University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center
The Vibe Check
The campus feels like a professional hub rather than a traditional undergrad college, with a focused, career-driven atmosphere. You'll find a tight-knit community of students dedicated to healthcare and research, moving between modern labs and the OU Medical Center. It's an intense, collaborative environment where everyone shares a common goal of serving the community's health needs.
Academics & Majors
The university excels in health professions and multidisciplinary studies, offering rigorous programs taught by faculty who are also practicing clinicians and researchers. Students gain hands-on experience through integrated rotations at the OU Medical Center and VA Hospital, providing direct access to real-world clinical settings. Research opportunities are abundant, particularly in areas like diabetes, cancer, and rural health, with strong ties to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, students can explore the vibrant Midtown district for trendy restaurants and nightlife or enjoy the outdoors at the expansive Myriad Botanical Gardens. The city offers a growing arts scene with the Paseo Arts District and Bricktown entertainment district, where students can catch a game, a concert, or a boat ride on the canal. Weekends often involve food truck festivals, visiting the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, or cheering on the Thunder basketball team.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($63,126):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus is located in the Oklahoma City Medical District, which is a well-patrolled and secure area with its own campus security and close ties to the Oklahoma City Police Department. Students should practice standard urban safety awareness, but the area is generally considered safe due to the high concentration of medical facilities and staff.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Direct integration with OU Medical Center and VA Hospital for unparalleled clinical training.
- ✓ Focused, professional environment with small class sizes and faculty mentorship.
- ✓ Strong regional reputation leading to excellent job placement in Oklahoma and surrounding states.
- ✓ Affordable in-state tuition combined with a low cost of living in Oklahoma City.
Cons
- ✗ Campus life is almost exclusively focused on academics; lacks traditional undergraduate social activities.
- ✗ The urban setting of the medical district is distinct from the main Norman campus and can feel isolated.
- ✗ Limited diversity in academic offerings outside of health sciences and related fields.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
OU-HSC is renowned for its health professions programs, particularly in areas like medicine, nursing, dentistry, and pharmacy. It is a national leader in research on diabetes, cancer, and substance abuse, and is deeply committed to improving healthcare access for rural and underserved populations in Oklahoma.
Admission is highly competitive, especially for its medical and dental programs, which have acceptance rates well below the national average. For instance, the College of Medicine typically sees over 1,500 applicants for roughly 165 spots. Successful applicants generally have high GPAs (3.7+), strong MCAT scores, and significant clinical or research experience.
Campus life is professional and academically intense, with a student body primarily composed of graduate and professional students. Social life is more subdued than at a traditional university and often revolves around cohort-based activities, student interest groups, and professional organizations. Students often engage with the broader Oklahoma City community for entertainment and relaxation.
For students pursuing a career in healthcare, the value is exceptionally high. The combination of affordable public university tuition, especially for Oklahoma residents, and the direct pipeline to high-demand, high-earning careers in the state makes the ROI very strong. The median 10-year earnings of over $63,000, coupled with Oklahoma's lower cost of living, means graduates can manage debt effectively and build wealth.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 1,095
- Zip Code 73117
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a 10-year median earnings figure of $63,126, the degree offers a solid return on investment, especially considering the relatively low cost of living in Oklahoma City. As a public institution, tuition is competitive, particularly for in-state students, making it a financially sound choice for a career in a high-demand field like healthcare. The direct pipeline to local healthcare employers further enhances the value by providing a clear path to stable, well-paying jobs post-graduation.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.