Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024

Badge for BEST IN OKLAHOMA PRIVATE COLLEGES

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Oklahoma.

10 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma

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  1. University of Tulsa
  2. Oklahoma City University
  3. Oral Roberts University
  4. Oklahoma Christian University
  5. Oklahoma Baptist University
  6. Bacone College
  7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
  8. Southern Nazarene University
  9. Randall University
  10. Southwestern Christian University
  1. University of Tulsa
  2. Oklahoma City University
  3. Oral Roberts University
  4. Oklahoma Christian University
  5. Oklahoma Baptist University
  6. Bacone College
  7. Southern Nazarene University
  8. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
  9. Southwestern Christian University
  10. Randall University
  1. Oklahoma Christian University 96%
  2. Oral Roberts University 78%
  3. Oklahoma City University 70%
  4. University of Tulsa 69%
  5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 52%
  6. Oklahoma Baptist University 47%
  7. Randall University 43%
  1. Oral Roberts University 17 to 1
  2. Oklahoma Baptist University 15 to 1
  3. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 15 to 1
  4. Bacone College 15 to 1
  5. Oklahoma Christian University 15 to 1
  6. Mid-America Christian University 13 to 1
  7. Southern Nazarene University 12 to 1
  8. Southwestern Christian University 12 to 1
  9. University of Tulsa 10 to 1
  10. Oklahoma City University 9 to 1
  1. University of Tulsa $47,211
  2. Oklahoma Baptist University $32,880
  3. Oklahoma City University $32,744
  4. Oral Roberts University $32,640
  5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $30,262
  6. Southern Nazarene University $28,600
  7. Oklahoma Christian University $25,148
  8. Southwestern Christian University $21,316
  9. Mid-America Christian University $18,838
  10. Randall University $16,742
  1. Southern Nazarene University $27,000
  2. University of Tulsa $25,002
  3. Mid-America Christian University $14,485
  4. Oral Roberts University $11,623
  5. Oklahoma Christian University $11,250
  6. Oklahoma City University $10,620
  7. Oklahoma Baptist University $9,900
  8. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $9,900
  9. Randall University $8,910
  10. Southwestern Christian University $7,758
  1. Mid-America Christian University
  2. Southwestern Christian University
  3. Randall University
  4. Southern Nazarene University
  5. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
  6. Bacone College
  7. Oklahoma Baptist University
  8. Oklahoma Christian University
  9. Oral Roberts University
  10. Oklahoma City University
  1. Mid-America Christian University
  2. Randall University
  3. Southwestern Christian University
  4. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
  5. Southern Nazarene University
  6. Bacone College
  7. Oklahoma Baptist University
  8. Oklahoma Christian University
  9. Oral Roberts University
  10. Oklahoma City University
  1. Randall University 43%
  2. Oklahoma Baptist University 47%
  3. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 52%
  4. University of Tulsa 69%
  5. Oklahoma City University 70%
  6. Oral Roberts University 78%
  7. Oklahoma Christian University 96%
  1. Oklahoma City University 9 to 1
  2. Randall University 9 to 1
  3. University of Tulsa 10 to 1
  4. Southern Nazarene University 12 to 1
  5. Southwestern Christian University 12 to 1
  6. Mid-America Christian University 13 to 1
  7. Oklahoma Baptist University 15 to 1
  8. Oklahoma Wesleyan University 15 to 1
  9. Bacone College 15 to 1
  10. Oklahoma Christian University 15 to 1
  1. Bacone College $15,060
  2. Randall University $16,742
  3. Mid-America Christian University $18,838
  4. Southwestern Christian University $21,316
  5. Oklahoma Christian University $25,148
  6. Southern Nazarene University $28,600
  7. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $30,262
  8. Oral Roberts University $32,640
  9. Oklahoma City University $32,744
  10. Oklahoma Baptist University $32,880
  1. Southwestern Christian University $7,758
  2. Randall University $8,910
  3. Oklahoma Baptist University $9,900
  4. Oklahoma Wesleyan University $9,900
  5. Oklahoma City University $10,620
  6. Oklahoma Christian University $11,250
  7. Oral Roberts University $11,623
  8. Mid-America Christian University $14,485
  9. University of Tulsa $25,002
  10. Southern Nazarene University $27,000

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.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

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. Oklahoma is also home to several religiously affiliated schools, like Oral Roberts University and Bacone College. Students hoping to pursue a career as a physician, physician’s assistant, or dentist may also want to consider earning their degree here as the state offers several loan forgiveness programs to those who qualify.

The state of Oklahoma is serious about its food - so serious they even declared an official state meal, which consists of fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, black-eyed peas, and pecan pie. Those hoping to feed both their bellies and their minds can attend one of Oklahoma’s more than 40 colleges and universities.

To learn more about earning your degree in Oklahoma, check out some of the state’s top programs.


What are Oklahoma’s Colleges & Universities?

Oklahoma’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Oklahoma's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 11 private universities in Oklahoma. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Oklahoma, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma

  1. 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: $46,676
    Expenses: $18,396
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Oklahoma City University

    Oklahoma City , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma City University

    Cost of Degree: $32,744
    Expenses: $13,736
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. 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: $32,640
    Expenses: $14,676
    Starting Salary: $43,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Oral Roberts University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Financial Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in International Business And Ministry
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Digital Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Biblical Literature
    Degree Concentrations
    • English Bible
    • New Testament
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Historical And Philosophical Theology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Ministry And Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Evangelism And Outreach
    • Local Church Pastor
    • Church Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $25K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1130/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $25,148
    Expenses: $13,800
    Starting Salary: $43,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oklahoma Christian University known for?

    Oklahoma Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oklahoma Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma Baptist University

    Cost of Degree: $32,880
    Expenses: $14,240
    Starting Salary: $45,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    Bacone College

    Muskogee , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Graduation

    8%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bacone College

    Cost of Degree: $15,060
    Expenses: $16,350
    Starting Salary: $37,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bacone College known for?

    Bacone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bacone College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Family Studies Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    Oklahoma Wesleyan University

    Bartlesville , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $30K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for degree at Oklahoma Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $30,262
    Expenses: $13,868
    Starting Salary: $53,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Oklahoma Wesleyan University known for?

    Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Oklahoma Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Management
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Ministry & Leadership
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Nazarene University

    Cost of Degree: $28,600
    Expenses: $12,752
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 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’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #9

    Randall University

    Moore , OK

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    939/20

    Career Outlook for degree at Randall University

    Cost of Degree: $16,684
    Expenses: $13,006
    Starting Salary: $38,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Randall University known for?

    Randall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  10. Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Graduation

    15%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southwestern Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $18,804
    Expenses: $13,700
    Starting Salary: $32,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southwestern Christian University known for?

    Southwestern Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Southwestern Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mid-America Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $18,838
    Expenses: $13,252
    Starting Salary: $44,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mid-America Christian University known for?

    Mid-America Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Mid-America Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management And Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management And Ethics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Oklahoma’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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. Oklahoma City University
  2. University of Tulsa
  3. Oral Roberts University
  4. Oklahoma Wesleyan University
  5. Oklahoma Christian University
  6. Oklahoma Baptist University
  7. Southern Nazarene University
  8. Mid-America Christian University
  9. Southwestern Christian University

Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.

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