing, Paycom, and the U.S. Air Force, earning an average starting salary of $59,000. Other Sooners continue their education at prestigious institutions, including OU’s Health Sciences Center, SMU, and Oklahoma State’s Center for Health Sciences. These outcomes demonstrate OU’s dual strength in preparing students for immediate career success and advanced academic pursuits, particularly in Oklahoma’s key industries.
- Enrollment: 22,025
- Cost of Attendance: $30,486 (In-State); $47,556 (Out-of-State)
- Median SAT: 1220
- Median ACT: 26
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Graduation Rate: 75%
Oklahoma State University
- Stillwater, Oklahoma
Academic Highlights: As Oklahoma’s flagship land-grant university, Oklahoma State University offers students exceptional academic breadth with 300+ undergraduate programs across seven colleges. The university’s distinction as Oklahoma’s first Truman Honor Institution and home to a top-100 research library underscores its academic excellence. With an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio and research opportunities through 30 specialized centers, OSU blends large-university resources with hands-on learning for a diverse student body representing all 50 states and 100+ countries.
Professional Outcomes: OSU graduates form the backbone of Oklahoma’s professional workforce, securing positions with leading employers like Paycom, Phillips 66, and ONEOK. Alumni predominantly build their careers in the state’s key economic hubs, the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas, while others contribute to the vibrant Stillwater community. These outcomes demonstrate how OSU fulfills its land-grant mission by preparing graduates who drive innovation in Oklahoma’s various sectors while maintaining strong ties to their alma mater.
- Enrollment: 21,354
- Cost of Attendance: $28,234 (In-State); $43,754 (Out-of-State)
- Median SAT: 1130
- Median ACT: 23
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 84%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
University of Tulsa
- Tulsa, OK
Academic Highlights:聽The University of Tulsa offers students an intimate liberal arts experience within a research university framework, with 81 bachelor’s programs across five colleges. Its exceptional 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 13 students create an environment where 64% of courses maintain fewer than 20 enrollees – perfect for meaningful mentorship. Undergraduates gain rare research access through the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Center, working alongside top professors on advanced projects. Global perspectives come alive through study abroad programs spanning 32 countries, rounding out TU’s commitment to experiential learning.
Professional Outcomes: TU’s Class of 2024 achieved outstanding results, with 96% securing positive outcomes – 71% employed, 23% in graduate programs, and 2% pursuing personal growth. Graduates find success across Oklahoma’s leading institutions, including Saint Francis Health System, Williams Energy, and BOK Financial, while commanding a strong average starting salary of $73,000. Those continuing their education predominantly choose regional powerhouses like the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, though many remain at TU itself – a testament to the university’s strong graduate programs and loyal alumni network.
- Enrollment: 2,647 (undergraduate); 1,122 (graduate)
- Cost of Attendance: $66,688
- Median SAT: 1335
- Median ACT: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 73%
Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma City, OK
Academic Highlights:聽Oklahoma City University offers students a personalized private university experience with 70+ undergraduate majors across eight distinct schools and colleges. With an excellent 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 77% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students, OCU creates an intimate learning environment that fosters close mentorship. This supportive academic community brings together students from 45 states and 36 countries, blending local roots with global perspectives.
Professional Outcomes: OCU graduates show strong regional loyalty, with most building careers in the Oklahoma City area and significant clusters in Dallas-Fort Worth and Tulsa. The university serves as a vital talent pipeline for Oklahoma’s leading employers, including INTEGRIS Health, OU Health, Paycom, and Devon Energy. The Class of 2024 achieved solid outcomes, with 69% employed and 11% continuing their education, demonstrating OCU’s success in preparing students for both immediate career opportunities and advanced academic pursuits.
- Enrollment: 1,447
- Cost of Attendance: $47,438
- Median SAT: Not Reported
- Average ACT: 23
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges in Oklahoma to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including: