The University of Oklahoma (OU), located in Norman, Oklahoma, is a research-intensive institution renowned for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1890, OU has cultivated a rich tradition of excellence in various fields, particularly in energy, meteorology, and aerospace. One of its distinctive features is the campus's architecture, which prominently showcases a blend of diverse styles, including Collegiate Gothic and modern designs. The university's commitment to fostering a community-oriented atmosphere is reflected in its motto, “Life is Good. We Make it Better,” which emphasizes personal growth and social responsibility.

OU boasts a highly qualified faculty dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment. With a student-to-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention, students benefit from the wealth of knowledge and mentorship offered by accomplished educators. This close-knit academic setup promotes an engaging atmosphere that encourages intellectual curiosity and innovation among students. Moreover, the university is home to a dynamic student body that actively participates in various extracurricular activities, from cultural and arts events to numerous sports teams competing in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. With a commitment to student success, OU continually supports career development, boasting strong graduate employment rates and a robust alumni network eager to assist graduates in securing fulfilling careers. Overall, the University of Oklahoma is not just an educational institution; it represents a lively community committed to excellence and personal development.

Tuition and Graduation Rate Trends at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma has seen a significant increase in tuition over the years. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition has risen from $7,341 in 2014 to $9,595 in 2024, representing a growth of 30.7%. Out-of-state students have faced even larger financial burdens, with tuition increasing from $19,530 to $26,665 during the same period, a staggering rise of 36.4%. This trend reflects broader national patterns where educational expenses continue to escalate, impacting accessibility for prospective students.

Amidst this financial landscape, graduation rates have shown a promising improvement. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students rose from 34.7% in 2014 to an impressive 50.2% in 2024. Similarly, the extended graduation rate (150% time) also climbed from 66.9% to 75.7%. This upward trend in graduation rates suggests that despite the rising tuition, the university is effectively supporting its students, enhancing their likelihood of completing their degrees.

Additionally, the retention rate among undergraduate students displayed positive dynamics, increasing from 83.9% in 2014 to 88.9% in 2024. Higher retention rates indicate that students are finding a sense of belonging and satisfaction within the institution, which is critical for their academic success.

In summary, while the increase in tuition at the University of Oklahoma raises concerns about affordability, the notable improvements in graduation and retention rates signal effective academic support systems and commitment to student success, which may mitigate some of the adverse effects of rising costs.

Analysis of Graduation Data at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

The graduation data from the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus showcases the distribution of graduates across various programs for the year 2023. Notably, the largest number of bachelor degree recipients can be observed in the Marketing/Marketing Management program, with 275 graduates, indicating a strong interest and potential job market in this field. Furthermore, the presence of international students, with three graduate in the same bachelor's program, highlights the global appeal of marketing studies.

In contrast, the Counseling Psychology program reveals a different trend, with a substantial number of master's degree graduates (301) but no bachelor's degree recipients. This suggests that the program may require prior education in psychology or related fields, directing students toward advanced studies. The absence of international students in this area reflects a potential barrier for foreign students wishing to enter this specialized field.

Moreover, the Law program stands out with its unique demographic; while there are no bachelor's or master's graduates, the program produced 168 doctoral graduates, including two international students. This imbalance suggests a significant commitment to advanced legal education and highlights law as a field where higher degrees are prioritized.

The data illustrates a distinct pattern in higher education, where certain disciplines produce far more graduates at the master's and doctoral levels, suggesting both the necessity for advanced qualifications and the trends in student interest across diverse academic fields. This trend aligns with national conversations around the value of higher education in professional advancement and the increased competition in today’s job market.

