Top 10 Universities in Oklahoma

1. University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma, founded in 1890, is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. OU is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research initiatives, and vibrant campus life. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

OU has an enrollment of approximately 28,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

The University of Oklahoma offers degrees in various fields, including arts and sciences, engineering, business, education, law, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 70%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at OU is typically in the range of 1150-1350.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Greek life organizations
3. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles
4. Intramural and club sports teams
5. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities

Famous Alumni:

1. James Garner – Actor known for “The Rockford Files.”
2. Blake Griffin – NBA basketball player.
3. Ed Harris – Academy Award-nominated actor.
4. David L. Boren – Former U.S. Senator and President of the University of Oklahoma.
5. Donna Shirley – Engineer and manager of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Boeing
2. Chesapeake Energy
3. Devon Energy
4. AT&T
5. American Airlines

2. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University, founded in 1890, is a public research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. OSU is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and veterinary medicine.

U.S. News Ranking:

Oklahoma State University consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

OSU has an enrollment of approximately 24,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

OSU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, business, education, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 70%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at OSU is typically in the range of 1100-1300.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Greek life organizations
2. Student government and leadership roles
3. Intramural and club sports teams
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles

Famous Alumni:

1. T. Boone Pickens – Business magnate and philanthropist.
2. Garth Brooks – Country music singer and songwriter.
3. Barry Sanders – Hall of Fame NFL running back.
4. Anita Hill – Attorney and professor known for her testimony during Clarence Thomas’s confirmation hearings.
5. Gary Busey – Academy Award-nominated actor.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Halliburton
2. ConocoPhillips
3. ExxonMobil
4. IBM
5. Phillips 66

3. University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa, founded in 1894, is a private research university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. TU is known for its strong programs in law, engineering, business, and the liberal arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of Tulsa consistently ranks among the top national universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

Number of Students:

TU has an enrollment of approximately 4,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

TU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as arts and sciences, engineering, business, law, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a selective acceptance rate, typically around 40%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at TU is typically in the range of 1200-1400.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Greek life organizations
3. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
4. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles
5. Academic and professional organizations

Famous Alumni:

1. Mary K. Wagner – Former U.S. Secretary of Education.
2. Rue McClanahan – Actress known for her role in “The Golden Girls.”
3. Ted Trimpa – Political strategist and advocate.
4. Clifton Taulbert – Author and speaker.
5. Steve Largent – Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver and former U.S. Congressman.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Williams Companies
2. Bank of Oklahoma
3. QuikTrip
4. ONEOK, Inc.
5. Phillips 66

4. Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University, founded in 1963, is a private evangelical university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. ORU is known for its strong emphasis on Christian values and its commitment to fostering spiritual, intellectual, and physical development.

U.S. News Ranking:

Oral Roberts University is recognized for its focus on holistic education and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

ORU has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

ORU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as theology, business, education, nursing, and the arts and sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 70%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at ORU is typically in the range of 1000-1200.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Chapel and worship services
2. Missions and outreach programs
3. Intramural and club sports teams
4. Performing arts productions and musical ensembles
5. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities

Famous Alumni:

1. Kathy Lee Gifford – Television host and singer.
2. Joel Osteen – Pastor and author.
3. Kenneth Copeland – Televangelist and author.
4. Marilyn Hickey – Author and televangelist.
5. Richard Roberts – Evangelist and former president of ORU.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. ORU Ministries
2. Tulsa Public Schools
3. Saint Francis Health System
4. Williams Companies
5. American Airlines

5. Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University, founded in 1904, is a private university located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. OCU is known for its strong programs in performing arts, business, law, and the liberal arts.

U.S. News Ranking:

Oklahoma City University is recognized for its strong programs in the performing arts and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

OCU has an enrollment of approximately 3,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

OCU offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in fields such as arts and sciences, business, law, performing arts, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 70%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at OCU is typically in the range of 1050-1250.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Performing arts productions and musical ensembles
2. Student government and leadership roles
3. Greek life organizations
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Intramural and club sports teams

Famous Alumni:

1. Kristin Chenoweth – Tony Award-winning actress and singer.
2. Kelli O’Hara – Tony Award-winning actress and singer.
3. Vince Gill – Country music singer and songwriter.
4. Shannon Miller – Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics.
5. James Marsden – Actor known for roles in “X-Men” and “Westworld.”

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Chesapeake Energy
2. Devon Energy
3. American Fidelity Assurance
4. Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
5. BancFirst

6. University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma, founded in 1890, is a public university located in Edmond, Oklahoma. UCO is known for its strong programs in education, business, the arts, and the sciences.

U.S. News Ranking:

The University of Central Oklahoma is recognized for its commitment to student success and strong academic programs.

