
Oklahoma City University
Acceptance rate
77.0%
2025
Peer median 70.9%
Tuition per year
$34,754
$46,418 with room and board
Peer median $43,496
Undergraduates
1,514
Student-faculty ratio 11:1
Peer median 12 : 1
Graduation rate
60.2%
4-year; 6-year rate 69.3%
Peer median 54.8%
“Peers” are all 219 private national universities, the same comparison used in this page's data notes.
About
Oklahoma City University is a private non-profit four-year institution located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, spanning undergraduate liberal arts, professional graduate degrees, and specialized tracks in healthcare and legal practice. It is evaluated within the US News American university rankings. Students benefit from the university's location in Oklahoma's capital city, which provides access to state government offices, regional corporate employers, and extensive metropolitan medical centers. The institution emphasizes practical pre-professional training alongside an active performing arts presence in theater, music, and dance. With an intimate campus environment situated in an urban setting, the university serves both traditional undergraduate students and working graduate professionals preparing for specialized careers.
Oklahoma City University offers a moderately priced private education paired with solid completion outcomes. For the 2025 academic year, undergraduate tuition was $34,754, which is higher than 28% of peer schools in the all private comprehensive universities comparison group. The institution devotes significant resources directly to teaching, allocating an estimated $15,705 per student toward instructional expenses in 2024. Completion rates reflect consistent student progress. In 2025, the four-year graduation rate reached 60.2%, while the six-year graduation rate reached 69.3%, which is higher than 54% of peer institutions. Retention remains stable as well, with most first-year students continuing into their sophomore year. For prospective applicants and their families weighing educational value, the university combines below-median private tuition with reliable graduation timelines, making it a dependable option for completing an undergraduate degree without paying top-tier private university prices.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Large city
- Nearest major city
- In Oklahoma City
- Nearest international airport
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 100 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- United Methodist
- President
- Kenneth Evans (President)
- Phone
- 4052085000
- City
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Address
- 2501 N Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1402
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 70.9% · all 219 private national universities
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 70.3%, women 76.6%.
Best #234, lowest #301, latest #301 over the last ten years.
Data insights
Admissions at Oklahoma City University are accessible, giving qualified applicants a favorable path to entry. The university's position in the US News rankings moved from 240 in 2020 to 301 in 2026. For the 2025 admissions cycle, the school recorded an acceptance rate of 77%, which is higher than 60% of peer schools in the all private comprehensive universities comparison group. Although most applicants receive an offer, drawing admitted students remains competitive. The university recorded an enrollment yield rate of 20.5% in 2025, which is higher than 66% of peer institutions. Because roughly one out of every five admitted students chooses to enroll, the institution maintains an accommodating admissions threshold rather than turning away large pools of candidates. Applicants with consistent high school preparation will find their credentials competitive for general admission, while the university continues to navigate its draw in a crowded private higher education landscape.
School and Program Rankings
U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking
Graduate Rankings · 2026 edition
Law School11 programs#156▲2
Business School2 programs—
Health Specialty1 programs—
Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 33% submitted SAT, 50% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Oklahoma City University has an admissions test policy that is optional, considered if submitted. For 2025, the university reported published score ranges where the middle composite ACT range extended from 21 to 27. In mathematics and English, students similarly posted scores across the low to high twenties. For students submitting SAT results, the median SAT score stood at 1160 in 2025. When evaluated against peer institutions, this median SAT score was higher than 27% of peer schools among all private comprehensive universities. Regarding test reporting trends in 2025, ACT submissions were more prevalent than SAT submissions among enrolled students. Overall, these metrics indicate that applicants submitting standardized test results generally demonstrate solid foundational preparation in reading and mathematics, giving prospective families a realistic reference point for the academic profile of the student body.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 8 in 10
2,124 applicants in 2025, 77.0% admitted
1,636 admitted 488 not admitted Yield 20.5%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Law · Doctoral140 (0% international)
- Computer and Information Sciences, General · Master's94 (99% international)
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's54 (2% international)
- Physician Assistant · Master's36 (0% international)
- Data Analytics, General · Master's29 (90% international)
- Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral27 (0% international)
Data insights
