OSU earns two No. 1 rankings among Oklahoma colleges

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University has been named the No. 1 college in Oklahoma and among the best in the 2026 Best Colleges ranking by Research.com. 

OSU ranked No. 1 in Oklahoma and No. 104 nationally. The university also earned top placements in several related categories, including No. 1 in Most Affordable Colleges in Oklahoma and No. 2 in Best Value Colleges in Oklahoma.  

The report evaluates more than 1,700 institutions across affordability, educational quality and projected alumni earnings to identify universities that provide the strongest overall value for students. 

“Being named the top university in Oklahoma is more than a ranking, it’s a reflection of who we are. At OSU, we do what’s right, even when it’s hard. We put students first, lead with integrity, and finish what we start. That’s the Cowboy Code, and this recognition affirms we’re living it.” said OSU President Jim Hess. 

Research.com’s 2026 ranking analyzed more than 400 data points from trusted federal sources, including IPEDS and the College Scorecard. Institutions were assessed using the platform’s proprietary entropy method, which measures the balance of cost, outcomes and institutional performance. 

“After a careful analysis of hundreds of data points from a wide range of sources, we were able to prepare a comprehensive profile of Oklahoma State University that should be a valuable source of information for potential students,” said Pawel Dabrowski, a data scientist with Research.com.  

“It’s worth highlighting some key facts we’ve discovered. The average annual tuition for Oklahoma State University is $5,417. Graduates can expect a median salary of $46,062 within a year after graduation. The acceptance rate is 71%, the average graduation rate is 66% and 96% of OSU students receive some form of financial aid.” 

The ranking reflects OSU’s commitment to providing an accessible and high-quality education grounded in its land-grant mission to serve the state of Oklahoma through teaching, research and outreach. 

“This recognition underscores the power of an OSU education,” said Dr. Jeanette Mendez, OSU provost and senior vice president. “Our focus on student success, hands-on learning and affordability continues to set the university apart. Rankings like this affirm the work our faculty and staff do every day to support the next generation of leaders.” 

More information about OSU’s profile and the full Research.com ranking is available on the Research.com website.