EDUCATION
What’s the best college in Oklahoma? US News ranks these at the top
Josh KellyThe Oklahoman
Updated July 27, 2026, 2:27 p.m. CT
Every year U.S. News & World Report ranks the top colleges in America, and this year an Oklahoma school is making its way up to just shy of a top 100 school
On the 2025 list, Oklahoma had 4 universities ranked amongst the nation’s top 430+ colleges. The schools fell quite a ways short of Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which retained the top two spots, respectively
This year, three of the schools ranks among the top half, with two of the state’s biggest schools increasing their ranking
But U.S. News did not stop there. When comparing over 2,250 degree-granting schools in the world, Oklahoma still has schools among the top third of schools globally
Here’s how U.S. News ranks Oklahoma schools amongst the nation and the world
University of Oklahoma remains top school in state
University of Oklahoma continues to hold the top spot for Oklahoma colleges. The school, which celebrated its 135th year last year, received several high rankings by U.S. News’ metrics
U.S. News’ annual ranking focuses on student outcomes, academic re at data submitted by the schools that aligns with the U.S. Department of Education’s current system
When they compile information, they heavily consider graduation rates, first-year retention rates, peer assessments and more
The Sooners sit at a 63% out of 100. The score puts them at the 110th best school in the nation, tied with Brigham Young University, Chapman University, University of Oregon, University of San Diego, University of San Francisco and satellite rival University of Texas-Dallas
OU continued to rank high on other lists from U.S. News including Top Public Schools and Undergraduate Engineering programs
When ranked among 2,250 colleges in the world, OU placed 514th globally
What are the top colleges in Oklahoma?
Aside from the University of Oklahoma, three other colleges were mentioned in the nation’s top schools
Here are the best colleges and universities in Oklahoma:
- University of Oklahoma (#110 nationwide)
- University of Tulsa (#158)
- Oklahoma State University (#198)
- Oklahoma City University (#301)
The University of Oklahoma and the University of Tulsa both jumped in their performance from last year; OU ranked 132nd nationwide, while Tulsa came in at 170th
