The best universities in Oklahoma provide high-quality postsecondary education to Oklahoma residents and distance learning students in a wide range of fields of study. Since Oklahoma has some of the largest oil fields in the US, there are many cartography, geography, and engineering programs for students wanting to build careers in the oil industry.
Even if you are not pursuing an energy or oil career, Oklahoma universities offer a wide range of academic programs across different disciplines, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 universities in Oklahoma. Find out the best colleges in Oklahoma and Oklahoma universities ranked, admission requirements, and reasons to study in Oklahoma.
What Are the Best Universities in Oklahoma?
The best universities in Oklahoma are the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City University, and Oklahoma State University. These universities are the best in Oklahoma because they offer the highest standard of education and rank high on US News & World Report and Times Higher Education school rankings.
How Many Universities Are in Oklahoma?
There are 27 universities in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This guide comprises public and private universities located in various cities within the state of Oklahoma.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Oklahoma?
The biggest universities in Oklahoma are the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus, University of Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State University, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Largest Oklahoma Universities by Enrollment
- University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | 27,772
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus| 24,535
- University of Central Oklahoma | 14,132
- Northeastern State University | 7,349
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University | 5,607
Oklahoma University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Oklahoma?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Tulsa | Tulsa | 73% |
| 2 | University of Oklahoma | Norman | 72% |
| 3 | Oklahoma City University | Oklahoma City | 71% |
| 4 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater | 64% |
| 5 | Oklahoma Christian University | Oklahoma City | 60% |
| 6 | Oral Roberts University | Tulsa | 56% |
| 7 | Oklahoma Baptist University | Shawnee | 55% |
| 8 | Southwestern Christian University | Bethany | 30% |
| 9 | Oklahoma Panhandle State University | Goodwell | 27% |
| 10 | Rogers State University | Claremore | 25% |
How We Defined Oklahoma University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Oklahoma universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Oklahoma universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma, Explained
This section contains a brief explanation of the best colleges and universities in Oklahoma alongside other important information, including campus locations, student population, acceptance rate, and graduation rate. All information in this section was sourced from the universities’ official websites and verifiable, third-party sources.
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Oklahoma University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a university in Oklahoma are a high school diploma for undergraduate admissions or an undergraduate major for graduate admissions, standardized test scores, application essays, community involvement, proof of English proficiency, and academic letters of recommendations.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Oklahoma
- High school diploma for undergraduate admission
- Undergraduate degree for graduate admission
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- Application essays
- Community involvement
- Academic letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency
How to Apply to Oklahoma Universities
Prospective students can apply to Oklahoma universities from the application page on the official university website, Common Application, or Coalition Application. It’s recommended that you consult your preferred Oklahoma university website to find the specific application method for the school.
Oklahoma Universities Admissions Process
- Visit your preferred Oklahoma university website.
- Go to the academics page and select the degree program that you want to study.
- Review the application requirements to ensure you are eligible for the program.
- Check the application deadline to ensure you can apply.
- Go to the application page.
- Choose the application method that works best for you.
- Fill out your personal information.
- Submit official school transcripts.
- Submit application essays, standardized test scores, and other admission requirements.
- Pay the application fee and wait for the admission decision.
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Why Study in Oklahoma?
You should study in Oklahoma because of its affordable colleges, low cost of living index, employment opportunities, natural environment, and art and culture. Oklahoma offers many benefits for pursuing postsecondary education.
Affordable Education
Oklahoma is one of the most affordable states to get a university education in the United States. According to Oklahoma State Regents 2020 Tuition Impact Analysis Report, Oklahoma university students pay $2,959 less in tuition compared to students in other states. Oklahoma is also one of the states with the lowest student debts.
Low Cost of Living Index
The cost of living index compares the average cost a person spends on food, shelter, clothing, energy, transportation, and healthcare in different regions. Oklahoma has a low cost of living index. According to PayScale, the cost of living in Oklahoma City is 13 percent lower than the national average.
Employment Opportunities
Oklahoma has considerable petroleum and natural gas deposits, which have given rise to the development of energy, natural gas, and oil companies. There are many job openings for graduates in the natural gas, oil, and energy fields. However, students with other interests can get high-paying positions in numerous fields.
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Arts and Culture
If you love art, Oklahoma has an interesting art scene. There are art museums and galleries that showcase the works of Vincent van Gogh, Jim Henson, and Andy Warhol. It also offers performing arts and theaters that have operas, ballets, and Broadway productions.
More Oklahoma University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Oklahoma?
Our Oklahoma university rankings contain some of the best state, public, and private universities. This list helps students make an informed decision about where they can get their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.
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Top Oklahoma Universities by Major
Are you looking for the top Oklahoma universities for your program of study? This section lists the top Oklahoma universities by major and program of study. Below you’ll find Oklahoma schools for computer science, nursing, engineering, business, and liberal arts and science.
Tuition Costs for Oklahoma Universities
The average tuition for an Oklahoma university is $8,009 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This excludes the annual cost of room, board, and other schooling expenses. The tuition costs vary depending on the type of school. Students in private schools spend up to $29,429 per year on tuition.
Most Affordable Universities in Oklahoma
- Cameron University | Tuition: $215/Credit. This is the most affordable school on this list. The cost of attendance for undergraduate courses is $215 per credit and $255 per credit for graduate division courses. Students may also have to pay other program costs like workshop fees, academic services fees, and organizational leadership fees.
