Best Colleges in Oklahoma

Established in 1894, the University of Tulsa is a private research institution that serves over 4,400 students. TU delivers 130 academic programs through six colleges, including undergraduate degrees in energy management, political science, petroleum engineering, and exercise and sports science. Students can also major in computer simulation and gaming to develop their animation, production, and entrepreneurial skills to launch their own ventures.

Graduate candidates can choose from master's degrees in speech-language pathology, clinical psychology, and business analytics. They may also enroll in a cybersecurity program to prepare for some of the fastest-growing careers in the United States. TU facilitates 12 doctoral programs, including an advanced nursing program that comes with two concentration options and a post-master's-to-DNP track for APRNs.

All applicants should submit standardized test scores. The university provides affordable tuition and a variety of financial aid, including performance- and talent-based scholarships.

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma predates the formal establishment of the state itself. Today, the institution enrolls more than 31,000 students in research-focused academic programs. Prospective learners undergo a holistic evaluation process that weighs their GPA, academic rigor, and standardized test performance. The average incoming first-year student holds a 3.6 GPA and 26 ACT score. OU offers ample financial aid opportunities, like merit scholarships for out-of-state residents and leadership awards for transfer students.

OU offers more than 170 degree options. Bachelor's candidates choose from majors like chemical biosciences, management information systems, and anthropology. They can also enroll in one of 12 engineering programs accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology. Furthermore, OU delivers a variety of pre-professional programs. Graduate tracks cover fields like education administration, plant biology, and Native American studies. The university also offers an accelerated track in library and information studies that allows candidates to earn their bachelor's and master's in under five years.

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is based in Chickasha and is the only public higher education institution in the state to offer a liberal arts curriculum. First-year candidates must fulfill one of three sets of requirements, including a minimum 3.0 GPA. Transfer applicants need a 2.0 GPA or higher. The university bases its tuition prices on residency status. Financial aid opportunities include the merit-based Drover Academic Scholarship and tuition waivers for out-of-state residents.

USAO provides bachelor's degrees in areas like environmental science, theatre arts, economics, and communication. Students can also pursue teacher certificates and pre-professional training. Furthermore, the university delivers a multidisciplinary studies program that enables candidates to craft their own major with the guidance of two or more faculty members.

To support students of all backgrounds, USAO facilitates one-on-one academic counseling, free tutoring services, and mentoring programs. The university also offers research guidance and project funding.

Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University was established in 1890 as the flagship institution of the OSU System. The school currently enrolls more than 25,000 students across 200 undergraduate and 132 graduate programs. To qualify for assured admission, first-year candidates must satisfy one of three criteria sets centered on GPA, class rank, and ACT/SAT performance. Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.25 GPA. OSU facilitates a direct gateway program with Northern Oklahoma College.

Bachelor's degree candidates pick from dozens of program options, including international business, microbiology and molecular genetics, and graphic design. Students can also major in agricultural education, concentrating their studies on areas like natural resources and horticultural sciences. OSU provides master's programs in clinical counseling, public health, and applied statistics. The university also facilitates a Ph.D. program in crop science that focuses on plant genetics and breeding.

For learners who prefer distance education, OSU offers individual classes and fully online degrees through the Canvas platform.

Located in Ada, East Central University is a member of the Oklahoma Regional University System. The school offers 70 degrees across five academic areas, including bachelor's programs in criminal justice policy, social work, communication studies, and cartography. Students can also pursue a business administration degree with available concentrations in areas like marketing, entrepreneurship, and management information systems. Additionally, the university facilitates traditional and RN-to-BSN nursing programs.

The School of Graduate Studies delivers master's programs in areas like human resources, sport psychology, and water resource policy and management. Education students choose from eight options, including school psychometry and library media. They can also enroll in a secondary education program to prepare for careers as a junior college professors.

First-year applicants must display a GPA of at least 2.7 and a minimum 20 ACT score or 1030 SAT score. Transfer candidates need at least 24 credits earned with a minimum 2.0 GPA. For learners who prefer distance education, ECU facilities individual classes and fully remote programs through Blackboard.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University enrolls around 4,500 students, nearly half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. To support this diverse student population, Southeastern provides dedicated academic counseling and tutoring services. Through the school's career management center, learners can explore job options, find internships, and receive resume-building guidance.

The university also offers generous financial aid packages, which may include merit-based scholarships for new students and tuition waivers for incoming transfer learners who reside out of state. First-year candidates need a minimum 2.7 GPA or a score of 20 or higher on the ACT.

Southeastern offers bachelor's degrees in numerous fields, such as hospitality management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, and biochemical technology. Students can pursue various aviation degrees with tracks designed for future pilots and administrators. Graduate programs include master's tracks in school counseling, occupational safety and health, and Native American leadership. Candidates can also enroll in a fully online MBA program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Oklahoma City University is a liberal arts and sciences institution that serves over 2,300 students. The school delivers 70 undergraduate and 20 graduate programs, as well as continuing education opportunities that include professional certification and adult degree completion tracks. First-year candidates need to possess a minimum 3.0 GPA and a 22 or higher on the ACT (or the SAT equivalent). In addition to affordable tuition rates, students benefit from a variety of financial aid opportunities, such as full-tuition scholarships for business majors who hail from the Chickasaw Nation.

OKCU facilitates bachelor's programs in areas like political science, entertainment business, economics, and biochemistry (pre-pharmacy). Students can also pursue a mass communication degree, concentrating in strategic communication or multimedia journalism and broadcast production. The university offers graduate degrees in fields like physical therapy, nonprofit leadership, and computer science. For distance learners, OKCU delivers fully online master's programs in energy legal studies and energy management through the Desire2Learn platform.

Founded in 1890, the University of Central Oklahoma is one of the oldest postsecondary schools in the region. The institution offers 100 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate programs. To enroll as a first-year student, applicants must satisfy one of three criteria sets related to their GPA and ACT/SAT performance. Graduate-level requirements vary by program, but usually include a minimum 2.75 GPA.

Bachelor's candidates can enroll in programs like business law, community/public health, technical writing, and creative writing. They may also pursue a forensic science degree, which offers concentrations in chemistry, digital forensics, and molecular biology. Graduate programs at OCU include master's tracks in engineering physics, family and child studies, and healthcare administration. Candidates can also pursue a public administration degree that prepares them for careers in urban management and the nonprofit sector.

In lieu of traditional brick-and-mortar classes, students can complete some programs – including an RN-to-BSN track and graduate programs in business administration and library media education – fully online through Blackboard.