Oklahoma State University-Main Campus: 70.6% Acceptance Rate

70.6%Acceptance

$10,234Tuition

20,814Students

66%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$57,413Earnings

#2 in OklahomaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Oklahoma State builds cowboys and engineers in equal measure. This public research university enrolls 20,814 students in the college town of Stillwater, where agriculture meets oil money. The school launched careers for country stars Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood alongside NFL legend Barry Sanders. Students here major in business, engineering, and agricultural programs that feed directly into Oklahoma's energy sector.

The financial picture works for most families. Students pay an average net price of $16,378 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,690. Graduates earn a median $57,413 ten years out, easily covering the typical $20,500 in debt with monthly payments around $217. About 26% of students receive Pell Grants, keeping education accessible for working-class families.

OSU accepts 71% of applicants with an average SAT of 1130, making it reachable for solid students. The Cowboys compete in Division I athletics across 14 sports with nearly $10 million in athletic scholarships. Campus houses 6,417 students in a town where orange runs deep. The 84% retention rate suggests students stick around once they discover Stillwater's tight-knit community and strong alumni network throughout Oklahoma's business world.

Academics & Faculty

Oklahoma State built its reputation as an agricultural and mechanical college, and today remains a powerhouse in engineering, agriculture, and business programs. The university's petroleum engineering and agricultural sciences departments draw students nationwide, while the Spears School of Business connects graduates directly to Oklahoma's energy sector. With a 70% acceptance rate and 1130 average SAT score, OSU welcomes a broad range of students but maintains solid academic standards. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture classes are common, though the 84% retention rate suggests most students adapt well. The 66% six-year graduation rate reflects the practical, career-focused approach that has made OSU a reliable pathway to middle-class employment in the Southwest.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 87.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 65.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 65.9%
Retention Rate: 83.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $57,413
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R1)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Fire Protection.	Bachelor	$72,231
Chemical Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,176
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$69,338
Veterinary Medicine.	Doctoral	$69,002
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$68,499
Construction Engineering Technologies.	Bachelor	$63,855
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,335
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$58,221
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$57,318
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$55,964

View all 276 programs →

Campus Life

Oklahoma State's 20,814 students call Stillwater home, a college town about 65 miles from both Oklahoma City and Tulsa. With housing capacity for 6,417 students, roughly one-third live on campus in a community where orange reigns supreme. You'll need both winter coats and sunscreen here - Oklahoma weather swings from ice storms in January to 100-degree summer heat.

The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means you won't get lost in lecture halls, especially in OSU's well-known agricultural and engineering programs. Weekends revolve around Boone Pickens Stadium, where 52% of students who are women and 48% who are men unite as one orange-clad crowd. The campus buzzes with Greek life, rodeo culture, and the famous Homecoming celebration that brings back alumni like Garth Brooks. Students frequent The Strip on Washington Street for late-night food runs. With 63.63% of students from Oklahoma, there's a strong sense of state pride mixed with agricultural tradition. Most students embrace the "Cowboy way" - a blend of hard work and genuine friendliness that defines campus culture.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 6,417 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

86 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Rape	11	11	1
Burglary	12	6	1
Stalking	11	4	0
Fondling	4	4	0
Aggravated Assault	5	2	0
Dating Violence	3	3	0
Domestic Violence	3	3	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–49°F
July Avg: 71°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.0"
Annual Snowfall: 7.5"

Student Demographics

Oklahoma State draws a heavily in-state crowd, with 64% of students coming from Oklahoma. The student body reflects the state's demographics with a strong white majority. Women slightly outnumber men at 52%, typical for most universities but notable given OSU's strong engineering and agriculture programs that traditionally skew male. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves working-class Oklahoma families. The Cowboys attract students who value practical, career-focused education in fields like petroleum engineering and agribusiness that drive the state's economy.

Men: 47.8%
Women: 52.2%
White: 66.5%
Black: 4.2%
Hispanic: 9.7%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 63.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 26.0%

Location

Stillwater sits in north-central Oklahoma, about 65 miles from Oklahoma City and 70 miles from Tulsa. The university anchors this classic college town of roughly 50,000 residents, where students make up nearly half the population. Rolling plains and agricultural land stretch in every direction, reflecting the state's farming and ranching heritage that deeply influences campus culture. Downtown Stillwater revolves around the university, with local businesses catering to the 20,814 students who call OSU home. The setting captures quintessential Midwest college life, complete with big skies and orange-clad fans flooding the streets on football Saturdays. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Oklahoma State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-1015

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $57,413
Median Earnings (5 years): $62,338
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $42,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 64.4%
Monthly Loan Payment: $217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus?

Oklahoma State accepts 70.63% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a major research university. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1010-1250 on the SAT. OSU values well-rounded students who can contribute to its strong agricultural and engineering programs.

How much does Oklahoma State University-Main Campus cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $16,378 per year, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $10,690 on average. Graduates leave with a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable given the strong job placement in Oklahoma's oil and gas industry.

What are the strongest academic programs at Oklahoma State University-Main Campus?

OSU excels in agricultural programs, engineering, and business education with deep connections to the energy sector. The university serves 20,814 students with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. Its research focus and industry partnerships create excellent internship opportunities, especially in agriculture and petroleum engineering.

What are the job prospects for Oklahoma State University-Main Campus graduates?

Graduates achieve a 95.5% employment rate with median earnings of $57,413 ten years after graduation. The 65.9% six-year graduation rate reflects OSU's supportive environment for students transitioning into careers. Strong alumni networks in energy, agriculture, and entertainment industries help with job placement.

Where is Oklahoma State University-Main Campus located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Stillwater, a classic college town that revolves around Cowboy athletics and university life. With housing for 6,417 students and 14 varsity sports teams, OSU maintains a tight-knit community feel despite its size. The town's distance from major cities creates an immersive college experience centered on school spirit.

Is Oklahoma State University-Main Campus known for producing famous alumni?

OSU has produced remarkable talent across diverse fields, from country music superstars Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood to NFL legend Barry Sanders. Oil tycoon T. Boone Pickens, also an OSU graduate, donated millions back to the university's athletic programs. This range reflects the university's broad influence in entertainment, sports, and business.