Academics & Research | Oklahoma State University

Elite academics

OSU, Oklahoma’s land-grant institution, improves our quality of life by bringing new technologies, processes, research and medicines to the marketplace. As a Carnegie classified R1 research university, our innovative academics develop our students’ intellect and creativity.

Explore programs

No. 9Top 10 for sustainability

OSU ranked No. 9 in the U.S. and in the top 10% of institutions around the world according to the Times Higher Education's 2024 impact rankings

10Honors Curriculum listed in top 10

OSU’s Honors College’s curriculum is among the top 10 in the nation, says the book Inside Honors 2018-2019.

Excellence for all

OSU prepares all students for a bright future

Through our academic resources, along with structural support such as the Center for Sovereign Nations, Veterans Success Center and more, our campus actively broadens our students’ perspectives. As a seven-time Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award winner, we empower individuals to promote a more accepting and inclusive world.

Division of Access and Community Impact

Ideal Graduate

Creating a Path to Success

The Ideal Graduate, an integral imperative in OSU’s strategic plan, has officially launched.

Rooted within our Cowboy Culture are key qualities and attributes that we strive for in the ideal OSU graduate. In addition to a degree, our students will develop four Ideal Graduate Competencies: professional preparedness, engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and personal responsibility. Students will build these skills through activities both inside and outside of the classroom and will demonstrate their impact through the OSU Portfolio.

The Ideal Graduate Initiative

Establishing innovation

At OSU, we are committed to improving lives.

Through many creative initiatives, we establish an accessible campus for students, faculty, staﬀ, fans and visitors. Whether it is academics and curriculum, maintaining a healthy campus or oﬀering unique programs, OSU is a leader in improving the lives of people in Oklahoma, the nation and the world.

About OSU

82OSU ranked no. 82 on the Forbes List of Top Public Universities

The Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges focuses on the direct benefits schools provide their graduates such as alumni salaries, debt after graduation, academic success and more.

101Ranked No. 101 on Top Public Schools by U.S. News and World Report

The 2024 rankings evaluate universities on 19 measures of academic quality including graduation and retention rates, financial resources, student excellence and more.

Best in business

Spears Business online MBA ranked No. 16 by U.S. News & World Report.

Sowing Success

Ferguson College of Agriculture is No. 5 in the 2024 Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America rankings.

Engineering Excellence

The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology ranked No. 9 for Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs for Veterans and in the top 15% of institutions for online master’s in engineering programs — tied at No. 14.

Elite education

OSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree program ranks No. 13 for 2024.

Bright futures

Several Oklahoma State University degree programs rose in the annual U.S. News and World Report.

Great hospitality

OSU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management ranks 11th in the United States and 22nd globally the 2024 edition of ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects.

Awards and Rankings

2025

OSU ranks No. 31, 2025 Top Public Universities in America No. 1 in Oklahoma

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

Top colleges in Oklahoma for 2017
OSU among top-50 public universities in U.S. and tops in state
OSU repeats best value ranking
Online MIS program near the top for affordability

2016

2015

2014

2013

20 best online MBA entrepreneurship programs
Top 10 Rotman International Trading Competition

Nationally recognized

We're more than proud of the recognition OSU has received from organizations all across the nation.

University rankings

A top-tier university

From being named a top public university to being known as America's Healthiest Campus, OSU's awards and rankings showcase our academic distinctions, campus culture and value. Learn more about each area in the rankings pages below.

Affordability Quality of Life