Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024
Best Grad Schools in Arkansas
- University of Oklahoma
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- University of Tulsa
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Oklahoma City University
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Oral Roberts University
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Southern Nazarene University
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Key Takeaways
- Six schools in Oklahoma meet our criteria for the best grad schools in the state.
- There are a number of affordable large public colleges and smaller, more intimate private colleges.
- It is important to choose a grad school in Oklahoma that offers opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma
Less than half of the schools in Oklahoma are private schools. However, students who attend one these schools can expect a more intimate college experience, as each has a student population smaller than 4,000 students. The largest private school, the University of Tulsa, offers degrees in fields like education, criminal justice, and literature, with tuition fees around $41,000.
The public schools tend to be more cost-friendly, with tuition ranging from $4,000 to $9,000 per year. The University of Oklahoma, the state’s largest public school, costs about $9,000 and serves over 24,000 students. Here, students can partake in competitive on-campus programs in fields like communications and social work, or pursue one of the 30 graduate degrees and certificates online.
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What are Oklahoma’s Colleges & Universities?
- 4 Research Universities
- 22 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 15 Public Colleges & Universities
- 11 Private Colleges & Universities
- 11 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 22 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 19 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 18 Online Colleges
Oklahoma’s Best Overall
There are 6 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Oklahoma. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Oklahoma is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2023
- #1 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
76%
Student body
32K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
Career Outlook for degree at University of Oklahoma
Cost of Degree: $9,595Expenses: $20,891Starting Salary: $61,900Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Oklahoma known for?
University of Oklahoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Whether you’re looking for a master’s, doctorate, or accelerated master’s degree, the University of Oklahoma has them all. Most of the students are go-getters, and they offer unique experiences to make your graduate school journey fun.
What we love about the University of Oklahoma:
Graduate students at the University of Oklahoma are trained to be independent forward-thinkers. They can master specific and diverse bodies of knowledge based on the field of study.
The University of Oklahoma is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that is focused on academic excellence.
The University of Oklahoma might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer a cheaper tuition for graduate studies.
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
72%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1214/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tulsa
Cost of Degree: $48,102Expenses: $18,086Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tulsa known for?
University of Tulsa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Attend the University of Tulsa, and you’ll find that their graduate programs are student-focused. Most of their faculty are active leaders in their respective industries. You will have full support for your professional and personal development.
What we love about the University of Tulsa:
Graduate students work alongside like-minded professors and staff who have the drive and passion to attain academic excellence. The University of Tulsa emphasizes community engagement and creative production in all its programs.
The University of Tulsa is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school where they can proactively contribute.
The University of Tulsa might not be the best fit for students who:
Want to attend a school with a more active greek life.
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
65%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/23
Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
Cost of Degree: $10,110Expenses: $18,000Starting Salary: $55,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oklahoma State University–Stillwater known for?
Oklahoma State University–Stillwater’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Along with passionate graduate students, answer tomorrow’s challenging questions as you study a graduate program at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater.
What we love about Oklahoma State University-Stillwater:
All the students at Oklahoma State University-Stillwater will have enough academic support from professors and mentors. They also have a lot of academic outreach and community engagement that will influence your personal development.
Oklahoma State University-Stillwater is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a vibrant and inclusive school.
Oklahoma State University-Stillwater might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to attend small-sized classes.
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma City University
Cost of Degree: $34,486Expenses: $13,852Starting Salary: $51,100Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oklahoma City University known for?
Oklahoma City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Oklahoma City University offers more than 20 graduate programs. All of these degrees are rooted in excellence. There are countless opportunities for students to grow professionally.
What we love about Oklahoma City University:
All the professors and staff at Oklahoma City University are hands-on with their teaching and research. They are a liberal arts and science university that offers diverse fields of study for master’s and doctoral degrees.
Oklahoma City University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that comes with a lot of activities and events.
Oklahoma City University might not be the best fit for students who:
May find limitations in some courses and programs.
- #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
63%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1115/22
Career Outlook for degree at Oral Roberts University
Cost of Degree: $34,100Expenses: $15,820Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Oral Roberts University known for?
Oral Roberts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Medical
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Communications
- Biology
- History
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
If you want to attend a private evangelical university, you can enroll at Oral Roberts University. Be a part of a community that develops future leaders of different industries and societies. They are a Holy Spirit-empowered university that will help you nurture your faith and further your knowledge and skills.
What we love about Oral Roberts University:
Many opportunities and activities allow graduate students to be involved and active at Oral Roberts University. There are many clubs and organizations, as well as outreach programs, that will spread God’s Word and grow others’ faith.
Oral Roberts University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that will help develop leadership skills.
Oral Roberts University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to have more dining options.
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Oklahoma #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Oklahoma
Tuition + fees
$29K
Graduation
57%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $29,600Expenses: $16,557Starting Salary: $54,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Nazarene University known for?
Southern Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- History
- Medical
- Literature
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Business
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Nazarene University aims to produce graduates who are Christlike disciples and can contribute positively to industries. You can build a network with 32,000 other graduates who serve societies worldwide.
What we love about Southern Nazarene University:
Serving Christ is the emphasis at Southern Nazarene University. You can be comfortable in an environment that prioritizes faith as well as academic excellence.
Southern Nazarene University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school with a Christian atmosphere.
Southern Nazarene University might not be the best fit for students who:
May want to have more financial aid options.
Oklahoma’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2023 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
