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Oral Roberts University

Tulsa, OK Private ยท Urban oru.edu
Accept Rate
98.6%
Grad Rate
58.2%
Enrollment
3,322
Avg SAT
1183
Tuition
$34,100
Median Salary
$46,885
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Oral Roberts University feels like a close-knit spiritual community where faith and academics intertwine daily. The campus buzzes with a palpable energy of purpose, driven by the 'Whole Person' philosophy that encourages growth in mind, body, and spirit. You'll find a supportive atmosphere where prayer is as common as group study sessions in the student union.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

98.6%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 118375th Pctl
10831250
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2375th Pctl
2227
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your spiritual journey and community involvement in your personal essay, as ORU values applicants who align with its mission. Aim for a GPA above 3.5 and submit test scores around the 1183 SAT average to strengthen your application. Connect with an admissions counselor early to demonstrate your genuine interest in the 'Whole Person' approach.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1183
40080012001600
School range: 1083โ€“1250

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

Academics & Majors

ORU offers strong academic programs, particularly in Business, Theology, and Health Professions, supported by a faculty dedicated to mentoring students. The university emphasizes global engagement and provides unique research opportunities through its Center for Global Student Engagement and various departmental projects. Teaching quality is personalized, with small class sizes fostering direct interaction between professors and students.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
24.7%
Theology
16.2%
Health Professions
8.7%
Psychology
6.3%
Education
5.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.6%
Biology & Biomedical
4.4%
Communications
4.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
4%
Engineering
3.7%
Public Administration
3.7%
Social Sciences
3.5%

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

By The Numbers

58.2%
Graduation Rate
81.4%
Retention Rate
3,322
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
$34,100
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,600
After financial aid
Total Cost
$47,367
Cost of attendance/year
33.5%
Receive Pell Grants
46.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Tulsa

Tulsa offers a vibrant mix of urban entertainment, from the iconic Gathering Place park to the diverse food scene in the Brady District. Students enjoy exploring local music venues, art galleries, and professional sports games, all within a short drive from campus. Outdoor activities like hiking at nearby Turkey Mountain provide a quick nature escape from city life.

Local Rent Check

$900 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Tulsa
Explore Tulsa

Reality Check

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

$136,400
$0Est. 4 Years: $136,400

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($46,885):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is generally considered safe with 24/7 security patrols and a strong community watch culture. The surrounding Tulsa area has typical urban considerations, but students often stick to well-lit, populated areas near campus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong faith-based community that supports spiritual and personal growth
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it accessible for many students
  • โœ“ Unique 'Whole Person' approach integrates mind, body, and spirit
  • โœ“ Tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate of 58.2% is below the national average
  • โœ— Tuition is relatively high for a private university
  • โœ— Location in Tulsa may feel isolated compared to larger coastal cities

Notable Alumni

Joel Osteen
Famous televangelist and senior pastor of Lakewood Church, one of the largest congregations in the U.S.
Katherine Jefferts Schori
First woman elected as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, known for her leadership in global Anglican affairs.
Ricky Skaggs
Award-winning country and bluegrass musician with multiple Grammy Awards and a influence on American music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oral Roberts University is known for its evangelical Christian mission and the 'Whole Person' approach to education, emphasizing intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social development. It has strong programs in theology, business, and health professions, and is recognized for its global outreach and prayer-focused campus culture.

No, Oral Roberts University has a high acceptance rate of 98.6%, making it accessible to most applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1183, and the university considers a holistic review including GPA, essays, and alignment with its mission.

Campus life at ORU is deeply integrated with faith, featuring daily chapel services, prayer groups, and community service activities. Students enjoy a variety of clubs, intramural sports, and events centered around spiritual growth, along with modern facilities like the Prayer Tower and a comprehensive student center.

The value depends on your career goals, but with an average net price of $23,600 and 10-year median earnings of $46,885, it can be a solid investment for those pursuing fields like business or health. The faith-based education and supportive network may enhance long-term satisfaction, though ROI is moderate compared to higher-earning institutions.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

American Airlines Saint Francis Health System BOK Financial Phillips 66 Oklahoma State University
Smart Start Score
55

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

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 4,914
  • In-State Tuition $34,100
  • Zip Code 74171

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 41.2% โ™€ 58.8%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $23,600 and flat tuition for in- and out-of-state students, ORU can be more affordable than many private universities. However, the 10-year median earnings of $46,885 suggest that graduates may need to strategically leverage their degrees in high-demand fields like business or health to maximize ROI. The investment feels reasonable for those who value the faith-based community and personalized education.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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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 $34,100
Housing (12 mo) $10,800
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $52,100
With avg financial aid:
$23,600/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.