1. University of Oklahoma (OU)
Overview of University of Oklahoma
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma (OU) is the state’s flagship public research university. OU is known for its strong programs in engineering, meteorology, law, and business. It houses the National Weather Center, making it a leader in meteorological studies. The university is also renowned for its vibrant campus life, distinguished faculty, and extensive research opportunities.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #133 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 28,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 170 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Average SAT Score: 1140-1350
Extracurricular Activities
- OU Sooners Athletics (NCAA Division I, Big 12)
- Student Government Association
- Campus Activities Council
- OU Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band
- SoonerTHON (dance marathon for charity)
Famous Alumni
- James Garner – Actor, The Rockford Files
- Blake Griffin – NBA player
- David Boren – Former U.S. Senator and OU President
- Shannon Miller – Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics
- Fred Haise – NASA astronaut, Apollo 13
Top Employers of Graduates
- Boeing
- Devon Energy
- Chesapeake Energy
- Amazon
- OU Health
2. Oklahoma State University (OSU)
Overview of Oklahoma State University
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Established in 1890, Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research university. OSU is well-known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, business, and veterinary medicine. The university is also a leader in aerospace and aviation research. OSU’s Cowboy Code emphasizes ethics, leadership, and community involvement, fostering a strong sense of loyalty and tradition.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #185 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 24,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1280
Extracurricular Activities
- OSU Cowboys Athletics (NCAA Division I, Big 12)
- Student Government Association
- Pistol Pete’s Partners (volunteer program)
- OSU Marching Band
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Garth Brooks – Country music star
- T. Boone Pickens – Business magnate and philanthropist
- Barry Sanders – NFL Hall of Famer
- Anastasia Pittman – Oklahoma State Senator
- Chester Gould – Creator of Dick Tracy
Top Employers of Graduates
- Boeing
- American Airlines
- Chesapeake Energy
- ConocoPhillips
- Phillips 66
3. University of Tulsa (TU)
Overview of University of Tulsa
Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Founded in 1894, the University of Tulsa (TU) is a private research university known for its prestigious programs in law, engineering, and business. The university is home to the College of Law, one of the top energy law programs in the country. TU also excels in cybersecurity and petroleum engineering, with strong industry connections to the oil and gas sector.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #137 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 4,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 80 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Average SAT Score: 1180-1380
Extracurricular Activities
- Tulsa Golden Hurricane Athletics (NCAA Division I)
- Student Association (student government)
- TU Theatre
- True Blue Neighbors (community outreach program)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Rue McClanahan – Actress, The Golden Girls
- Robert Hefner – Oil and gas magnate
- Shane Coffey – Actor
- Phil C. McGraw – Host of Dr. Phil
- Billie Letts – Author of Where the Heart Is
Top Employers of Graduates
- Williams Companies
- ONEOK
- ConocoPhillips
- Devon Energy
- Amazon
4. Oklahoma City University (OCU)
Overview of Oklahoma City University
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a private liberal arts university known for its strong performing arts, law, and business programs. OCU is particularly famous for its Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, one of the best dance schools in the U.S. The university emphasizes a personalized education and is also known for its commitment to community service.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #239 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,400
- Degrees Offered: Over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1230
Extracurricular Activities
- OCU Stars Athletics (NAIA)
- Student Government Association
- OCU Theatre and Dance Productions
- Greek Life
- Blue Key Honor Society
Famous Alumni
- Kristin Chenoweth – Tony Award-winning actress
- Ron Norick – Former mayor of Oklahoma City
- Clifton Taulbert – Author and entrepreneur
- Elmer Thomas – U.S. Senator
- Vince Gill – Grammy Award-winning musician
Top Employers of Graduates
- Chesapeake Energy
- Devon Energy
- Oklahoma City Public Schools
- Love’s Travel Stops
- INTEGRIS Health
5. Cameron University
Overview of Cameron University
Location: Lawton, Oklahoma
Established in 1908, Cameron University is a public university known for its programs in business, education, and health sciences. As one of the most affordable universities in Oklahoma, Cameron is dedicated to providing accessible education, particularly for first-generation college students. The university has strong community ties and offers a variety of online programs for non-traditional students.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 4,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 940-1120
Extracurricular Activities
- Cameron Aggies Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Criminal Justice Association
- Phi Beta Lambda (business club)
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Shane Jett – Oklahoma State Senator
- Terry Brown – Educator and author
- Tom Cole – U.S. Congressman
- Susan Paddack – Former Oklahoma State Senator
- Toby Keith – Country music star (attended briefly)
Top Employers of Graduates
- Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
- Comanche County Memorial Hospital
- Fort Sill Military Base
- Cameron University
- Lawton Public Schools
6. Northeastern State University (NSU)
