Colleges in Oklahoma: Universities, Trade and Technical Schools

Oklahoma Colleges and Schools

Students curious about colleges in Oklahoma will find much to choose from. The state has 18 public 4-year colleges. The largest of these is the Oklahoma State System, with 25 colleges and universities — including two research universities, 10 regional universities, one public liberal arts university and 12 community colleges.

Oklahoma is also home to 21 private four-year universities. Perhaps the most notable of these is Oral Roberts University, a large, private Christian college. In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Oral Roberts University "Best in the West" and "Best Value."

Rounding out the mix of Oklahoma colleges are 36 private technical and trade schools. These schools award certificates and two-year degrees in a variety of fields, such as cosmetology, culinary arts, medical and dental assisting, business administration, and skilled trades.

Reciprocity Agreements in Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma participates in the Academic Common Market, an arrangement among more than a dozen Southern states that allows students to pay in-state tuition rates for programs not available in their home state. This program is administered by the Southern Regional Education Board.

Online Education in Oklahoma

The Online College of Oklahoma offers more than 3,400 online courses and 18 fully online degree programs from colleges and universities in Oklahoma. Many Oklahoma colleges also participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which sets national standards for distance education, making it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in other states.

For more information about the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, see https://www.okhighered.org/index.shtml

Sources:

• National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator, Accessed April 2018, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
• Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Accessed April 2018, https://www.okhighered.org/index.shtml
• Oral Roberts Universities, Accessed April 2018, http://www.oru.edu/
• Oklahoma State University, Accessed April 2018, https://go.okstate.edu/
• SREB Academic Common Market, Accessed May 2018, https://secure.okcollegestart.org/College_Planning/Explore_Schools/SREB_Academic_Common_Market.aspx