News Summary
The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Tulsa have earned significant rankings in the latest Forbes Top Colleges list, highlighting Oklahoma’s dedication to higher education. OU ranks 96th overall, OSU 171st, and UT 307th, all notable achievements reflecting their performance metrics, including alumni success and retention rates. These rankings underscore the institutions’ commitment to providing quality education and valuable career outcomes for their graduates amid a competitive landscape.
Norman, Oklahoma – Three universities from Oklahoma have secured positions in the prestigious 2025-26 Top Colleges rankings published by Forbes, demonstrating the state’s commitment to higher education excellence. Among 500 institutions evaluated across the United States, the University of Oklahoma (OU), Oklahoma State University (OSU), and the University of Tulsa (UT) have all achieved commendable rankings based on various performance metrics.
According to Forbes, OU stands out with a ranking of 96th overall, which places it 22nd among colleges in the South and 77th among research universities. This recognition is attributed to accomplishments like high first-year retention rates, timely graduations, and strong post-graduation salaries. The university boasts a student population of 31,604, and its annual cost of attendance is $49,241, with an impressive average alumni salary of $116,700. OU’s acceptance rate is currently at 73%.
In terms of its national standing, OU’s performance in the rankings puts it in close company with other reputable institutions such as Indiana University, Bloomington (94th), Babson College (95th), and California State University, Long Beach (97th).
Following OU, OSU is ranked 171st in the Forbes list, situated just below Oberlin College and aligning with schools such as Bentley University, Saint Louis University, and Whitman College. OSU also garnered recognition as the 44th best school in the South and 138th among research universities. The university serves 27,223 students, charges an annual cost of $41,724, and has an average alumni salary of $117,200. With an acceptance rate of 71%, OSU has been experiencing increased interest from prospective students. The university recently announced record enrollments for the fall 2025 semester, boasting 36,934 students enrolled across its system.
The University of Tulsa ranks 307th on the Forbes list and is acknowledged for its 46th position in the South, 140th for research, and 119th among private colleges. With an annual cost of $65,607 and an average alumni salary of $126,000, the University of Tulsa holds an acceptance rate of 69%. These rankings emphasize the institution’s commitment to providing students an invaluable education while ensuring manageable debt levels.
Forbes ranks colleges using various criteria such as the success of alumni, average alumni salaries, student debt levels, and overall return on investment. Objectives like graduation rates and retention rates also play a critical role in determining the positions of the institutions on the list.
While Oklahoma’s institutions made strides, the rankings revealed that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) secured the top spot overall, reinforcing its status as a leader in higher education. MIT is currently recognized as the second-best university in the country according to U.S. News rankings.
In addition to Oklahoma universities showcasing their strengths, several other schools across the United States, including Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas, have reported record enrollments for the fall semester. The University of Tennessee anticipates that its enrollment will exceed 40,000 students, showing a nationwide trend of increasing interest in higher education.
This year’s Forbes Top Colleges list emphasizes the dedication and performance of Oklahoma universities amid a competitive landscape, illustrating how they provide valuable educational experiences and foster successful career outcomes for their graduates.
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Additional Resources
- The Oklahoman: Oklahoma Schools Ranked Among Nation’s Best
- Forbes: Universities Touting Record Enrollments
- AOL: Oklahoma Universities Ranked by Forbes
- Forbes: Supreme Court Blocks Religious Charter School
- OKC Fox: OKC Community College President Recognized by Forbes
- Wikipedia: University of Oklahoma
- Google Search: Oklahoma State University
- Google Scholar: University of Tulsa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
- Google News: Record Enrollments in Universities
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
