Oklahoma State University-Main Campus logo

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, OK Public ยท Suburban www.okstate.edu
Accept Rate
70.93%
Grad Rate
65.4%
Enrollment
20,814
Avg SAT
1145
Tuition
$10,234
Median Salary
$57,413
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Oklahoma State University feels like a classic Big 12 college town experience, where spirited 'Paddle Up' traditions and a sea of orange on game days create a palpable sense of community. The campus blends historic red-brick buildings with modern facilities, fostering a welcoming, down-to-earth atmosphere where school pride is a way of life.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

70.93%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 114575th Pctl
10301240
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
2027
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in FFA, 4-H, or STEM clubs in your application, as these align perfectly with OSU's agricultural and engineering strengths. Apply by the priority deadline of December 1st for the best consideration for scholarships and admission to competitive programs. Clearly express your interest in OSU's specific programs in your essay to show you've done your research beyond just the stats.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1145
40080012001600
School range: 1030โ€“1240

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

OSU is a national leader in agriculture, engineering, and business, offering strong, hands-on learning opportunities through its land-grant mission. The university emphasizes undergraduate research and provides accessible, quality teaching, particularly in its top-ranked programs. Students benefit from career-focused curricula designed to connect directly with industry needs.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
25.3%
Engineering
11.7%
Agriculture
10%
Biology & Biomedical
7.6%
Psychology
5.1%
Education
3.9%
Family & Consumer Science
3.6%
Computer Science
3.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.1%
Health Professions
2.7%
Social Sciences
2.7%
Communications
2.7%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

65.4%
Graduation Rate
83.9%
Retention Rate
20,814
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$10,234
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,378
After financial aid
Total Cost
$25,915
Cost of attendance/year
26%
Receive Pell Grants
38%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Stillwater

Life in Stillwater revolves around 'America's Friendliest College Town' atmosphere, with tailgates at Boone Pickens Stadium and events at the Student Union being central to the student experience. Students enjoy the vibrant downtown area with local eateries and shops, as well as outdoor activities at nearby lakes and parks. The campus hosts numerous concerts, sporting events, and student organization activities year-round.

Local Rent Check

$743 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Stillwater
Explore Stillwater

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$40,936
$0Est. 4 Years: $40,936

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($57,413):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

OSU maintains a safe, well-lit campus with a dedicated university police force and robust emergency alert systems. Stillwater is generally considered a safe, low-crime city, typical of a supportive college town environment.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong alumni network and school spirit, especially within the Big 12 conference.
  • โœ“ Excellent value and financial aid options for in-state students.
  • โœ“ Top-tier programs in agriculture, engineering, and business with hands-on learning.

Cons

  • โœ— Stillwater is a relatively small, remote town, which may feel isolated for some students.
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, reducing the value proposition for non-residents.
  • โœ— The campus can feel very large, and some introductory classes may have high student-to-faculty ratios.

Notable Alumni

T. Boone Pickens
Legendary oil tycoon and philanthropist who became one of the university's most significant benefactors.
Garth Brooks
One of the best-selling music artists of all time, who attended OSU on a track and field scholarship.
Dr. Kayse Shrum
President of Oklahoma State University and a pioneering leader in medical education and rural health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oklahoma State University is widely known for its powerhouse programs in Agriculture, Engineering, and Business & Marketing. As a land-grant institution, it has a deep-rooted legacy in agricultural research and education. It is also recognized for its spirited school culture, strong Big 12 athletics, and a highly active and loyal alumni network.

Oklahoma State University has an acceptance rate of approximately 70.93%, making it generally accessible but still competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1050 and 1240 and a GPA of 3.4 or higher. While not as selective as some top-tier private universities, applicants are still encouraged to have a solid academic record, especially for popular programs like engineering and business.

Campus life at OSU is defined by a vibrant, spirited community with a strong emphasis on tradition and school pride. Students enjoy a classic college town atmosphere in Stillwater, with lively tailgating, NCAA sporting events, and a bustling student union. With over 400 student organizations, there are ample opportunities for involvement, from Greek life and agricultural clubs to engineering teams and performing arts groups.

For in-state students, OSU offers a compelling financial value with a net price of $16,378 and strong post-graduation earnings of around $57,413. The combination of affordable tuition and a degree from a respected public university with a strong alumni network makes it a worthwhile investment for many. For out-of-state students, the value is still competitive compared to similar public universities, especially when factoring in scholarships and the strength of its top programs.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Devon Energy Chesapeake Energy Paycom American Fidelity Assurance Love's Travel Stops
Smart Start Score
64

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 22,490
  • In-State Tuition $10,234
  • Out-of-State $25,754
  • Zip Code 74078

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.8% โ™€ 52.2%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $16,378 and in-state tuition under $11,000, OSU offers a high-value education, especially for Oklahoma residents. The 10-year median earnings of $57,413 for graduates indicate a strong return on investment, often outpacing the national average for public university graduates. For many, the combination of affordable tuition and solid post-graduation earnings makes OSU a financially sound choice.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $10,234
Housing (12 mo) $8,916
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $26,350
With avg financial aid:
$16,378/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.