Graduation conferrals at Oklahoma City University are heavily concentrated in specialized professional tracks rather than traditional liberal arts. Among undergraduate degrees awarded in 2025, the top three programs accounted for 48.5% of all bachelor graduates. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing was by far the largest undergraduate major, producing 120 graduates, followed by programs in music performance and dance. Post-graduation earnings collected in 2023 reflect clear differences across disciplines: registered nursing graduates achieved median first-year earnings of $78,640, whereas performing arts disciplines such as drama, dance, and music saw median earnings under forty thousand dollars. Graduate studies also focus tightly on pre-professional fields, with master degrees led by computer science and business, alongside doctoral awards in law and physical therapy. None of the graduate specialty programs hold national ranks within the top one hundred. Students choosing Oklahoma City University generally align their studies with specific career credentials in healthcare, law, and the stage.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant. | $120,597 | |||
| Physical Therapy/Therapist. | - | |||
| Nursing Administration. | $78,640-$127,965 | |||
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | $78,640-$127,965 | |||
| Nursing Practice. | $78,640-$127,965 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | $59,395 | |||
| Legal Professions and Studies, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dance, General. | $28,513 | |||
| Game and Interactive Media Design. | - | |||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $32,075 | |||
| Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology. | $32,075 | |||
| Acting. | $32,075 | |||
| Cinematography and Film/Video Production. | - | |||
| Music, General. | $26,090-$42,289 | |||
| Music Performance, General. | $26,090-$42,289 | |||
| Music Theory and Composition. | $26,090-$42,289 | |||
| Conducting. | $26,090-$42,289 | |||
| Voice and Opera. | $26,090-$42,289 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $97,345 | |||
| Accounting. | $67,934 | |||
| Business/Managerial Economics. | - | |||
| Finance, General. | - | |||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | - | |||
| Clinical Psychology. | - | |||
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data Analytics, General. | - | |||
| Financial Analytics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Teacher Education. | $39,927 | |||
| English/Language Arts Teacher Education. | $39,927 | |||
| Music Teacher Education. | $39,927 | |||
| Drama and Dance Teacher Education. | $39,927 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminology. | - | |||
| Economics, General. | - | |||
| Political Science and Government, General. | - | |||
| Sociology, General. | $49,574 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Biomedical Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Biochemistry. | - | |||
| Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | - | |||
| Creative Writing. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism. | - | |||
| Sports Communication. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religion/Religious Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - |
Students
2,966 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 34:66 · Freshman retention 83.9%
- Continuing undergraduates 924
- First-year undergraduates 335
- Graduate students 1,452
- Transfers and others 255
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,514)
Data insights
The student body at Oklahoma City University totaled 2,966 students in 2025, divided between undergraduate cohorts and a substantial graduate division. Across undergraduate levels, White students make up the largest demographic group, followed by Hispanic and multi-ethnic peers. International and Asian students represent small shares of the undergraduate population, with only 6 international students entering in the 2025 freshman class. In contrast, international presence is concentrated at the advanced level, where 229 international students formed 15.8% of the graduate cohort in 2025. Asian students make up smaller proportions across both divisions. Consequently, daytime undergraduate campus life reflects predominantly domestic and regional student backgrounds, while advanced graduate degree programs draw a wider global cohort.
Oklahoma City University exhibits a distinct age difference between its undergraduate and graduate populations. In 2025, undergraduate classrooms were dominated by traditional college-age students. Those aged 18 to 19 accounted for 40.9% of all undergraduates, while students aged 20 to 21 represented 37.2%, leaving older undergraduates as a small minority. In contrast, the graduate student body is broader in experience and age. Students aged 22 to 24 made up 37.5% of graduate enrollment, and those aged 25 to 29 represented 27.8%, with additional students continuing into their thirties and beyond. This demographic structure creates a classic collegiate environment for undergraduates progressing straight from high school, while graduate divisions reflect an older community of early-career professionals and returning adult learners.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 219 private national universities
75 in 2025 · 12.2% in 2016
229 in 2025 · 15.5% in 2016
Data insights
International student enrollment at Oklahoma City University has shifted noticeably toward graduate education over the past decade. Undergraduate international presence experienced a long-term decline, settling at 5% of all undergraduates in 2025, which remains higher than 58% of peer schools in the all private comprehensive universities comparison group. In contrast, graduate programs expanded their international reach, with international students making up 15.8% of all graduate students in 2025. Degree completion data highlight this difference: international students received 4.5% of bachelor degrees and zero doctoral awards, but accounted for 41% of all master degrees awarded in 2025. Furthermore, graduate international students concentrate heavily in specific technical fields, comprising 98.9% of graduates in general computer and information sciences. Prospective international undergraduates will join a small global cohort, whereas those entering graduate computing programs will find an internationally focused student peer group.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$46,418
