Four Oklahoma schools are ranked among the top 301 colleges and universities in the annual rankings produced by U.S. News and World Report.
The publication released its rankings on Tuesday, Sept. 23, noting it had analyzed more than 1,700 colleges and universities that grant bachelor’s degrees, using up to 17 factors to measure academic quality and graduate success. It produces national and regional rankings, as well as rankings in various categories, such as programs in business, computer science, nursing and other subjects.
The rankings are closely followed by prospective students and parents, and colleges that land in the top tier often advertise their ranking as a source of pride.
University of Oklahoma, Norman
National ranking: No. 110
The University of Oklahoma in Norman was the state’s highest-ranking school in the national rankings, placing 110th. OU jumped 22 spots from its 2024 ranking, the most among all Southeastern Conference institutions. Among public universities, OU was No. 54 nationally, up 14 spots.
“At OU, our commitment to opening the doors of opportunity and empowering our students to succeed is at the forefront of everything we do, and we are thrilled to see this recognition,” OU President Joseph Harroz said. “This ranking is a reflection of the incredible work taking place across our campus and is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our students, faculty and staff.”
The University of Oklahoma in Norman was the state’s highest-ranking school in a national ranking of top colleges, placing 110th.
University of Tulsa
National ranking: No. 158
The University of Tulsa came in at No. 158 in the national rankings, earning recognition for its small class sizes and low student-to-faculty ratio, of 10 to 1. The private school also earned recognition for its undergrauate engineering programs, ranking at No. 3 for schools that offer degrees focused on petroleum engineering.
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater
National ranking: No. 198
Oklahoma State University in Stillwater was at No. 198 in the national rankings and was listed as the best value public institution in Oklahoma, a metric that weighs academic quality against the cost of attendance for out-of-state students who receive need-based financial aid.
OSU’s Spears School of Business ranked No. 77 for undergraduate business programs, while undergraduate engineering was recognized in the top 120 and undergraduate economics was listed among the top 175. OSU was also recognized for the first time as one of the best colleges for veterans, landing in the top 150 nationally.
“At Oklahoma State University, we never lose sight of who we’re here for — our students,” OSU President Jim Hess said. “These rankings affirm what we already know: when you lead with the Cowboy Code and put students first, excellence follows. Whether it’s in the classroom, the lab, or through our land-grant mission of service, we’re building a university that delivers both value and values.”
Oklahoma City University
Rankings: 4th in Oklahoma, 301st nationwide
Oklahoma City University ranked at No. 301 in the national rankings, and also received attention for its nursing program as one of the top 400 nationwide. Visual and performance arts ranked as the most popular major at the private school, according to U.S. News.
How other Oklahoma universities ranked
In the U.S. News rankings for regional universities in the West Region – which covers 15 states, including Texas and California – the top three Oklahoma schools were Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee at No. 43, the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond at No. 62 and Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City at No. 65.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma’s 4 top colleges, according to US News and World Report
