About Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University carries the charismatic Christian legacy of its televangelist founder into its education of 3,322 students in Tulsa. The university emphasizes "whole person" development through a blend of academics, spirituality, and practical ministry training. Notable graduates include prosperity gospel preacher Joel Osteen and former television host Kathie Lee Gifford. Students come from across the country, with only 38% from Oklahoma, creating a diverse Christian community in this large city setting.
The financial picture tells a mixed story for families considering ORU. Students pay an average net price of $23,600 after aid, below the sticker price of $45,420. Graduates earn a median of $46,885 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,000 in student debt with monthly payments of $286. The investment pays off for most, with 93.6% of graduates finding employment.
The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 12 sports, unusual for a school this size. Student life revolves heavily around chapel attendance and Christian service requirements. With an 81% retention rate and 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personal attention in their faith-based education journey.
The financial picture tells a mixed story for families considering ORU. Students pay an average net price of $23,600 after aid, below the sticker price of $45,420. Graduates earn a median of $46,885 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,000 in student debt with monthly payments of $286. The investment pays off for most, with 93.6% of graduates finding employment.
The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 12 sports, unusual for a school this size. Student life revolves heavily around chapel attendance and Christian service requirements. With an 81% retention rate and 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personal attention in their faith-based education journey.
Academics & Faculty
Oral Roberts University operates as a Christian charismatic institution where faith integration shapes every academic program. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention, though the 54% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees. The university emphasizes "whole person education" that combines spiritual development with academic rigor. ORU is particularly known for its business, theology, and nursing programs, drawing students who want professional training within a Pentecostal framework. The university requires chapel attendance and maintains strict behavioral codes. With 58% of students graduating in four years, those who align with the school's mission and expectations tend to find success in this tightly structured environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 41.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 58.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.9%
- Retention Rate
- 81.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,885
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,221 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $53,608 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $44,189 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. | Master | $35,416 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Doctoral | $33,993 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,755 |
Campus Life
This Christian charismatic university sits on a striking modernist campus in south Tulsa, complete with a 200-foot Prayer Tower that dominates the skyline. About 78% of the 3,322 students can live in on-campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community where chapel attendance remains mandatory. Students need both winter coats and sunscreen in Oklahoma's variable climate, where temperatures swing from freezing winters to sweltering 100-degree summers.
The campus buzzes with spiritual energy through daily chapel services, prayer groups, and healing ministry training that reflects founder Oral Roberts' charismatic theology. With 62% of students coming from out-of-state, weekends often center around campus activities rather than going home. Students gather for intramural sports, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby Tulsa attractions like the Arts District or Gathering Place park. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 260 student-athletes across 12 sports. Social life revolves around faith-based activities, residence hall communities, and the shared experience of pursuing "whole person" education that integrates academic, spiritual, and physical development.
The campus buzzes with spiritual energy through daily chapel services, prayer groups, and healing ministry training that reflects founder Oral Roberts' charismatic theology. With 62% of students coming from out-of-state, weekends often center around campus activities rather than going home. Students gather for intramural sports, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby Tulsa attractions like the Arts District or Gathering Place park. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 260 student-athletes across 12 sports. Social life revolves around faith-based activities, residence hall communities, and the shared experience of pursuing "whole person" education that integrates academic, spiritual, and physical development.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 2,607 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–49°F
- July Avg
- 72°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 8.7"
Student Demographics
Oral Roberts draws students from across the country, with nearly two-thirds coming from outside Oklahoma. The student body is 59% women, reflecting the university's strong programs in nursing, education, and ministry fields that traditionally attract more female students. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many middle and lower-income families seeking affordable Christian education. The diverse racial composition includes significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. These demographics align with ORU's charismatic Christian mission of developing students from varied backgrounds who share evangelical faith commitments.
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 35.7%
- Black
- 13.1%
- Hispanic
- 16.1%
- Asian
- 4.3%
- In-State Students
- 37.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.5%
Location
Oral Roberts University sits in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the state's second-largest city with over 400,000 residents. The campus is located about 100 miles northeast of Oklahoma City in the heart of America's oil country. Tulsa blends urban amenities with Southern hospitality, featuring a revitalized downtown arts district and the Arkansas River running through the city. The university's 263-acre campus showcases distinctive modern architecture, including the iconic Prayer Tower that has become a Tulsa landmark. Students enjoy access to internships and jobs in Tulsa's energy, aerospace, and healthcare industries. The city's cost of living runs about 10% below the national average. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Oral Roberts University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Tulsa, Oklahoma 74171
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,885
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,366
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 62.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Oral Roberts University?
Oral Roberts University accepts 78% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private Christian institution. Students typically score around 1115 on the SAT, with most admitted students falling between 990 and 1240.
How much does Oral Roberts University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,600 annually after aid, less than the sticker price of $34,100. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Oral Roberts University?
The university maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,322 enrolled students. ORU emphasizes whole-person education combining academics with charismatic Christian faith, founded by televangelist Oral Roberts in 1963.
What do graduates of Oral Roberts University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median salary of $46,885 ten years after graduation, with a 94% employment rate. The university's 54% six-year graduation rate reflects its focus on developing students spiritually and academically.
Where do students live at Oral Roberts University?
The Tulsa campus houses 2,607 students in on-campus facilities costing $9,400 annually for room and board. About 81% of students return for their second year, creating a tight-knit Christian community.
Does Oral Roberts University compete in Division I athletics?
The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division I with 12 varsity sports and 260 total athletes. The university awards $4.87 million in athletic scholarships annually, competing in The Summit League.
