Best college rankings: Which Oklahoma university tops the 2024 list?

As Oklahoma becomes an increasingly popular destination for higher education, do any colleges stand above the rest?

U.S. News & World Report has released its "2024 Best Colleges" list ranking colleges and universities across the country. In Oklahoma, several schools receive high marks in tuition cost, program diversity and academics.

These rankings are based on factors like affordability, campus size, and academic calendar. However, prospective students should also consider their individual interests and goals when choosing a university in Oklahoma.

Top 10 universities in Oklahoma in 2024 rankings

1. University of Oklahoma (OU)

• Established in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a prestigious public research institution located in Norman.

• It boasts a sprawling campus of 3,326 acres and a diverse undergraduate enrollment of 21,152 students (fall 2021).

• OU offers a broad range of academic and athletic programs and is nationally recognized for its contribution to research.

• In the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges, it achieved a ranking of #127 among National Universities.

• Tuition and fees at OU stand at $9,312 for in-state students and $25,880 for out-of-state students.

2. Oklahoma State University (OSU)

• Established in 1890, Oklahoma State University is a public institution located in Stillwater.

• With a campus spread over 1,489 acres, OSU provides students with a vibrant college experience.

• The university offers a wide array of undergraduate programs, including a prominent business school and engineering department.

• OSU holds a ranking of #182 among National Universities in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges.

• In-state tuition and fees at OSU are $9,244, while out-of-state students pay $24,764.

3. University of Tulsa (TU)

• Founded in 1894, the University of Tulsa is a private institution situated in Tulsa.

• With a campus covering 209 acres, TU provides a more intimate educational experience.

• The university offers robust programs in petroleum engineering and promotes undergraduate research opportunities.

• TU emphasizes co-curricular involvement, offering over 200 student clubs and organizations to foster well-rounded education.

• The tuition and fees for attending TU amount to $46,676.

4. Oklahoma City University (OCU)

• Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a private institution situated in Oklahoma City.

• OCU is known for its dynamic arts programs, including dance, music, and theater.

• With a campus size of 104 acres, the university offers a close-knit community atmosphere.

• Tuition and fees at OCU amount to $32,744.

5. Rogers State University (RSU)

• Founded in 1909, Rogers State University is a public institution located in Claremore.

• With a campus size of 160 acres, RSU offers a spacious environment for learning.

• The university follows a semester-based academic calendar, allowing for structured education.

• RSU's in-state tuition and fees are $7,620, making it an affordable choice for Oklahoma residents. Out-of-state students can expect to pay $15,960.

6. Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU)

• Established in 1909, Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public institution situated in Goodwell.

• OPSU's campus spans 120 acres, providing students with a serene learning environment.

• Similar to RSU, OPSU adheres to a semester-based academic calendar.

• OPSU stands out for its affordable tuition rates, with both in-state and out-of-state students paying $7,961 for tuition and fees.

7. Southwestern Christian University (SCU)

• Founded in 1946, Southwestern Christian University is a private institution located in Bethany.

• Despite its smaller campus size of 10 acres, SCU boasts a close-knit learning community.

• SCU follows a semester-based academic calendar, providing students with a structured educational experience.

• Tuition and fees at SCU amount to $21,416.

8. Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU)

• Founded in 1910, Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU) is a private institution located in Shawnee.

• With a sprawling campus spread across 300 acres, OBU offers a vibrant atmosphere for academics and campus life.

• OBU operates on a 4-1-4-based academic calendar, providing students with unique learning opportunities.

• While OBU's tuition and fees stand at $32,880, it is important to note the extensive financial aid and scholarship opportunities available.

9. Oklahoma Christian University

• Founded in 1950, Oklahoma Christian University is a private institution, located in Oklahoma City.

• It's ranked 36th in best value schools

• Its tuition and fees are $25,900, and has an average undergraduate enrollment of 2,000 students.

10. Northeastern State University

• Northeastern State University is a public institution that was founded in 1846 in Tahlequah.

• Its in-state tuition and fees are $8,260; out-of-state tuition and fees are $17,172.

While this list was assembled with the rankings in mind, it is not made as a strict reconstruction of the U.S. News and World Report as it considers factors including but not limited to gender composition, student experience, racial diversity, student debt, potential earnings within the first decade after graduation and student debt repayment structure.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: See US News and World report school rankings for Oklahoma universities