Acceptance Rate
77%
Avg. SAT
1260
75th percentile
“A close-knit private university in the heart of Oklahoma City, blending performing arts prestige with a personal, faith-inspired community.”
Oklahoma City, OK
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Oklahoma City University, founded in 1904 as a Methodist-affiliated institution, has deep roots in Oklahoma’s history, emerging just years after the state’s land rush era. Originally named Epworth University, it relocated to Oklahoma City in 1911, embracing a mission to nurture both academic growth and personal values. Today, OCU stands out as a small, private university with a warm, supportive atmosphere, where faith and service often shape campus conversations, though it welcomes students of all backgrounds.
This is a place for students who crave connection—whether through mentorship from professors or tight bonds with classmates in a compact student body of about 1,500 undergraduates. You’ll find a campus that feels like a family, especially if you’re drawn to creative fields or value a quieter, more introspective college experience. However, if you’re seeking a sprawling, high-energy university with endless options or a secular environment, OCU’s smaller scale and religious undertones might not fully align with your vision.
Nestled in Oklahoma City’s urban core, the campus offers easy access to a growing metro area with a rich mix of history, culture, and modern development. The surrounding city, often overlooked compared to coastal hubs, surprises with its affordability and friendly vibe, though some students might find the region’s slower pace or occasional severe weather—like spring tornado warnings—a bit of an adjustment. OCU’s identity shines through its balance of artistic flair and heartfelt community, making it a unique spot in the Midwest.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Oklahoma City University is widely recognized for its standout programs in the performing arts, particularly through the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and the School of Theatre. If you’re passionate about musical theater, opera, or dance, you’ll be in your element here, learning from faculty who often have professional industry ties and seeing your peers land roles in national productions. The university also offers solid programs in business, nursing, and liberal arts, with a curriculum that emphasizes practical skills alongside personal growth.
Classroom experiences at OCU feel intimate, with a focus on individualized attention that lets you build real relationships with professors. You can expect plenty of hands-on opportunities, like student-directed plays or clinical rotations for nursing majors, though some popular programs can have limited spots, requiring early planning. While the smaller size means fewer research resources compared to larger universities, the trade-off is a tailored education where you’re rarely just a face in the crowd.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,514 undergrad • 1,452 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
56%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
12%
Asian
4%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Oklahoma City, OK
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at Oklahoma City University revolves around a tight-knit community where you’ll quickly recognize familiar faces at events like the annual Homecoming or the spirited Starlighting ceremony, a holiday tradition with carols and campus decorations. Students often live on campus, especially as freshmen, in residence halls that foster a sense of belonging, though housing options can feel limited as you move into upperclassman years. Socially, it’s a quieter scene compared to big state schools—think small gatherings or theater rehearsals over massive parties—with many activities tied to campus organizations or faith-based initiatives.
Off-campus, Oklahoma City offers a blend of urban exploration in areas like Bricktown, with its canal-side dining, and a more laid-back Midwestern feel that might not suit everyone craving constant excitement. The cost of living here is notably affordable, a real plus for students on a budget, but the region’s weather, with hot summers and the occasional severe storm, can catch newcomers off guard. Overall, OCU’s culture suits those who value community over chaos, though extroverts seeking a bustling social hub might need to seek out city adventures on their own.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$21,013
$30K – $48K
$22,484
$48K – $75K
$27,076
$75K – $110K
$29,601
$110K+
$32,539
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
84%
4 Years Graduation Rate
59%
6 Years Graduation Rate
61%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$54,655
84% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Oklahoma City University and return in the fall. 59% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 61% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
59%
4-6 years
2%
Non-grad
39%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$28,094
Acceptance
77%
Undergrads
1,514
4-Year Grad Rate
59%
Endowment
$182M
Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1402