Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2024

Badge for BEST IN OKLAHOMA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Grad Schools in Arkansas

  1. University of Oklahoma
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 18:1
  2. University of Tulsa
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
  3. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 20:1
  4. Oklahoma City University
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
  5. Oral Roberts University
    • Student to Faculty Ratio: 17:1
  6. 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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Oklahoma’s Colleges & Universities?

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.

college student standing in a building on campus
Back to Top

Best Grad Schools in Oklahoma 2023

  1. #1

    University of Oklahoma

    Norman , OK
    #1 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,595
    Expenses: $20,891
    Starting Salary: $61,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Tulsa

    Tulsa , OK
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $48,102
    Expenses: $18,086
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Oklahoma State University–Stillwater

    Stillwater , OK
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Oklahoma 2025
    Other Rankings

    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: $10,110
    Expenses: $18,000
    Starting Salary: $55,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
    4. students standing together outside
  5. #4

    Oklahoma City University

    Oklahoma City , OK
    #2 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #4 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma City University

    Cost of Degree: $34,486
    Expenses: $13,852
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Oral Roberts University

    Tulsa , OK
    #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
    Other Rankings

    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: $34,100
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $43,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oral Roberts University known for?

    Oral Roberts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Southern Nazarene University

    Bethany , OK
    #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
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $29,600
    Expenses: $16,557
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Nazarene University known for?

    Southern Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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.

    Compare school
college students in a study session
Back to Top

Oklahoma’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

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.

  1. University of Oklahoma
  2. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
  3. University of Tulsa
  4. Oral Roberts University
  5. Oklahoma City University
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here