Analysis of University of Oklahoma's Admission Trends and Rankings

The University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus has experienced significant fluctuations in its rankings and admission rates over the years, particularly evident in the latest data from 2025, where the university is ranked 132nd. This represents a decline compared to previous years, showcasing challenges faced by the institution in maintaining its position among peers. When examining the admission rates, the university exhibited a decrease in male admission rates from 87.03% in 2010 to 70.05% in 2017, reflecting a broader trend of increased selectivity. Female admission rates also demonstrate a downward trajectory, dropping from 90.24% in 2010 to about 74.07% in 2023. This tightening competition is indicative of a shifting landscape in higher education, where institutions are increasingly selective, and applicant numbers tend to swell, leading to more denials. Moreover, the enrollment numbers peaked in 2024 at 5,198, but this was accompanied by higher denial rates as well, with over 5,240 students turned away. This suggests an intensified struggle to balance the desire for a robust applicant pool while ensuring quality standards are met. The figures indicate a complex interplay of factors affecting admissions, including a declining yield in rank and the foreign competition entering the U.S. educational market. Overall, the data paints a picture of a university grappling with maintaining its identity and standards amid an ever-evolving academic environment, prompting reflection on strategic initiatives that could help it improve its ranking and admission processes in the coming years.

Trends in Admission Test Scores at the University of Oklahoma

The data reflects a noticeable trend in the admission test scores and participation rates at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus over the years. A significant observation is the increase in the number of students submitting SAT scores while also showing a fluctuating performance in both SAT and ACT scores. For instance, in 2010, around 41% of admitted students had submitted SAT scores, which later saw a decline to 26% in recent years, indicating a potential shift in admission strategies or testing preferences among prospective students.

Moreover, the 25th and 75th percentile scores for the SAT and ACT have illustrated a competitive landscape. The decline in the percentage of students submitting scores may be attributed to growing discussions around test-optional policies adopted by many universities, reflecting a broader national trend. This can potentially encourage diverse applications that highlight strengths beyond standardized testing.

Interestingly, the scores for the 75th percentile in reading and math are showing an overall increase, with recent years displaying higher benchmarks for incoming students. For example, in 2023, the SAT reading score benchmark ranges from 570 to 670, showcasing an upward shift compared to earlier years.

As we look towards the future, continuing shifts in admission practices, and student assessment strategies will likely further shape the academic landscape at the University of Oklahoma, as well as nationally. These changes could indicate a transformation in how we perceive standardized tests and their role in higher education admissions.

Student Demographics at the University of Oklahoma, 2024

The student enrollment data for the University of Oklahoma in 2024 reveals a diverse and gender-balanced population. The undergraduate freshman cohort consists of 5,198 students, with a notable gender distribution of 45.6% male and 54.4% female, reflecting a trend of increasing female representation in higher education. Notably, the undergraduate junior class showcases a near-equal gender split with 49.5% male and 50.5% female students, indicating a consistent effort towards inclusivity across all academic levels.

Among the graduate students, totaling 7,120, there is a more pronounced female majority, with females comprising 57.1% of this group. Such trends are not uncommon in various academic fields, particularly in graduate studies, where women have been outpacing men in enrollment figures in recent years. This aligns with national trends where female participation in higher education has steadily increased.

The data also presents insights into the ethnic breakdown of students. While the specifics for the junior and graduate cohorts are unavailable, the freshman class includes 2,976 white students, with additional representation from other ethnic groups, indicating a commitment to diversity. As institutions continue to strategize around student recruitment, understanding these demographics becomes essential in fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Overall, the University of Oklahoma's student composition for 2024 reflects broader societal trends towards gender and ethnic diversity, which are crucial for enhancing the educational experience and preparing students for a globalized workforce.

Age Demographics at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

The age composition of students at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus reveals interesting insights into the demographic trends within the institution. A significant portion of the student body falls within the 18-19 age group, highlighting the university's appeal to younger students entering higher education. In this cohort, there are approximately 39% male and 61% female students, suggesting a growing trend towards female enrollment, which is consistent with national data showing women often outnumber men in many higher education settings.

As we delve into the 20-21 age bracket, we see a similar distribution, with males comprising roughly 47% and females at 53%. The attendance of students in their early twenties suggests that many individuals transition directly from high school to university without taking gaps in their education.

