... are driven by our position as a top-tier public research university. Guided by our core purpose of changing lives, we offer a vibrant learning community that ignites intellectual inquiry at all levels and fosters a culture of belonging for all.
For well over a century, generations of students have found purpose and meaning through an OU education, and our state and society have benefited from our ingenuity and resourcefulness. Designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a Highest Research Activity institution, we champion creativity, innovation, and scholarly activity across all disciplines, striving for the highest levels of impact. Our world-class scholars are engaged with students, sustaining a dynamic academic environment that promotes discovery in the classroom, in the lab, in our studios, and beyond.
Excellence comes in many forms at OU, but we cannot reach our full potential unless we are a community where all members can thrive and feel welcomed and valued. Nurturing a strong sense of belonging at OU strengthens our collective determination to broaden educational access and enrich our campuses as places of excellence, openness, and growth – core to our purpose of changing lives.
We invite you to learn more about who we are at the University of Oklahoma and to consider joining our remarkable community.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a welcoming community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.
Unveiled in 2020, the “Lead On, University” Strategic Plan has ignited a spirit of excellence across OU, reshaping our future in ways that will change lives for generations to come. In spring 2024, OU embarked on a Strategic Plan refresh to ensure this living, breathing roadmap continues to evolve to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world while still serving the distinct needs of the OU community.
We prepare students to make a meaningful impact on the world.
We invest in faculty success across the academic spectrum.
We are dedicated to building a supportive campus environment where each individual feels welcomed, valued, and supported for success.
OU faculty make an impact on our communities, state, nation, and world through teaching, research, and collaborative projects.
The OU research enterprise solves global grand challenges through convergent research, promoting widespread economic growth, and life-changing outcomes across our state and beyond.
OU is a leader in global education and research, with extensive education abroad programs, a vibrant international student presence, and internationally engaged faculty.
30,000+
Students who originate from all 50 states and 125 different countries
2,700
Full-time faculty
3
Campuses: Norman, Health Sciences in Oklahoma City, Tulsa
3,500
Norman Campus Acreage: Our campus is renowned for its beauty and Cherokee Gothic style architecture.
20 Colleges and
170+ Undergraduate majors
45% of undergraduate classes have fewer than 20 Students
Established in 1890
Explore a 360-degree view of our Norman campus! Virtually walk around campus, discovering popular spots and buildings on your own time using a personal device.
Top 10
public universities in the nation for Rhodes Scholar graduates
328
Davis United World College Scholars currently are enrolled at OU, representing 108 countries – the largest enrollment of UWC students in the United States
56%
of OU undergraduate students graduate debt free, compared to 45% at four-year public universities nationwide
38%
growth in need-based aid over last five years
Top Green College: for the sixth consecutive year, OU has been recognized by The Princeton Review for sustainability and environmental efforts.
Number of scholarships awarded increased more than 20% over last five years.
Study abroad opportunities in
200 different cities
OU Faculty by the Numbers:
91
new regular faculty positions authorized over last five years.
11%
growth in full-time instructional faculty
$386 million
in Total Awards
16% Average Annual Growth Rate
over the last four years
Top 8%
of research universities nationally
The University of Oklahoma-Norman is a comprehensive research university classified by the Carnegie Foundation in the highest tier of research universities in the nation (R1: Doctoral Universities—highest research activity). Our research enterprise features award-winning and nationally- and internationally-recognized faculty, multidisciplinary research centers, scholarly publications, and acclaimed performances at venues throughout the world. The university's south research campus is notable for fostering partnerships between academic programs and governmental and private industries.
Major research centers established on the Norman campus include the Advanced Radar Research Center, US Department of the Interior South-Central Climate Adaptation Science Center, the Center for Energy, Security and Society (jointly with Sandia National Laboratory), and on the Tulsa campus, the Early Childhood Education Institute.
5,198
Freshmen: Largest class in OU history
39.3%
Underserved Students
26.5%
First-generation college students
Norman is a vibrant college town that prides itself on its community spirit and welcoming environment. The city offers plenty to see and do – museums, performing arts, annual art and music festivals, plentiful shopping and dining, miles of outdoor spaces and parks, Division I athletics, and more. Those who make Norman their home also are pleased by its affordability, excellent public schools, and close proximity to Oklahoma City.
