
Oklahoma City, OKprivate nonprofitwww.okcu.edu/
Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a private liberal arts university with a surprisingly accessible admissions process (77% acceptance rate) and a strong emphasis on the performing arts, health professions, and business. Its tight-knit campus culture thrives on Greek life and proximity to Oklahoma City's vibrant neighborhoods, while its 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship. OCU stands out for aggressively discounting its $55K sticker price—99% of students receive aid, bringing the average net cost down to $23K.
With a 77% acceptance rate, Oklahoma City University is one of the more accessible private universities in the region, admitting roughly 3 out of 4 applicants. Test-optionalA policy where you choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you don't, the rest of your application carries more weight. since at least 2024, OCU reports middle-50% ranges of 1040–1300 SAT and 21–27 ACT scores for those who submit them. The university draws a geographically diverse student body, with undergraduates from 45 states and 36 countries, though its total enrollment remains modest at 1,400 undergrads and an equal number of graduate students. Notably, OCU practices rolling admissions with no strict application deadline, offering flexibility for late deciders.
OCU bills itself as a top liberal arts and sciences university, offering 70+ undergraduate majors and 20 graduate programs, including niche offerings like a PhD in Nursing and performance-focused degrees through its acclaimed Wanda L. Bass School of Music. The most popular majors cluster in three areas:
With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, classes skew small, and the university emphasizes mentorship. Its Adult Studies Program caters to working professionals with flexible scheduling.
Life at OCU orbits around Greek life (which emphasizes leadership, scholarship, and philanthropy) and the energy of Oklahoma City’s downtown districts, just minutes from campus. Key traits:
OCU’s 4-year graduation rate sits at 50%, rising to 63% over six years—solid for a regional private university, though below elite benchmarks. Career outcomes vary by program:
Transfer students graduate at lower rates, per federal data, suggesting OCU thrives most with traditional undergrads who engage early with support services.
OCU’s $55,320 sticker price (tuition, room, and board) belies aggressive discounting:
Notably, OCU provides a Net Price Calculator to demystify costs, and its aid packages lean heavily on grants rather than loans. For context, the average aid package totals $29,548, making OCU far more affordable than its private peers—if you qualify for merit awards.
OCU punches above its weight in performing arts and health sciences, leveraging Oklahoma City’s cultural assets (like the OKC Philharmonic) for real-world training. Its test-optional policy and high aid awards make private education accessible to mid-tier students, while the 11:1 faculty ratio ensures mentorship rare at similarly priced institutions. The campus vibe blends Greek life traditions with urban energy—think jazz majors jamming in practice rooms by day, then catching indie shows in the Plaza District by night. For students seeking a small-college feel with big-city perks, OCU delivers—provided they maximize its generous scholarships.