Interestingly, in older age brackets, such as 22-24 and 25-29, we notice a shift with an increase in graduate students, particularly among males. This age structure indicates an increasing trend toward advanced education, as individuals in their mid-to-late twenties often seek further qualifications to enhance their career prospects.

However, the university's demographics also highlight potential areas for improvement, particularly in engaging adult learners aged 30 and above, who represent a minority within the student population. Initiatives to attract non-traditional students may enhance diversity and inclusivity at the campus. Overall, the data illustrates a dynamic educational environment that reflects broader societal shifts in educational attainment and gender representation.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at the University of Oklahoma

The data on international student enrollment at the University of Oklahoma presents interesting trends over the years. For undergraduate students, the percentage of international students saw a notable increase from approximately 3.07% in 2005 to a peak of 5.71% in 2015. This growth reflects a growing interest in studying at the University among international students, which can be attributed to various factors including the institution's academic reputation and support services.

However, after 2015, the proportion of international undergraduates experienced a decline, hitting 3.13% in 2021 before recovering slightly to 3.49% in 2023. This fluctuation may have been influenced by the global pandemic and changing immigration policies that affected students' ability to travel and study abroad.

For graduate students, the percentage of international enrollment remained significantly higher compared to undergraduates, peaking at 16.83% in 2005, gradually decreasing to around 11.12% in 2022, and slightly rising to 12.57% in 2023. The sustained interest in graduate programs can suggest that professional and academic opportunities in graduate studies continue to attract international applicants despite fluctuations.

The overall trends indicate that while the number of international students at the University of Oklahoma has been variable, the fluctuations may reflect broader global trends affecting education, such as geopolitical tensions, visa regulations, and public health concerns. As institutions adapt to these changes, it will be crucial for the University to engage with this demographic actively, ensuring a diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Here are some notable universities surrounding the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus:

1. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Ranked 196 in the 2025 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business.

2. University of Tulsa - With a rank of 179, the University of Tulsa offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research opportunities, particularly in energy and engineering.

3. The University of Texas at Dallas - Ranked 109, UT Dallas is renowned for its emphasis on STEM fields and business education, with a vibrant campus culture.

4. Southern Methodist University - This institution ranks 91st and is well-known for its strong focus on liberal arts, business, and engineering programs.

5. Texas Christian University - Ranked 105, TCU is famous for its strong programs in nursing, business, and fine arts.

6. The University of Texas at Arlington - With a ranking of 231, UTA offers diverse academic programs and is known for its research initiatives.

7. University of Arkansas - Ranked 189, the university is recognized for its excellent programs in agricultural sciences and architecture.

These universities provide a range of educational opportunities and are known for their academic excellence in various fields.

Analysis of Crime Rates at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

The crime rates at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus have exhibited a notable decline over the past decade. In 2013, the average crime rate per 1,000 students was approximately 18.66, significantly higher than the 7.01 reported in 2022. This downward trend reflects an approximate 62% reduction in crime rates within this timeframe, which is an encouraging sign for campus safety and the overall student experience.

A closer examination of specific crimes reveals fluctuations in types of incidents. For instance, the number of arrests related to firearm offenses decreased, alongside incidents of drug and alcohol-related arrests. However, in 2023, we witnessed an uptick in firearm arrests, rising to five instances, indicating a potential area of concern that campus security may need to address proactively.

Additionally, while violent crimes such as assault and domestic violence appear sporadic, maintaining vigilance is crucial. The downward trend in overall crime rates does not suggest complacency; rather, it should encourage continual efforts in safety initiatives.

Given the national conversation surrounding campus safety and crime prevention, ongoing monitoring and transparency in reporting will be key in fostering a secure learning environment. The considerable reduction in crime rates at the University of Oklahoma is a positive reflection of the administration's commitment to student safety, but the rebound in certain categories calls for focused attention in the future.

For those interested in calculating crime rates, further information can be found at: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.