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University | Tuition: $227/Credit. This is one of the most affordable schools to study in Oklahoma. More than 50 percent of Oklahoma graduates do not have student debts. Students can also qualify for scholarships which can further reduce the costs of university education.
- Northeastern State University | Tuition: $237/Credit. This is a great school for students on a budget. It offers undergraduate courses at $237 and graduate division courses at $291. However, the credit costs may vary depending on the area of study.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Tuition: $248/Credit. This school offers affordable, high-quality academic programs. It provides financing options such as student loans, campus jobs, work-study programs, and payment plans to help students pay their tuition.
- East Central University | Tuition: $272/Credit. This university offers postsecondary education at affordable tuition rates, as well as scholarships, grants, and student jobs to help students alleviate education costs. This includes the Pell Grant, Oklahoma Promise, Foundation Scholarships, and Work-Study.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Oklahoma
The financial aid options for the best universities in Oklahoma include student loans, campus jobs, work-study programs, payment plans, and scholarship and grants. Below are some of the ways you can pay for college and descriptions of what each option entails.
Financial Aid for Oklahoma Universities: A Summary
- Student loans. Student loans help students pay their educational expenses but must be repaid after graduation. Students can seek federal loans like the Stafford Students Loan, Federal Family Educational Loan Program, and PLUS loans or private loans.
- Federal work-study programs. This is a great way for students to earn extra income while gaining valuable work experience to supplement their resumes.
- Payment plans. Some schools offer semester-based payment plans. This allows students to pay their tuition in installments per semester instead of one lump sum.
- Scholarships and grants. Oklahoma students can benefit from scholarships and grants such as the Pell Grant, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and Oklahoma Promise.
Oklahoma University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Oklahoma Universities?
- Students with a complete FAFSA application
- Students with exceptional skills, high grades, musical or athletic ability, or leadership skills
- Students with a financial need
Private Oklahoma Universities With Good Financial Aid
- The University of Tulsa. This school attracts the most talented students by offering competitive financial aid packages to alleviate the cost of schooling. This includes scholarships and grants, student loans, and student employment.
- Oklahoma City University. This is one of the best private universities to get financial aid in Oklahoma. It has awarded more than $34 million in scholarships to students. There are numerous scholarship opportunities available to undergraduates and graduates.
- Oral Roberts University. This private school offers undergraduate and graduate scholarships, payment plans, and grants. It also offers a special financing option called the ORU Integrity Loan to help undergraduate students meet college costs. Students can also apply for FAFSA and federal loans.
Universities in Oklahoma That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. This school offers a full waiver of out-of-state fees and scholarships worth $2,855 to out-of-state students. However, there are conditions the student must abide by to keep the scholarship.
- University of Central Oklahoma. Out-of-state students in this school can enjoy tuition assistance and tuition waivers such as the Broncho advantage and non-resident legacy tuition fee waiver. They can also benefit from non-resident scholarships.
- University of Oklahoma. This school offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities for out-of-state students, such as the Award of Excellence, University Scholarship, Honor Award, and National Merit Finalist. These scholarships are merit-based, so students will have to demonstrate an excellent education record and high standardized test scores.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Oklahoma State Universities
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which makes you eligible for scholarship opportunities from federal and state governments.
- Receive and confirm your Student Aid Report (SAR).
- Your school will send an award letter outlining the types of financial aid that you are eligible for.
- Apply for the available scholarships following the application process instructions that have been outlined in the letter.
- In the case of a loan, contact the financial aid office to learn the application procedures to apply for a federal loan.
Demographics of Universities in Oklahoma
The demographics of universities in Oklahoma are made up of White, African American, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, and multiracial students.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Oklahoma
- White: 59.7%
- Black: 8.4%
- Hispanic: 10.9%
- Asian: 3.3%
- Pacific Islander: 0.2%
- American Indian: 7.4%
- Two or More Races: 10.1%
Oklahoma Employment Outlook for University Students
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 1,557,810 jobs in Oklahoma. Oklahoma has a booming private sector with numerous job opportunities in construction, mining and logging, manufacturing, education, public health services, leisure, hospitality, energy, and wholesale trade.
5 In-Demand Oklahoma Jobs
The in-demand jobs in Oklahoma are petroleum engineers, accountants, computer systems analysts, registered nurses, and general and operations managers. Each of these five in-demand jobs in Oklahoma is listed below, with descriptions of the work, salaries, employment, job growth, and the best school to get your degree at.
Is a University in Oklahoma Right for You?
Yes, a university in Oklahoma is right for you if a postsecondary degree will get you into your dream career. It provides the education, skills, and hands-on experience students need to meet the minimum educational requirements for high-profile jobs.
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Best Universities in Oklahoma FAQ
The best universities in Oklahoma for law are the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, and Oklahoma City University, according to US News & World Report. By attending one of these universities, you can ensure your future success in the field of law.
Oklahoma is known for undergraduate majors in communication, business, marketing, engineering, and humanities. Students can pursue a wide variety of popular programs across different academic disciplines.
The best dance universities in Oklahoma are the University of Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma City University, and the University of Central Oklahoma. These universities offer excellent undergraduate and graduate dance degrees.
The best colleges in Oklahoma for physical therapy and kinesiology are the University of Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Baptist University, and Oral Roberts University.
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