Overview of Northeastern State University
Location: Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Founded in 1846 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, Northeastern State University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Oklahoma. NSU is known for its education, business, and optometry programs. The university is deeply rooted in Native American culture and offers specialized programs that focus on indigenous studies and language preservation.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 7,500
- Degrees Offered: Over 90 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1150
Extracurricular Activities
- NSU RiverHawks Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Native American Student Association
- Student Government Association
- Greek Life
- Optometry Student Association
Famous Alumni
- Wilma Mankiller – First female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
- Bill John Baker – Former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation
- Jim Ross – WWE commentator
- J.C. Watts – Former U.S. Congressman
- George Nigh – Former Governor of Oklahoma
Top Employers of Graduates
- Cherokee Nation
- Muscogee (Creek) Nation
- NSU
- Hillcrest HealthCare System
- Indian Health Services
7. Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU)
Overview of Oklahoma Baptist University
Location: Shawnee, Oklahoma
Founded in 1910, Oklahoma Baptist University is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its programs in theology, nursing, and business. OBU provides a faith-based education with a focus on spiritual growth and leadership. The university also offers strong programs in the arts, particularly in music and theater.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #7 Regional Colleges West
- Number of Students: Approximately 1,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1240
Extracurricular Activities
- OBU Bison Athletics (NAIA)
- Student Government Association
- Bison Glee Club (choir)
- Baptist Collegiate Ministries
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Bill LaFortune – Former mayor of Tulsa
- Mary Fallin – Former Governor of Oklahoma
- Jack Mildren – Former NFL player and Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma
- Ronnie Floyd – President of the Southern Baptist Convention
- Sarah Coburn – Opera singer
Top Employers of Graduates
- Baptist Medical Center
- St. Anthony Hospital
- Oklahoma Baptist University
- INTEGRIS Health
- Mercy Hospital
8. Southern Nazarene University (SNU)
Overview of Southern Nazarene University
Location: Bethany, Oklahoma
Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is a private Christian university founded in 1899. Known for its programs in education, business, and theology, SNU provides a faith-based education rooted in the Wesleyan tradition. The university is dedicated to preparing students for lives of service and leadership, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and social justice.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #80 Regional Universities West
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1200
Extracurricular Activities
- SNU Crimson Storm Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- Mission Trips and Service Projects
- SNU Choir and Music Ensembles
- Greek Life
Famous Alumni
- Beth Grant – Actress
- Greg Epperson – Cinematographer
- Vaughn Ohlman – Author and filmmaker
- Howard Hendrick – Oklahoma State Senator
- Chet Baker – Jazz trumpeter (attended briefly)
Top Employers of Graduates
- INTEGRIS Health
- Mercy Hospital
- Oklahoma City Public Schools
- Chesapeake Energy
- Devon Energy
9. Rogers State University (RSU)
Overview of Rogers State University
Location: Claremore, Oklahoma
Founded in 1909, Rogers State University is a public university known for its programs in business, nursing, and liberal arts. RSU is one of the fastest-growing institutions in Oklahoma and offers a variety of online programs. The university emphasizes career readiness, with many students pursuing internships and job placements in local industries.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #50 Regional Colleges West
- Number of Students: Approximately 3,800
- Degrees Offered: Over 40 undergraduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 900-1100
Extracurricular Activities
- RSU Hillcats Athletics (NCAA Division II)
- Student Government Association
- RSU Theatre and Performing Arts
- Greek Life
- Outdoor Adventure Club
Famous Alumni
- Josh Jones – Professional baseball player
- Lynn Riggs – Playwright of Green Grow the Lilacs (source material for Oklahoma!)
- Brandon Beckham – Oklahoma State Senator
- Mikel Hatcher – Entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Sharon Spruill – Public health advocate
Top Employers of Graduates
- Hillcrest HealthCare System
- Cherokee Nation
- Rogers State University
- Claremore Public Schools
- AT&T
10. Langston University
Overview of Langston University
Location: Langston, Oklahoma
Founded in 1897, Langston University is Oklahoma’s only historically Black university (HBCU). Langston is known for its programs in agriculture, health sciences, and business. The university emphasizes leadership, community service, and cultural enrichment, with a strong focus on providing educational opportunities to underrepresented groups.
Notable Aspects
- U.S. News Ranking: #84 Regional Colleges West
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,000
- Degrees Offered: Over 30 undergraduate and graduate programs
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 900-1100
Extracurricular Activities
- Langston Lions Athletics (NAIA)
- Student Government Association
- National Society of Black Engineers
- Greek Life
- Langston University Choir
Famous Alumni
- Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher – Civil rights activist
- Thomas Bradley – Former Mayor of Los Angeles
- Dr. Earnest Holloway – Former President of Langston University
- Michael Atkins – Professional basketball player
- Jeanetta Jones – Former Weather Channel meteorologist
Top Employers of Graduates
- Langston University
- Oklahoma State Department of Education
- INTEGRIS Health
- Oklahoma State Government
- Mercy Health