Rose State College

Rose State College, a public community college founded in 1970, stands as a vibrant and accessible institution dedicated to empowering its students. With an open-admissions policy and a focus on comprehensive lower-division programs, Rose State serves as a crucial gateway to higher education and career advancement for over 7,300 students. It's a place where academic foundations are built and futures are shaped, right in the heart of the community.

The college's journey began as Oscar Rose Junior College, named in tribute to former Mid-Del School District superintendent Oscar V. Rose. Its establishment in 1970 was a community-driven effort, approved by voters in Midwest City, Del City, and parts of Oklahoma City, following state legislation designed to support district-operated community colleges. This strong community backing, evidenced by bond issues and levies, laid the groundwork for a robust institution that was later renamed Rose State College in 1983, signifying its growing stature and broader mission.

Rose State College is known for its practical, career-focused programs, particularly its highly popular dental hygiene and dental assistant offerings. This popularity led to the construction of the Health Sciences Annex in 2001, demonstrating the college's commitment to providing state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on learning. Beyond health sciences, the campus has expanded significantly, now encompassing twenty-two buildings across 116 acres, including the Communication Center built in 1998 to support arts, music, journalism, and theatrical performances. This growth reflects its continuous adaptation to meet evolving student needs and enrollment growth, which has soared from 1,700 initial students to approximately 8,200 regular fall students.