Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a private university located in the heart of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Nestled on a 104-acre campus, OCU is known for its picturesque grounds and vibrant urban setting. The institution enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students, fostering a tight-knit academic community that values close collaboration between students and faculty. As an institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church, OCU not only emphasizes academic excellence but also encourages spiritual growth and ethical leadership among its diverse student body.
Oklahoma City University distinguishes itself through its specialized programs and creative focus, especially within its Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, which is nationally renowned as a top-tier program for aspiring performers and choreographers. Moreover, OCU's School of Law is also unique in its location at the historic Sarkeys Law Center, providing students with an urban legal education environment in downtown Oklahoma City. The university's Kramer School of Nursing has a commendable reputation for producing highly competent healthcare professionals, with state-of-the-art simulation labs enhancing the hands-on learning experience. Additionally, the Bass School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music and features exceptional music programs, ranging from instrumental and vocal performance to music composition.
OCU's commitment to enriching the lives of its students and extending its impact on the wider community is evident through initiatives like the Oklahoma Innocence Project, led by the School of Law, which works to identify and remedy cases of wrongful convictions in the state. The university's strong performing arts programs consistently contribute to the local cultural scene, with student and faculty performances gracing stages at the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and the historic Kirkpatrick Auditorium. OCU's athletic teams, known as the Stars, also contribute to campus spirit with multiple national championships in various sports, reflecting the university's emphasis on both intellectual and physical development.
However, Oklahoma City University faces challenges linked to its status as a private institution. The cost of attendance can be a hurdle for some prospective students, as tuition and fees tend to be higher than public universities in the region. Additionally, while the intimate campus environment is cherished by many, it may present limitations in terms of the availability of diverse course offerings and extracurricular opportunities compared to larger universities. Lastly, given that the university is in a metropolitan setting, students may encounter city-related challenges such as parking constraints and the need for heightened campus security. Despite these drawbacks, OCU remains resolute in its mission to offer distinctive and quality higher education experiences to its students.
