University of Oklahoma admits 76.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the institution in the Open Access tier, indicating broad accessibility for qualified students. The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of Oklahoma maintains slightly more selective standards than typical peer institutions, though the difference is minimal at 1.6 percentage points. This level of accessibility means that students with solid academic preparation have strong chances of admission, though meeting minimum requirements remains important. The university's approach balances broad access with academic standards, creating opportunities for diverse student populations while maintaining educational quality. For prospective students, University of Oklahoma represents an attainable option that doesn't require the uncertain odds associated with highly selective institutions. Students should view this as a match or safety school depending on their academic profile, allowing them to focus on fit and program quality rather than admission uncertainty. The combination of accessible admission with strong outcomes makes University of Oklahoma an attractive option for students seeking quality education without extremely competitive admission processes.
A directional estimate — not a prediction
Admitted students at University of Oklahoma typically score between 1140 and 1330 on the SAT, with a median of 1239. The middle 50% range spans 190 points, indicating the university enrolls students with varied academic preparation levels. SAT Math scores range from 560 to 660, while SAT Verbal scores span 580 to 670, showing balanced expectations across both sections. ACT scores range from 23 to 29 with a median of 26, placing admitted students well above national averages. Compared to peer institutions with a median SAT of 1198, University of Oklahoma attracts students scoring 41 points higher, demonstrating the university's ability to draw academically prepared students despite accessible admission rates. The SAT range places University of Oklahoma at the 95th percentile among all institutions, indicating excellent academic preparation among enrolled students. Students scoring within the 1140-1330 range should feel academically competitive for admission, though University of Oklahoma considers multiple factors beyond test scores. Those scoring below 1140 should not consider themselves automatically excluded, as the university evaluates applications holistically. Students should assess whether their academic profile aligns with these ranges when determining fit and building their college application strategy.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
University of Oklahoma enrolls a diverse student body with 23.8% Pell-eligible students and 28.4% first-generation students. These shares indicate the university serves students from varied economic backgrounds, though the Pell percentage falls below many public institutions. Transfer students comprise 27.5% of enrolled students, demonstrating significant pathways for students starting at community colleges or other institutions. The student composition reflects University of Oklahoma's commitment to serving Oklahoma residents and regional students from diverse backgrounds. First-generation students should note that more than 1 in 4 enrolled students share their background, indicating institutional experience supporting students whose families lack college experience. Students from lower-income families represent nearly a quarter of the student body, suggesting financial aid resources help make attendance possible for families across income levels. The substantial transfer population indicates University of Oklahoma welcomes students from varied academic pathways, not just traditional high school graduates. This composition suggests the university values diverse perspectives and experiences in building its student community while maintaining academic standards through its admission process.
With University of Oklahoma's 76.5% admission rate, most academically prepared students have strong admission chances, though alternatives provide different advantages in cost, location, or outcomes.
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88.9% of University of Oklahoma freshmen return for sophomore year, compared to a peer median of 83.7%, indicating strong student satisfaction and institutional support. 75.3% of students graduate within six years, significantly higher than the peer median of 65.9%, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting degree completion. Pell-eligible students graduate at 53.3%, creating a 22 percentage point gap compared to the overall completion rate. This gap indicates lower-income students face additional challenges in degree completion, though many still achieve graduation. The retention and completion rates suggest University of Oklahoma provides a supportive academic environment where most students who enroll persist through graduation. Students who gain admission can expect institutional systems designed to promote success, including academic support and student services. The significant Pell completion gap suggests lower-income students should carefully consider financial planning and support resources when evaluating University of Oklahoma. Prospective students should view these metrics as indicators of the academic environment and support systems they'll experience if enrolled.
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