University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus logo

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Norman, OK

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Quick Facts

Public research university
Type
21,496
Total Students
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$27K
Tuition (Out-State)
$17K
Avg Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
6-year
89%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Experience groundbreaking research, championship athletics, and unique architecture at OU, a vibrant academic powerhouse.

The University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is a premier public research university, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," offering an exceptional academic environment. With a bustling main campus in Norman, OU is home to over 30,000 students and nearly 4,000 faculty members, providing a diverse range of 174 baccalaureate, 199 master's, 101 doctoral, and 88 certificate programs. The university is a hub of innovation, with over $416 million in research expenditures across its campuses, driving forward discovery and knowledge.

Beyond its academic prowess, OU boasts a rich history, founded in 1890 as Norman Territorial University even before Oklahoma achieved statehood. The campus itself is a work of art, featuring distinctive "Cherokee Gothic" architecture—a term coined by Frank Lloyd Wright—with buildings constructed from lighter stones that blend conventional Gothic Revival with Native American influences. Its iconic North and South Ovals, established following a devastating 1903 fire, remain central to the campus's beauty and design. Historically, OU also played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, with the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Board of Regents case setting a crucial precedent against segregation.

Student life at OU is vibrant and deeply connected to its winning spirit. The university houses two prominent museums: the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, celebrated for its French Impressionism and Native American artwork, and the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, focusing on the natural history of Oklahoma. Athletically, the Sooners are a national powerhouse, boasting 45 team national championships across various sports, including 7 in football, 8 in softball (four straight from 2021-2024), and a combined 19 in men's and women's gymnastics. This blend of academic rigor, historical significance, cultural richness, and athletic excellence creates a dynamic and engaging experience for all students.

Key Highlights

  • Designated as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Over $416 million in research expenditures across its campuses in 2022.
  • Enrolled 34,523 students in Fall 2024, with 30,873 on the Norman campus.
  • Offers a comprehensive academic portfolio including 174 baccalaureate, 199 master's, 101 doctoral, and 88 certificate programs.
  • Home to unique "Cherokee Gothic" architecture and two prominent museums: Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art and Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History.
  • Achieved 45 team national championships across various sports, ranking 13th all-time in NCAA history (including 7 football, 8 softball, 19 gymnastics).
  • Pivotal in the Civil Rights Movement, with the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Board of Regents case overturning segregation at the graduate school level in 1950.

Timeline

1890
Established as Norman Territorial University by the Oklahoma Territorial legislature.
1892
First students enrolled; David Ross Boyd arrived as the first president.
1893
School of Pharmacy established due to high demand in the territory.
1903
The university's only building burned down, leading to immediate rebuilding efforts.
1907
Renamed the University of Oklahoma upon Oklahoma's admission into the union.
1950
McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Board of Regents case overturned the university's segregation policy at the graduate school level.
1994
David Boren began his presidency, initiating a period of tremendous growth and expansion.
2015
Oklahoma Kappa chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity shut down due to a racist chant video.
2020
Joseph Harroz Jr. announced as the 15th president of the university.

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

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School of Pharmacy

Established in 1893 to meet the high demand for pharmacists in the Oklahoma Territory.

⚖️

OU College of Law

A prominent professional school within the university.

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