Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University, founded in 1963, stands as a distinctive private university committed to "Educating the whole man"—Mind, Spirit, Body. With a current student body of 5,051, ORU offers a unique educational experience rooted in its spiritual mission to raise up students who will make a tangible difference in the world, carrying light and healing to its furthest reaches.

The university's foundation is deeply significant, having been established by Oral Roberts as a direct response to a divine mandate. This spiritual emphasis is physically embodied by the iconic Prayer Tower, a central campus landmark completed in 1967. Despite early contentions, this $2 million structure symbolizes ORU's unwavering dedication to prayer and spiritual development, setting it apart as an institution where faith and learning are intricately interwoven.

Since its official opening in 1965 with 300 students, ORU has grown substantially, completing several key campus structures during its first decade, including the Howard Auditorium and Mabee Center. Academically, the university earned accreditation from the North Central Association (now the Higher Learning Commission) in 1971 and is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. This robust academic accreditation, combined with its unique spiritual mission, ensures students receive a comprehensive, high-quality education designed to prepare them for purposeful lives and careers.