Overview
The University of Oklahoma (OU), founded in 1890, is a prominent public research university in Norman, Oklahoma. It’s known for strong academics, research opportunities, and a campus culture that connects classroom learning with real-world problem solving. OU serves more than 30,000 students across multiple campuses and offers over 170 majors through its 15 colleges. Prospective students often consider OU for career-focused programs in meteorology, petroleum engineering, journalism, and law, alongside a broad range of majors in the arts, sciences, and professional fields. If you’re comparing options, you may also want to review similar profiles such as the University of Kansas or the Ohio University to see how different public research universities structure programs and campus life.
2. General Information
| University Name | University of Oklahoma |
| Location | Norman, Oklahoma, USA |
| Founded | 1890 |
| Type | Public |
| Website | https://www.ou.edu/ |
3. Fee Structure
Tuition and cost of attendance can change by year, student level, and enrollment factors (such as credit hours and program fees). For the most accurate numbers for your intake year, confirm directly with OU’s published tuition and fee schedule through the university site.
| In-State Tuition | Approx. $13,000 per year |
| Out-of-State Tuition | Approx. $31,000 per year |
| Room and Board | Approx. $11,000 per year |
4. Academic Programs
OU offers a mix of STEM, professional, and liberal arts programs. Below are some of the areas the university is commonly recognized for, along with examples of majors many students research during the application process.
- Meteorology
- Petroleum Engineering
- Law
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Business
- Arts and Sciences
- Architecture
If you’re exploring whether OU’s strengths align with your academic goals, it can help to compare program breadth and focus areas across other public research universities—such as the University of Maine or the University of Arkansas.
5. Facilities
- Bizzell Memorial Library
- National Weather Center
- Fitness and Recreation Centers
- Research Laboratories
- Campus Museums
Students interested in science and applied research typically value OU’s specialized facilities—especially those tied to weather and atmospheric research—because they support hands-on learning, student projects, and faculty-led work.
6. Accommodation
- Traditional and suite-style residence halls
- On-campus apartments for upperclassmen
- Meal plans with various dining options
- Furnished rooms with Wi-Fi
- Community lounges and study areas
When planning housing, consider factors like roommate preferences, building amenities, dining plan options, and how close your residence is to academic and lab areas. OU’s on-campus options are generally designed to support both first-year transition and upperclassmen living preferences.
7. Contact Information
- Email: admissions@ou.edu
- Phone: +1 405-325-2151
- Address: 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, OK 73019, United States
If you’re also comparing universities by admissions contacts and general enrollment support, you may find it useful to review another public university guide like the University of Oregon for a similar checklist-style overview.