Number of Students:

UCO has an enrollment of approximately 15,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

UCO offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, business, arts and sciences, health sciences, and fine arts.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 80%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at UCO is typically in the range of 1000-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Greek life organizations
3. Performing arts productions and musical ensembles
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Intramural and club sports teams

Famous Alumni:

1. Donna Shirley – Former manager of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program.
2. Gregory W. Marshall – U.S. Air Force general.
3. Richard Lerblance – Former Oklahoma State Senator.
4. Angela Ahrendts – Former Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple Inc.
5. Ed Harris – Actor and filmmaker.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Tinker Air Force Base
2. OU Medical Center
3. Oklahoma City Public Schools
4. Chesapeake Energy
5. Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores

7. Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University, founded in 1846, is a public university located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with additional campuses in Broken Arrow and Muskogee. NSU is known for its strong programs in education, business, and the health sciences, as well as its commitment to serving the Cherokee Nation.

U.S. News Ranking:

Northeastern State University is recognized for its regional impact and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

NSU has an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

NSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as education, business, health sciences, arts and sciences, and optometry.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 90%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at NSU is typically in the range of 950-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Greek life organizations
3. Intramural and club sports teams
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles

Famous Alumni:

1. Wilma Mankiller – First female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
2. Bill John Baker – Former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
3. Brad Carson – Former U.S. Congressman.
4. Chad “Corntassel” Smith – Former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
5. Alfalfa Bill Murray – Former Governor of Oklahoma.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Cherokee Nation
2. Indian Health Service
3. Muskogee Public Schools
4. Saint Francis Health System
5. Northeastern Health System

8. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University, founded in 1909, is a public university located in Durant, Oklahoma. SE is known for its strong programs in aviation, education, and business, and its commitment to serving the needs of southeastern Oklahoma and the surrounding region.

U.S. News Ranking:

Southeastern Oklahoma State University is recognized for its regional impact and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

SE has an enrollment of approximately 4,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

SE offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as aviation, education, business, arts and sciences, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 70%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at SE is typically in the range of 950-1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Aviation and flight training programs
2. Student government and leadership roles
3. Intramural and club sports teams
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles

Famous Alumni:

1. Gene Watson – Country music singer.
2. Bill Anoatubby – Governor of the Chickasaw Nation.
3. Lynn Riggs – Playwright and author of “Green Grow the Lilacs,” which inspired the musical “Oklahoma!”
4. Drew Edmondson – Former Attorney General of Oklahoma.
5. Reba McEntire – Country music singer and actress (attended, did not graduate).

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. American Airlines
2. Choctaw Nation
3. Durant Public Schools
4. AllianceHealth Durant
5. First United Bank

9. Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University, founded in 1901, is a public university located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, with a branch campus in Sayre. SWOSU is known for its strong programs in pharmacy, education, and business, and its commitment to serving western Oklahoma and the surrounding region.

U.S. News Ranking:

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is recognized for its regional impact and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

SWOSU has an enrollment of approximately 5,000 students.

Degrees Offered:

SWOSU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as pharmacy, education, business, arts and sciences, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has a moderately selective acceptance rate, typically around 80%.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at SWOSU is typically in the range of 950-1150.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Greek life organizations
3. Intramural and club sports teams
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles

Famous Alumni:

1. David Walters – Former Governor of Oklahoma.
2. Rocky Calmus – Former NFL linebacker.
3. Dennis Rodman – NBA Hall of Famer.
4. Jari Askins – Former Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma.
5. Harold Hamm – Billionaire oilman and founder of Continental Resources.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. AllianceHealth Woodward
2. Devon Energy
3. Custer County Health Department
4. Great Plains Regional Medical Center
5. Weatherford Public Schools

10. Cameron University

Cameron University, founded in 1908, is a public university located in Lawton, Oklahoma. CU is known for its strong programs in business, education, and the liberal arts, and its commitment to serving southwestern Oklahoma and the surrounding region.

U.S. News Ranking:

Cameron University is recognized for its regional impact and commitment to student success.

Number of Students:

CU has an enrollment of approximately 4,500 students.

Degrees Offered:

CU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, arts and sciences, and health sciences.

Acceptance Rate:

The university has an open admissions policy, admitting nearly all applicants.

Average SAT Score:

The average SAT score for admitted students at CU is typically in the range of 900-1100.

Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:

1. Student government and leadership roles
2. Greek life organizations
3. Intramural and club sports teams
4. Community service projects and volunteer opportunities
5. Performing arts groups and musical ensembles

Famous Alumni:

1. Stephen Jones – Owner of the Dallas Cowboys.
2. Tom Cole – U.S. Congressman.
3. Gloria A. Decker – Former New Jersey State Senator.
4. Brad Henry – Former Governor of Oklahoma.
5. Mike Reynolds – Former Oklahoma State Representative.

Top Hiring Companies/Organizations:

1. Fort Sill
2. Comanche County Memorial Hospital
3. Lawton Public Schools
4. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
5. Cameron University