POPULATION (2021): 4 million
CAPITAL: Oklahoma City
LARGEST PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN OKLAHOMA: University of Oklahoma
LARGEST PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN OKLAHOMA: University of Tulsa
Oklahoma is located above Texas in the central United States, and though it is mostly plains with a few large cities peppered in, there are some hidden gems for outdoor lovers.
They are known for a lot of agriculture, and as such, several of the universities in Oklahoma have esteemed programs relating to the sciences behind farming and creating more economic ways to produce food.
In the cities, the tech industry is growing, as the cost of living in Oklahoma is relatively low compared to the rest of the country, which also makes it a nice choice for college for many students. Oklahoma loves to cheer for its college teams, with The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and Tulsa all having several teams that compete for championships in the NCAA.
The weather is pretty nice year-round, though it does get a little warm in the summers. Many students look to the lakes and rivers to cool down and relax with friends.
Universities in Oklahoma- 4-Year Colleges and Online
Oklahoma is a unique state in many ways, but the college landscape is pretty typical for a Western state. There are a lot of options if you’re around one of the bigger cities, but rural Oklahoma is a place to enjoy on the weekends and breaks, as few options are available for 4-year universities in Oklahoma beyond the bigger cities that are discussed below.
Public Universities in Oklahoma
The public university system has 14 colleges that offer 4-year degrees, with the two most recognizable schools being the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. Additionally, these other public universities are spread throughout the state:
- University of Central Oklahoma
- Northeastern State University
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Cameron University
- Rogers State University
- East Central University
- University of OK Health Sciences Center
- OK State Institute of Technology
- Langston University
- Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Oklahoma Panhandle State University
- University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
Private Universities in Oklahoma
Several of the public universities in Oklahoma listed above serve large student bodies (upwards of 10,000), but the biggest private university in Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, only has about 4,500 students. If you’re looking for a more intimate learning environment, one of these private universities in Oklahoma may suit you better than a public counterpart.
- University of Tulsa
- Oral Roberts University
- Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma Christian University
- Southern Nazarene University
- Oklahoma Baptist University
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
- Mid-American Christian University
- Bacone College
- OK Wesleyan University
- Randall University
Community Colleges in Oklahoma
The state of Oklahoma offers students 13 different options for community college-level coursework at these locations:
- Carl Albert State College – Poteau
- Connors State College – Warner
- Eastern Oklahoma State College – Wilburton
- Murray State College – Tishomingo
- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College – Miami
- Northern Oklahoma College – Tonkawa
- Oklahoma City Community College – Oklahoma City
- Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City – Oklahoma City
- Redlands Community College – El Reno
- Rose State College – Midwest City
- Seminole State College – Seminole
- Tulsa Community College – Tulsa
- Western Oklahoma State College – Altus
Prominent Online Colleges in Oklahoma
All of the 4-year state colleges and universities have some form of online education options, with several offering full degrees, especially to those looking to obtain 2-year certifications and associate’s programs.
Universities in Oklahoma City, OK
If you are good at darts, you’d hit somewhere near Oklahoma City if you threw one at the state. Its central location makes it easily accessible for students from all across the state, and as the biggest city, it also offers the most options for nightlife and entertainment if that’s something you’re looking for to relieve some college stress! Here are the universities and colleges in OKC that offer 4-year degrees:
- Mid-America Christian University
- Oklahoma City University
- Oklahoma State University – OKC
- Platt College – OKC
- University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center
Universities in Tulsa, OK
A short drive up Interstate 44 from OKC is the second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa. In addition to the University of Tulsa, there are these other 4-year schools to choose from:
- National American University
- OK State Center for Health Sciences
- Oral Roberts University
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology
Get to Know Oklahoma
With a lot of credit to a low cost of living, the cities in Oklahoma are growing quickly, as tech businesses start to pop up (in other words, companies that can do business from anywhere are very attracted to the operating costs in OKC and Tulsa). This also means a lot of opportunities after graduation, for students who attend college in Oklahoma.
Outside of the growing cities are, indeed, a lot of rolling plains and farms, but they have their own beauty and can serve as great escapes from a heavy college workload. And don’t think that all of the state is “Home on the Range-esque” as there are several mountains, lakes, and rivers that are great to explore any time of the year.