OSU named to ‘Green Colleges’ list by The Princeton Review

Thursday, December 10, 2020

University’s commitment to sustainability includes millions of dollars in energy cost-saving measures

Oklahoma State University has been recognized for its environmental responsibility as the only college in Oklahoma named to The Princeton Review’s 2021 Green Colleges list.

The Princeton Review’s 11th annual Guide to Green Colleges profiles 416 colleges based on each school’s use of renewable energy, its recycling and conservation programs, the availability of environmental studies in academic offerings, and career guidance for green jobs. The profiles also include information on the schools' admission requirements, cost and financial aid. The free resource is aimed at informing college applicants about which schools have exemplary commitments to the environment and sustainability.

“Making The Princeton Review’s list of Green Colleges again showcases OSU as an institution of higher education that invests in good stewardship,” said Ilda T. Hershey, university sustainability coordinator. “Prospective students today consider their impacts on the environment, on society and the economy. Seeing OSU’s commitment to sustainability may encourage them to join our efforts to make a positive difference in the world.”

Oklahoma State University has a cost avoidance of $73.7 million system-wide, including $58.7 million on the Stillwater campus alone between July 2007 — when the university launched its energy education program — and June 2020, according to Senior Energy Manager Casey Keyser.

The Princeton Review chose the 416 colleges based on its survey of administrators at 695 colleges in 2019–2020 concerning their institutions' sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. Survey topics ranged from academic offerings and campus initiatives to career preparation for green jobs.

More than 25 survey data points were analyzed by The Princeton Review editors to tally Green Rating scores for the schools on a scale of 60 to 99. Colleges that earned a Green Rating of 80 or higher made it into the guide. Of the 416 schools in the 2021 edition, 393 are in the U.S., 22 are in Canada and one is in Greece. The schools are listed alphabetically in the guide and not ranked overall from 1 to 416.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mack Burke | OSU Editorial Coordinator | 405.744.5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu