Best Colleges in Oklahoma (2023 Rankings)

Welcome to the definitive guide to the top-notch educational institutions in the state of Oklahoma (in no particular order). In this comprehensive list, you'll discover a range of options, from prestigious doctoral programs to robust undergraduate programs.

Financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants, make these Oklahoma colleges attainable for aspiring scholars. With varying acceptance rates and degree programs, these colleges embrace learners with diverse aspirations.

So, whether you're an Oklahoman community college student seeking higher education within your home state or an out-of-state student drawn to Oklahoma's rich four-year academic landscape, this list will guide you toward your educational goals.

University of Oklahoma

Sprawling across three vibrant campuses in Norman (main campus), Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, the University of Oklahoma stands out for comprehensive research and academic excellence. Acknowledged by the Carnegie Foundation as a top-tier research institution, OU is a dynamic hub for higher learning.

Explore a rich collection of over 400 student organizations and events, offering a chance to broaden your student life. Notably, the OU College of Nursing has secured a $10.5 million grant to collaborate with Indigenous communities on maternal health research.

The Stats

• National ranking: 244
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 21,300 undergraduate students
• Location: Central Oklahoma in Norman, a large suburban residential area
• Acceptance rate: 83%
• 4-year graduation rate: 46%

Oklahoma State University

As a public institution, Oklahoma State University offers an extensive array of over 300 majors and minors that span from accounting to zoology. With 200+ master's degrees and Ph.D. programs, along with 20+ graduate certificates, OSU continues to foster a culture of lifelong learning.

Affordability is a hallmark here, with low in-state tuition fees and a commitment to helping students graduate debt-free. With an impressive campus union, extensive community service, and Carnegie R1 research status, this public university is a hub of higher education excellence.

The Stats

• National ranking: 313
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 20,300 undergraduate students
• Location: North-central Oklahoma in Stillwater, a residential town
• Acceptance rate: 67%
• 4-year graduation rate: 44%

University of Tulsa

With a strong commitment to your future, the University of Tulsa guarantees job offers or graduate school acceptance within six months of earning your bachelor's degree. The CaneCareers Job Placement Guarantee program offers a comprehensive online course to prepare you for your career.

Exciting news came recently from the University of Tulsa, as the new on-campus Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute opened for cutting-edge cyber research and solutions.

The Stats

• National ranking: 179
• Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 2,900 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Oklahoma in Tulsa, a large residential city
• Acceptance rate: 69%
• 4-year graduation rate: 56%

Oklahoma Christian University

Welcome to Oklahoma Christian University, a private university that offers a small student body, ensuring that your education is tailored to your individual context. Experience the unique advantage of OC's work-based programs.

OC is a top small college in the nation for computer science, gaming, and animation programs. OC delivers value and excellence with a cast majority of students receiving financial aid.

The Stats

• National ranking: No ranking
• Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 1,700 undergraduate students
• Location: Central Oklahoma in Edmond, a large residential city
• Acceptance rate: 61%
• 4-year graduation rate: 46%

Oklahoma City University

From arts and sciences to religion, business, healthcare, and performing arts, Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a premier liberal arts and sciences institution. Programs encompass various disciplines, including arts and sciences, religious studies, business, healthcare, and performing arts.

OCU is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The university focuses on producing graduates who are ready to serve and make an impact on the world. 

The Stats

• National ranking: 264
• Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 1,500 undergraduate students
• Location: Central Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, a large residential city
• Acceptance rate: 73%
• 4-year graduation rate: 58%

Oklahoma Baptist University

Experience Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), a small private Baptist institution with a remarkable 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 20. First-time, full-time students benefit from a guaranteed minimum $9,000 scholarship, making quality American education accessible.

Explore the school's diverse range of over 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including an online bachelor's degree in Christian studies. Elevate your expertise through one of four master's programs in Business Administration, Christian Studies, Intercultural Studies, and Marriage and Family Therapy.

The Stats

• National ranking: No ranking
• Size: Four-year, small-sized university with approximately 1,600 undergraduate students
• Location: Central Oklahoma in Shawnee, a small residential town
• Acceptance rate: 58%
• 4-year graduation rate: 48%

University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) shines as a welcoming haven for students with varying ACT and SAT scores, boasting a high enrollment rate and low score averages. Located in Edmond, UCO is known for its academic diversity, offering 119 undergraduate areas of study and 81 graduate programs across its main campus and facilities throughout the metro area.

Greek life is big here. With more than 50 years of history and over 26 chapters affiliated with various Greek organizations, UCO fosters strong connections within its Greek community.

The Stats

• National ranking: >600
• Size: Four-year, large-sized university with approximately 12,500 undergraduate students
• Location: Central Oklahoma in Edmond, a large residential city
• Acceptance rate: 80%
• 4-year graduation rate: 12%

Oral Roberts University

Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Oral Roberts University (ORU) shines as a Christian institution with a global impact. Renowned for its Whole Person education, ORU empowers students to become spiritually enriched, world-ready leaders. 

This military-friendly school is recognized for its standout nursing program and has become known as one of the nation's safest and most diverse campuses.

The Stats

• National ranking: >600
• Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 3,600 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Oklahoma in Tulsa, a large residential city
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• 4-year graduation rate: 45%

Northeastern State University

Are you looking for a sure thing? Northeastern State University boasts a whopping acceptance rate of 99%. Plus, this public school is super affordable, with low in-state tuition fees of only $6,915.

Offering a unique blend of education and workforce development, Northeastern State University (NSU) also stands as a dynamic workforce development partner for organizations. Committed to tackling workforce challenges, NSU offers tailored learning experiences to recruit, upskill, and retain valuable employees.

The Stats

• National ranking: 401-500
• Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 6,000 undergraduate students
• Location: Northeast Oklahoma in Tahlequah, a residential town
• Acceptance rate: 99%
• 4-year graduation rate: 18%

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Embrace the community of Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), a dynamic institution known for its accessibility with a high enrollment rate of 93%. 

Located in Weatherford, Oklahoma, SWOSU offers a plethora of opportunities, including a remarkable online presence. With 14 nationally accredited academic programs, SWOSU boasts an extensive array of over 100 fields of study. Program options cover diverse areas, including healthcare, education, business, psychology, and many others.

The Stats

• National ranking: No ranking
• Size: Four-year, medium-sized university with approximately 4,000 undergraduate students
• Location: Western Oklahoma in Weatherford, a residential town
• Acceptance rate: 93%
• 4-year graduation rate: 26%