University of Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Overview of Rankings, Academics, and Campus Life
The University of Oklahoma (OU), a doctoral degree-granting research university created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, serves the educational, cultural, economic, and health care needs of the state, region, and nation. As one of the top public universities, OU is located in Norman, Oklahoma, about 20 miles from Oklahoma City. In addition to the main campus, there is a health sciences center in Oklahoma City, as well as a secondary Health Sciences campus in Tulsa, and an international campus in Arezzo, Italy.
Academic Excellence and Rankings
In the 2026 edition of Best Colleges, The University of Oklahoma is ranked No. 110 in National Universities and No. 54 in Top Public Schools. These rankings are based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, and student success.
OU enrolls more than 31,000 students and has more than 2,000 full-time faculty members across 19 colleges. The university offers a wide array of programs, including 147 majors at the baccalaureate level, 152 majors at the master’s level, 80 majors at the doctoral level, 35 majors at the first professional level, and eight graduate certificates. The university’s annual operating budget is more than $1 billion.
Founded in 1890, OU predates the state itself, reflecting its long history as an "intellectually fertile, opportunity-laden public research institution." The university combines "tradition with advancement to encourage you to become the best version of yourself possible." Students from all 50 states come here to choose from more than 170 programs. Aviation and Atmospheric Science and Meteorology are particular standouts. Students receive what one student calls "an Ivy League quality education within a public university."
While OU "might be known for its athletic program" (NCAA Division I), the "academics don't suffer from it." In fact, students value OU as a place to "receive a quality education from challenging courses" and explore "tons of opportunities," including "jobs, networking, [and] study abroad" programs.
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What sets OU apart is its "fantastic," "engaging," and "encouraging" faculty. They are "exceptional instructors who relate [to you] on a personal basis and actually help you comprehend the material." One student notes, "The professors here don't feel like your average teachers." They "truly care for the well-being of the students" and contribute to the "very comfortable and welcoming" atmosphere.
Campus Life and Student Experience
OU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. The "social atmosphere is very alive," especially during the fall when "most students attend at least one football game." Beyond attending "football games and other athletic events for fun," there's always "something going on, and whether it be a sports event or a fine arts event, the quality is always excellent."
On campus, students can see world-renowned art in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, check out the Harry Potter-like Great Reading Room in the Bizzell Memorial Library, or marvel at the 26-foot-tall dinosaur at OU's Sam Noble Museum of Natural History. They can also visit "Campus Corner," which has "restaurants, bars and boutiques," or take "an easy drive to the movies, a nice restaurant, or nightlife."
While "Greek life" is "very important" here, "there are many opportunities to be involved on campus" - everything from "free movie nights and pool" to "all kinds of volunteering opportunities." There is a strong sense of community on campus, and it extends to the local area as well: "Every year, everyone on campus drops what they're doing for one weekend to spend all day volunteering in the local Norman and Oklahoma City communities." These concentrated efforts by the university help foster a spirit of "tradition, unity, and togetherness."
Students at OU know how to find a "nice balance" between their "academic and social lives." This "friendly" and "down-to-earth" group is made up of "motivated" individuals who are always looking out for one another. While many students seem to be "white, upper-middle class, and Christian," there is also "a broad mix of international and minority students" and students of other religions.
Read also: Rankings and Distinctions at UNR
Location and Accessibility
The main campus is located in Norman, about 20 miles from Oklahoma City. Will Rogers World Airport is 20 miles from Norman and serves as the closest commercial airport. There are shuttles, buses, and taxis that transport visitors to and from Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. Metro Transit Cart buses have routes that cover Norman every half hour to hour.
Directions to the University of Oklahoma include:
- Take Main Street Downtown exit, East. Follow Main Street for 2.2 miles to University Blvd. Turn right (south) on University Blvd. Go through Boyd Street (first stop light) and into the North Oval of the University.
- Take Lindsey Street East exit. Follow Lindsey Street for 1.6 miles to Elm Street, turn left (north). Go to Boyd Street, turn right (east). Go approximately one block to University Blvd. Turn right into the North Oval.
Visitor parking is available in the North Oval. In order to park on campus, you must obtain a Visitor Parking permit from the receptionist inside Jacobson Hall.
Local accommodations include:
- Noun Hotel (542 S University Blvd, (405) 701-5858)
- Embassy Suites (2501 Conference Dr., 405-364-8040)
- The Cutting Garden Bed and Breakfast (927 W. Boyd St, (405) 321-1545)
Admissions and Financial Aid
The University of Oklahoma has a test-optional admissions policy. In the fall of 2024, the total undergraduate enrollment was 23,351. The student-faculty ratio at The University of Oklahoma is 18:1.
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The school's in-state tuition and fees are $9,887; out-of-state tuition and fees are $27,467. Forty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,261. The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $52,216.
The OU Health Sciences Center, located in Oklahoma City, is one of only four comprehensive academic health centers in the nation with seven professional colleges. Both the Norman and Health Sciences Center colleges offer programs at the Schusterman Center, the site of OU-Tulsa.
Career Services and Opportunities
At OU, the “career services are impeccable,” so naturally students feel “ready for the future.” There are “creative programs that provide real-world experience” and “opportunities to really develop oneself outside the classroom.” A student-run advertising and public relations agency or the National Weather Center are just a few places where students may hone their skills on campus.
OU emphasizes community service through “million dollar help programs like the Writing Center, Free Action Tutoring, Project Threshold, etc.” Students also receive career advice and counseling from professors who “leave their office doors open” and are happy to discuss “not only class but life after OU.” Students feel a sense of global awareness at OU and a desire to better the world.
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