NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma welcomes the largest freshman class ever in the state with 6,251 incoming students, leading the way in Oklahoma higher education. OU’s Class of 2029 extends two remarkable streaks – the fifth straight year of record freshman enrollment and the third consecutive year that a record number of Oklahomans have chosen to start their freshman year at OU. Driven by OU’s unmatched combination of excellence and affordability, freshman enrollment has jumped more than 30% in just three years, helping grow total enrollment to more than 36,500 students across all campuses this fall.
“Our focus on affordable excellence and investment in our ‘Lead On, University’ Strategic Plan is driving measurable results,” said OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. “The Class of 2029 symbolizes the unmatched value of an OU education that is rapidly drawing students and families from across Oklahoma and beyond. We are excited to champion another outstanding freshman class as they begin the life-changing journey that comes with earning an OU education.”
While many colleges and universities across the state and nation have faced a decline in overall enrollment over the last decade, OU has defied the trend, achieving a 16% increase in total fall term student enrollment at the Norman campus. The university has also seen double-digit growth in first-year students over the last two years at the OU Health Campus. In 2023, Governor Kevin Stitt challenged the University of Oklahoma to reach 40,000 students by 2030. With current enrollment numbers significantly ahead of projections, OU is on track to meet this ambitious goal sooner than expected.
The Class of 2029 also boasts a collective high school GPA (unweighted) of 3.64, while 711 students achieved a high school GPA of 4.0 or better. The incoming class includes 330 freshmen who graduated first in their high school class, a 39% increase from last year, as well as 117 Oklahoma State Regents’ Scholars, a 16% increase from the previous year. 770 incoming freshmen have qualified to receive Oklahoma’s Promise, with many utilizing OU’s Crimson Commitment resources, which provide support for tuition and fees.
The class was celebrated Sunday evening at the annual Class Kickoff event at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
“This historic freshman class marks more than just a record; it’s a powerful signal of OU’s momentum and the bright future we’re building together,” said Jeff Blahnik, vice president for Enrollment Management and Chief Enrollment Officer. “As we welcome the class, we’re energized by the potential they bring and the success they’ll achieve both inside and outside the classroom. These students are joining a university deeply committed to preparing them for impactful careers, lifelong learning, and leadership in a rapidly evolving world. Their decision to choose OU speaks to the lasting value of an education that leads to real-world success and a life of purpose.”
OU has made several strategic investments to accommodate growing class sizes, including the official opening of McCasland Hall, a new state-of-the-art residence hall for first-year students. A second new residence hall is set to open in fall 2026. This fall, OU will also break ground on a new Life Sciences Laboratories Building to provide additional classroom and research space on the Norman campus, and the university has nearly doubled Career Center staff to provide best-in-class student support and job placement focus.
Class of 2029 statistics:
6,251 freshmen
Average GPA of 3.64 (unweighted)
26% are first-generation students
711 had 4.0 grade-point average in high school
330 were ranked first in their high school graduating class
117 are Oklahoma State Regents’ Scholars
770 qualified to receive Oklahoma’s Promise
Final enrollment reports for the semester will be available the third week of classes. Data from previous years can be found through OU’s Office of Institutional Research and Reporting.
For more information on the Class of 2029, please visit ou.edu/admissions/incomingclass.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
Mary Margaret Holt, dean of the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, has been honored with the Paseo Arts Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to Oklahoma’s arts community.
With winter weather already bringing low temperatures to the state, the Oklahoma Poison Center is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as they begin heating their homes for the winter season. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large quantities, and it poses a heightened risk as people rely on heating devices for warmth during cold weather.
Thanks to support from the Chickasaw Nation, the University of Oklahoma College of Law has announced the continuation and expansion of the Chickasaw Nation – Henry Family Lecture Series. Under the new name, the event will continue to showcase thought-provoking discourse surrounding the rule of law.
