Private Four-Year Universities in Oklahoma
University of Tulsa
Overview
The University of Tulsa (TU), located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a private research university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and professional preparation. Established in 1894, TU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
History
The University of Tulsa was founded as Henry Kendall College in Muskogee, Oklahoma, by the Presbyterian Church. The college moved to Tulsa in 1907 and was renamed the University of Tulsa in 1920. Over the years, TU has grown into a leading institution known for its rigorous academics and research.
Academic Offerings
TU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various colleges and schools, including the Henry Kendall College of Arts and Sciences, the Collins College of Business, the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, and the College of Law. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in petroleum engineering, law, and business.
Student Life
TU provides a vibrant student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features beautiful architecture and extensive green spaces. TU also emphasizes community service and leadership development.
Unique Features
TU is known for its strong emphasis on research and professional preparation. The university’s Institute for Oil and Gas, for example, is a leader in energy research. TU also has a strong commitment to community engagement and service, reflected in programs like True Blue Neighbors.
Admissions
TU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 41%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
TU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, author S.E. Hinton, and astronaut William Pogue. TU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, literature, and space exploration.
Oklahoma City University
Overview
Oklahoma City University (OCU), located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a private university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, the arts, and professional education. Established in 1904, OCU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
History
Oklahoma City University was founded by the United Methodist Church as Epworth University. The name was changed to Oklahoma City University in 1924. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to the liberal arts and professional education.
Academic Offerings
OCU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the Petree College of Arts and Sciences, the Meinders School of Business, the School of Law, and the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in performing arts, business, and law.
Student Life
OCU provides a dynamic student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features beautiful architecture and state-of-the-art facilities. OCU also emphasizes community service and leadership development.
Unique Features
OCU is known for its strong emphasis on the arts and professional education. The Wanda L. Bass School of Music is one of the largest music schools in the region, offering extensive performance opportunities. OCU also has a strong commitment to community engagement and service.
Admissions
OCU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 73%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
OCU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former Oklahoma Governor David Walters, actress Kristin Chenoweth, and business leader Aubrey McClendon. OCU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, the arts, and business.
Oral Roberts University
Overview
Oral Roberts University (ORU), located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a private evangelical university known for its strong emphasis on Christian values, academic excellence, and leadership development. Established in 1963, ORU offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
History
Oral Roberts University was founded by evangelist Oral Roberts with the mission of educating students to be whole in mind, body, and spirit. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to Christian education and leadership.
Academic Offerings
ORU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Arts and Cultural Studies, the College of Business, the College of Education, and the College of Theology and Ministry. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in theology, business, and education.
Student Life
ORU provides a vibrant student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities and extensive green spaces. ORU also emphasizes spiritual growth and community service.
Unique Features
ORU is known for its strong emphasis on Christian values and holistic education. The university’s Whole Person Scholarship program supports students who excel academically, physically, and spiritually. ORU also has a strong commitment to global engagement and missions work.
Admissions
ORU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 68%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
ORU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as pastor and author Joel Osteen, former U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann, and business leader Marilyn Hickey. ORU graduates are known for their contributions to ministry, politics, and business.
Oklahoma Baptist University
Overview
Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU), located in Shawnee, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith integration, and leadership development. Established in 1910, OBU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
History
Oklahoma Baptist University was founded by the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma with the mission of providing a Christian education. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and leadership.
Academic Offerings
OBU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Fine Arts, the Paul Dickinson College of Business, and the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in theology, business, and nursing.
Student Life
OBU provides a vibrant student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features beautiful architecture and extensive green spaces. OBU also emphasizes spiritual growth and community service.
Unique Features
OBU is known for its strong emphasis on faith integration and leadership development. The university’s Honors Program offers academically gifted students opportunities for advanced study and research. OBU also has a strong commitment to global missions and community engagement.
Admissions
OBU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 64%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
OBU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as U.S. Senator James Lankford, author and speaker Angela Thomas, and business leader Tommy French. OBU graduates are known for their contributions to ministry, education, and business.
Southern Nazarene University
Overview
Southern Nazarene University (SNU), located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith integration, and community service. Established in 1899, SNU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
History
Southern Nazarene University was founded by the Church of the Nazarene with the mission of providing a Christian education. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.
Academic Offerings
SNU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Humanities, the College of Natural and Social Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Theology and Ministry. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in theology, education, and business.
