Oklahoma Christian University

About Oklahoma Christian University

Oklahoma Christian University stands as a distinguished private Christian institution in Edmond, Oklahoma, providing transformative education within a community grounded in the Churches of Christ tradition. Founded in 1950, the university has grown to serve approximately 1,950 students who choose Oklahoma Christian for its integration of faith and learning, rigorous academics, and supportive campus community. The 63% acceptance rate reflects selective yet accessible admissions that welcome students seeking serious academic preparation within a Christ-centered environment. The university's mission centers on transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service, with every aspect of campus life reflecting this commitment. Faculty members are not only experts in their fields but also mentors who invest in students' spiritual development alongside their intellectual growth. The urban Edmond location, in the prosperous northern suburbs of Oklahoma City, provides access to professional opportunities, cultural attractions, and the services of a major metropolitan area while maintaining the safety and community feel of a close-knit campus. Oklahoma Christian draws students from across the United States and around the world, creating a diverse community united by shared faith and educational purpose.

Oklahoma Christian University welcomes applications from students who seek rigorous academic preparation within a Christ-centered community. The 63% acceptance rate reflects selective admissions that prioritize students' potential for success and fit with the university's faith-based mission. Prospective students submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores, a personal essay, and references from teachers or church leaders who can speak to the applicant's character and readiness for the Oklahoma Christian experience. The admissions team evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic preparation, extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and spiritual maturity. Campus visits are strongly encouraged, as experiencing the welcoming atmosphere and meeting current students and faculty often helps prospective students envision themselves as Eagles. Admitted students are expected to comply with the university's lifestyle covenant, which reflects Christian values and creates a campus environment conducive to spiritual growth. Transfer students receive individualized credit evaluations and advising to ensure smooth transitions. Scholarships based on academic achievement, leadership, ministry involvement, and specific talents help make Oklahoma Christian education accessible. The university participates in federal and state financial aid programs, and the financial aid office works with families to develop funding packages that make attendance possible.

Oklahoma Christian University offers over 70 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs along with graduate degrees in business, Christian ministry, computer science, and other fields. The College of Engineering is particularly distinguished, with ABET-accredited programs and graduates who consistently pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam at rates exceeding national averages. The College of Business provides ACBSP-accredited programs preparing students for leadership across industries. Education programs prepare teachers for impactful careers in schools throughout Oklahoma and beyond. The College of Bible and Ministry develops church leaders, youth ministers, and missionaries who serve congregations worldwide. Nursing programs maintain excellent licensure pass rates and produce graduates highly sought by Oklahoma healthcare employers. Faculty across all programs demonstrate commitment to teaching excellence and personal investment in students, with class sizes averaging fewer than 20 students. Undergraduate research opportunities allow students to work alongside faculty on meaningful projects. Academic support services including tutoring, the writing center, and academic advising ensure students have resources to succeed. The university's integration of faith and learning means every course, regardless of discipline, considers how Christian faith informs understanding and practice in that field.

Key Highlights

• Private non-profit institution with strong academic tradition
• Located in a major metropolitan area with excellent opportunities
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Student life at Oklahoma Christian University creates a vibrant, faith-centered community where students grow spiritually, develop leadership abilities, and form lasting friendships. Daily chapel services bring the campus community together for worship, teaching, and connection, with attendance expected as part of the university's commitment to spiritual formation. The Eagles compete in NCAA Division II athletics, with 17 varsity sports offering opportunities for athletic excellence while maintaining academic priorities. Intramural sports engage students across campus in friendly competition. Over 40 student organizations span interests from academic and professional clubs to ministry teams, service organizations, and special interest groups. Spring Sing, the university's annual musical production competition, involves hundreds of students in creating elaborate performances that have become an Oklahoma tradition. Mission trips during breaks provide opportunities for service and spiritual growth in communities across the country and around the world. Residence life programming builds community within halls and across campus, with resident assistants and campus ministers providing support and guidance. The student center provides gathering space, dining options, and programming that foster campus community. Social events, concerts, and campus traditions create memories that bind students together and connect them to Oklahoma Christian's history.

Location & Surroundings

Oklahoma Christian University's campus occupies over 200 acres in Edmond, Oklahoma, a prosperous and rapidly growing suburban city just north of Oklahoma City. Edmond consistently ranks among the best places to live in Oklahoma, offering excellent public services, safe neighborhoods, diverse dining and shopping, and the benefits of proximity to Oklahoma City's metropolitan amenities. The Oklahoma City metro area provides internship and employment opportunities across industries including energy, healthcare, aerospace, and professional services. Downtown Oklahoma City, easily accessible from campus, offers cultural attractions including museums, professional sports, the Bricktown entertainment district, and the Oklahoma City Thunder NBA franchise. The campus itself features a blend of traditional collegiate architecture and modern facilities set amid landscaped grounds that provide a beautiful environment for learning and community life. Oklahoma's central location makes travel convenient, and the cost of living is significantly lower than coastal cities, stretching students' and families' resources further. The four-season climate includes hot summers and occasional winter weather, with fall and spring providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. The university's location in Oklahoma's Bible Belt places it within a region where Christian faith remains culturally significant, supporting the university's mission.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Oklahoma Christian University strives to make Christian higher education accessible through generous financial aid and the lower cost of living that characterizes the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. While private university tuition necessarily exceeds public university rates, Oklahoma Christian's commitment to financial aid means most students pay significantly less than the published tuition price. Merit scholarships recognize academic achievement, while talent awards support students in music, theater, athletics, and other areas. Need-based grants help students from families with limited financial resources. The university participates in federal aid programs including Pell Grants, work-study, and student loans. Many students work on campus or in the Edmond community while attending, gaining experience and income without excessive work hours. Career services prepares students for professional success through resume assistance, interview coaching, career counseling, and internship connections. The university's regional reputation opens doors with Oklahoma employers, while alumni networks extend opportunities nationally. Engineering graduates are particularly sought-after, with employers actively recruiting from the program. Education graduates often have positions secured before graduation. Business, nursing, and ministry graduates also report strong employment outcomes. Many graduates pursue graduate or professional education, with Oklahoma Christian's rigorous preparation serving them well in law, medical, and graduate school applications.