- Undergraduate tuition
- $34,754
- Room and board
- $11,664
- Graduate tuition
- $13,590
Peer median tuition + room and board $57,550 · all 219 private national universities
Tuition rose 13% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 18%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$70.5M
Expenses$80.5M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 219 private national universities
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Sooner Athletic Conference
Sooner Athletic Conference: basketball, baseball, cross country
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 45 | 42 |
| Soccer | 29 | 22 |
| Wrestling | 25 | 18 |
| Other Sports | - | 40 |
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Basketball | 13 | 14 |
| Rowing | 16 | 6 |
| Golf | 9 | 9 |
| Volleyball | - | 17 |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 89 | 72 |
| Soccer | 27 | 27 |
| Wrestling | 21 | 27 |
| Baseball | 38 | - |
| Basketball | 19 | 15 |
| Rowing | 22 | 7 |
| Golf | 9 | 10 |
| Volleyball | - | 19 |
| Softball | - | 16 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| NAIA Division I | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 74 | 67 |
| Soccer | 25 | 26 |
| Wrestling | 23 | 18 |
| Baseball | 31 | - |
| Basketball | 16 | 11 |
| Golf | 11 | 13 |
| Rowing | 14 | 4 |
| Other Sports | - | 17 |
| Softball | - | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
University of Oklahoma-Norman CampusNorman · 20.5 mi
U.S. News #116
-
Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater · 50.8 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of TulsaTulsa · 100.2 mi
U.S. News #148
-
Wichita State UniversityWichita · 154.3 mi
U.S. News #288
-
University of North TexasDenton · 159.4 mi
U.S. News #208
-
The University of Texas at DallasRichardson · 179.3 mi
U.S. News #121
-
Southern Methodist UniversityDallas · 188.3 mi
U.S. News #85
-
University of Texas-ArlingtonArlington · 192.6 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of ArkansasFayetteville · 192.7 mi
U.S. News #191
Data insights
Families exploring higher education in the region have several prominent alternatives within driving distance of Oklahoma City University. Located 20.5 kilometers away in Norman, the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is a major public research institution ranked 116 among national universities. To the northeast, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus is situated 50.8 kilometers away in Stillwater and holds a national university rank of 191. For those considering another private option in Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa is located 100.2 kilometers away and holds rank 148 in the national university category. Across the state line in Kansas, Wichita State University sits 154.2 kilometers to the north with a national rank of 288.
Peer median 5.5 · all 219 private national universities
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Campus safety at Oklahoma City University is characterized by a moderate incident profile with low rates of violent disruption. In 2025, the university recorded a crime rate per 1,000 students of 9.8. Across the three-year reporting period from 2023 to 2025, property offenses represented the most frequent concern, with 33 reported theft incidents taking place on campus. Disciplinary referrals for alcohol violations accounted for 18 incidents over those same years. Interpersonal and drug-related infractions occurred less often, including reports of sexual assault, stalking, and drug arrests. The figures indicate that daily student life is rarely disrupted by severe crime, though common urban property risks like unattended theft remain an area where students should practice routine caution.
Notable Alumni
All 25Notable alumni of Oklahoma City University include Kristin Chenoweth (Actress and singer, 1999 Tony Award winner), Cathy O'Donnell (Actress in The Best Years of Our Lives) and Lakshmi Manchu (Indian actress and film producer).
-
Kristin Chenoweth 1968–
Actress and singer, 1999 Tony Award winner
-
Cathy O'Donnell 1923–1970
Actress in The Best Years of Our Lives
-
Lakshmi Manchu 1976–
Indian actress and film producer
-
Kelli O'Hara 1976–
Broadway actress and singer, Tony Award winner
-
Mason Williams 1938–
Guitarist, composer and writer of "Classical Gas"
-
David L. Goldfein 1959–
21st Chief of Staff of the US Air Force
-
Chris Harrison 1971–
TV host of The Bachelor
-
J.B. Adams 1954–
Actor, director and singer, noted for musical theatre
-
Mickey Edwards 1937–
Former U.S. Representative from Oklahoma
Recent News at Oklahoma City University
Summarized daily from the school's official news. Click "Source" for the original story.
-
Oklahoma City University will add a Dance Science track to its BA in Dance and an accelerated MA in Arts Administration pathway, completable in as little as 4.5 years, from fall 2027.
Source: okcu.edu -
Oklahoma City University launched OCU Pathways, an adult degree-completion program awarding credit for work, life and military experience, at $390 per credit hour, or $250 for military and certain other groups.
Source: okcu.edu -
Oklahoma City University President Kenneth R. Evans announced he will retire on June 30, 2027, and the university will begin a national search for its 20th president.
Source: okcu.edu
No updates on this topic in this month.
References and Data Sources
- Oklahoma City University Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.