Student Life
SNU provides a dynamic student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities and extensive green spaces. SNU also emphasizes spiritual growth and community service.
Unique Features
SNU is known for its strong emphasis on faith integration and community service. The university’s Center for Learning and Leadership offers students opportunities for leadership development and service learning. SNU also has a strong commitment to global missions and community engagement.
Admissions
SNU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 75%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
SNU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, business leader Bob Stoops, and author and speaker Beth Moore. SNU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.
Oklahoma Christian University
Overview
Oklahoma Christian University (OC), located in Edmond, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith integration, and leadership development. Established in 1950, OC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
History
Oklahoma Christian University was founded by members of the Churches of Christ with the mission of providing a Christian education. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and leadership.
Academic Offerings
OC offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various colleges and schools, including the College of Biblical Studies, the College of Business Administration, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and the College of Liberal Arts. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in engineering, business, and biblical studies.
Student Life
OC provides a vibrant student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities and extensive green spaces. OC also emphasizes spiritual growth and community service.
Unique Features
OC is known for its strong emphasis on faith integration and leadership development. The university’s Honors Program offers academically gifted students opportunities for advanced study and research. OC also has a strong commitment to global missions and community engagement.
Admissions
OC’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 65%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
OC’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh, business leader Lynn Mitchell, and author and speaker Josh McDowell. OC graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.
Mid-America Christian University
Overview
Mid-America Christian University (MACU), located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith integration, and community service. Established in 1953, MACU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
History
Mid-America Christian University was founded by the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) with the mission of providing a Christian education. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.
Academic Offerings
MACU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Ministry. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in ministry, business, and education.
Student Life
MACU provides a dynamic student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities and extensive green spaces. MACU also emphasizes spiritual growth and community service.
Unique Features
MACU is known for its strong emphasis on faith integration and community service. The university’s Center for Student Success offers students opportunities for leadership development and service learning. MACU also has a strong commitment to global missions and community engagement.
Admissions
MACU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 60%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
MACU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former Oklahoma State Senator Anthony Sykes, business leader Steve Green, and author and speaker Max Lucado. MACU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.
Southwestern Christian University
Overview
Southwestern Christian University (SCU), located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian liberal arts university known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, faith integration, and community service. Established in 1946, SCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
History
Southwestern Christian University was founded by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church with the mission of providing a Christian education. The university has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to faith-based education and community service.
Academic Offerings
SCU offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Ministry. The university is particularly renowned for its programs in ministry, business, and education.
Student Life
SCU provides a vibrant student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The university’s campus features modern facilities and extensive green spaces. SCU also emphasizes spiritual growth and community service.
Unique Features
SCU is known for its strong emphasis on faith integration and community service. The university’s Center for Student Success offers students opportunities for leadership development and service learning. SCU also has a strong commitment to global missions and community engagement.
Admissions
SCU’s admissions process is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate typically around 60%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The university considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
SCU’s alumni network includes notable figures such as former Oklahoma State Representative Joe Dorman, business leader Jay Tipton, and author and speaker Tommy Tenney. SCU graduates are known for their contributions to politics, business, and ministry.
Bacone College
Overview
Bacone College, located in Muskogee, Oklahoma, is a private liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, cultural diversity, and community service. Established in 1880, Bacone offers a wide range of undergraduate programs.
History
Bacone College was founded by missionary Almon C. Bacone with the mission of providing education to Native Americans. The college has grown significantly over the years, becoming a leading institution known for its commitment to cultural diversity and community service.
Academic Offerings
Bacone offers a comprehensive array of academic programs through its various schools and colleges, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education. The college is particularly renowned for its programs in Native American studies, business, and education.
Student Life
Bacone provides a vibrant student life with numerous student organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities. The college’s campus features modern facilities and extensive green spaces. Bacone also emphasizes cultural diversity and community service.
Unique Features
Bacone is known for its strong emphasis on cultural diversity and community service. The college’s Center for American Indians supports students in preserving and promoting Native American culture and heritage. Bacone also has a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Admissions
Bacone’s admissions process is relatively accessible, with an acceptance rate typically around 70%. Admissions criteria include academic performance, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, and personal essays. The college considers standardized test scores but also values holistic review.
Alumni
Bacone’s alumni network includes notable figures such as Native American artist Acee Blue Eagle, business leader T. Boone Pickens, and author and speaker Wilma Mankiller. Bacone graduates are known for their contributions to the arts, business, and Native American culture.