About Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University has built a national reputation for performing arts, particularly music and theater programs that have produced Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth and country music legend Vince Gill. This Methodist university enrolls 1,433 students in the heart of Oklahoma City, creating an intimate campus atmosphere where artistic collaboration thrives. The school's 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that's crucial for developing performers and artists.
Students pay an average net price of $21,556 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $54,655 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads of $20,835. The monthly loan payment of $221 represents a reasonable investment given the school's strong alumni network in entertainment and other fields.
The student body is predominantly female at 66%, reflecting the university's strength in fields that attract more women. With 415 student athletes competing in 17 NAIA sports, the Stars provide opportunities for athletic involvement alongside academics. The 83% retention rate suggests students find their niche here, though the 64% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish. Employment rates reach 97.3%, showing that OCU graduates successfully transition into their careers.
Students pay an average net price of $21,556 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $54,655 ten years after graduation, while carrying manageable debt loads of $20,835. The monthly loan payment of $221 represents a reasonable investment given the school's strong alumni network in entertainment and other fields.
The student body is predominantly female at 66%, reflecting the university's strength in fields that attract more women. With 415 student athletes competing in 17 NAIA sports, the Stars provide opportunities for athletic involvement alongside academics. The 83% retention rate suggests students find their niche here, though the 64% six-year graduation rate indicates some struggle to finish. Employment rates reach 97.3%, showing that OCU graduates successfully transition into their careers.
Academics & Faculty
Oklahoma City University built its reputation around performing arts, particularly music and theater programs that have produced Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth and country music legends like Vince Gill. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention in practice rooms and rehearsal studios. With 1,433 students total, this Methodist university creates an intimate learning environment where aspiring performers get direct mentorship. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the intensive, hands-on nature of arts training that requires consistent progress through sequential coursework. Beyond the arts, the university offers traditional liberal arts programs, but the performing arts remain the crown jewel that defines the academic experience.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.2%
- Retention Rate
- 83.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,655
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,632 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,083 |
| Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians. | Master | $73,823 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $66,915 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,898 |
| Sociology. | Master | $48,432 |
| Law. | Certificate | $46,570 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $35,060 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $34,704 |
Campus Life
Oklahoma City University sits in the heart of Oklahoma's capital city, giving its 1,433 students access to internships, restaurants, and entertainment without leaving town. Two-thirds of students are women, reflecting the school's strong performing arts reputation. The campus houses 1,197 students in residence halls, meaning most undergraduates live on campus and form tight-knit communities around the performing arts scene.
Oklahoma's continental climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for summer heat that regularly hits the 90s. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate environment where professors know students by name, especially important in OCU's well-known music and theater programs that launched careers like Kristin Chenoweth's. Students often spend weekends attending campus performances, exploring Oklahoma City's Bricktown district, or participating in the school's 17 varsity sports programs. The Methodist foundation creates a welcoming but not overwhelming religious atmosphere that shapes campus traditions and community service opportunities throughout the year.
Oklahoma's continental climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for summer heat that regularly hits the 90s. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate environment where professors know students by name, especially important in OCU's well-known music and theater programs that launched careers like Kristin Chenoweth's. Students often spend weekends attending campus performances, exploring Oklahoma City's Bricktown district, or participating in the school's 17 varsity sports programs. The Methodist foundation creates a welcoming but not overwhelming religious atmosphere that shapes campus traditions and community service opportunities throughout the year.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,197 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1904
Campus Safety (2023)
34 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 16 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–50°F
- July Avg
- 73°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.7"
Student Demographics
Oklahoma City University draws a student body that reflects its Methodist roots and performing arts reputation. Women make up two-thirds of the 1,433 enrolled students, largely attracted to the school's well-known music and theater programs. About 61% of students come from out of state, suggesting the university's performing arts programs have national recognition. The student body is predominantly white at 63%, with Hispanic students comprising 13% of enrollment. Nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking quality arts education with Methodist values.
- Men
- 34.0%
- Women
- 66.0%
- White
- 62.6%
- Black
- 6.3%
- Hispanic
- 13.0%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 38.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.6%
Location
Oklahoma City University sits in the heart of Oklahoma City, the state's largest metropolitan area with over 1.4 million residents. The campus occupies a compact urban setting in the Midtown district, just minutes from downtown's business core and entertainment venues. Students experience true city living with access to professional sports teams, museums, and internship opportunities at major corporations. The surrounding area blends urban amenities with Oklahoma's distinctive cultural heritage. Campus housing accommodates 1,197 students within walking distance of the city's growing arts district. The university draws 61% of its students from out-of-state, creating a diverse community in Oklahoma's political and economic center. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Oklahoma City University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106-1402
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,655
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,230
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $221/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,835
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Oklahoma City University?
Oklahoma City University accepts 70.39% of applicants with an average ACT score of 23. This Methodist university draws students primarily for its well-known performing arts programs, making it moderately selective but accessible for motivated students.
How much does Oklahoma City University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Oklahoma City University is $21,556, lower than the sticker price of $44,688. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,408 on average, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay around $27,694.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Oklahoma City University?
Oklahoma City University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,433 total students. This small Methodist university is famous for producing Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth and country music legends like Vince Gill through its exceptional music and theater programs.
What do graduates of Oklahoma City University earn after college?
Oklahoma City University graduates earn a median salary of $54,655 ten years after graduation. With a 97.3% employment rate and median debt of just $20,835, graduates typically manage monthly loan payments of $221 while building successful careers.
Where do students live at Oklahoma City University?
Oklahoma City University houses students in on-campus facilities with room and board costing $9,602 annually. The campus can accommodate 1,197 students in a large city setting, creating a close-knit community feel despite being located in Oklahoma's major metropolitan area.
How strong are the athletic programs at Oklahoma City University?
Oklahoma City University offers 17 varsity sports at the NAIA level with 415 total athletes competing as the Stars. The university awards $3,559,838 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in sports alongside its nationally recognized performing arts reputation.
