Oklahoma State Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)
Data Notice: Figures, rates, and statistics cited in this article are based on the most recent available data at time of writing and may reflect projections or prior-year figures. Always verify current numbers with official sources before making financial, medical, or educational decisions.
Oklahoma State Acceptance Rate: Stats & Tips (2026)
Oklahoma State University in Stillwater is a land-grant research institution with deep roots in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine. With an acceptance rate of approximately ~67%, OSU is more selective than many similarly positioned public universities, reflecting steady growth in both applications and academic quality. The university competes in the Big 12 Conference, and its campus — known for its distinctive orange-and-black brand and the iconic Theta Pond — draws students from across the Great Plains and beyond.
Stillwater is a classic college town of about 50,000 people, where campus life defines the local culture. OSU has invested heavily in campus facilities, including a modernized student union, expanded research labs, and new athletic facilities that reflect the university’s ambitions.
Admissions Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | ~67% |
| In-State Acceptance Rate | ~74% |
| Out-of-State Acceptance Rate | ~60% |
| Total Applicants (2025 cycle) | ~16,000 |
| Enrolled Freshman Class | ~4,000 |
| Average GPA | ~3.55 |
| Middle 50% SAT | ~1080–1280 |
| Middle 50% ACT | ~22–28 |
| Test-Optional | No (scores required) |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 19:1 |
OSU requires standardized test scores for admission. The university uses these scores in tandem with GPA to determine both admissions eligibility and merit scholarship placement.
What Oklahoma State Looks For
OSU’s admissions process is structured around clear academic benchmarks:
GPA and Test Score Requirements: OSU uses a combination of GPA and ACT/SAT to determine admission. Students with a 3.0+ GPA and a 21+ ACT (or 1060+ SAT) are typically admitted. Higher scores unlock merit scholarship eligibility.
Oklahoma’s 15-Unit Core Curriculum: Like all Oklahoma public universities, OSU requires completion of the state’s prescribed high school curriculum covering English, math, lab science, social studies, and additional electives.
College of Veterinary Medicine: OSU’s veterinary school is the state’s only accredited program and one of the most respected in the region. The DVM program is extremely competitive, with a separate application process for students who have completed pre-veterinary prerequisites.
Spears School of Business: The business school has strengthened its national profile, with programs in entrepreneurship, accounting, and management information systems attracting competitive applicants.
College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology: Engineering programs at OSU — particularly in mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineering — are well-regarded and benefit from the university’s research partnerships with Oklahoma’s aerospace and energy industries.
Honors College: The OSU Honors College requires a separate application and typically admits students with a 28+ ACT and a 3.5+ GPA. The program offers smaller class sizes, dedicated advising, and study-abroad funding.
Agriculture and Natural Resources: As a land-grant university, OSU’s programs in animal science, agricultural economics, and plant and soil sciences are among its oldest and most respected.
Acceptance Rate by Application Type
| Application Type | Deadline | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadline | February 1 | ~70% |
| Regular Deadline | Rolling | ~65% |
| Late Applications | Space-available | ~55% |
OSU operates primarily on a rolling admissions basis after the February 1 priority deadline. Applying by the priority date is important for scholarship consideration and preferred housing placement.
Unlike some peers, OSU does not have a formal Early Action program. However, applying in the fall — ideally by November or December — maximizes your options for merit aid and competitive programs.
Financial Aid and Cost
| Cost Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | ~$10,200/year | ~$26,100/year |
| Room & Board | ~$11,800/year | ~$11,800/year |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$22,000/year | ~$37,900/year |
| Oklahoma’s Promise (in-state) | Covers tuition | N/A |
| Average Merit Scholarship (OOS) | — | ~$4,000–$14,000 |
| Average Need-Based Aid Package | ~$9,000 | ~$10,500 |
OSU’s in-state tuition is among the most affordable in the Big 12, making it a strong value for Oklahoma residents. Students who enrolled in Oklahoma’s Promise during middle school and meet income and academic benchmarks receive free tuition.
Out-of-state students benefit from OSU’s automatic merit scholarship tiers, which are determined by GPA and ACT/SAT scores. The top awards — including the Provost’s Distinguished Scholarship — provide ~$10,000–$14,000 per year for students with a 30+ ACT and 3.5+ GPA.
OSU also offers the Cowboy Covenant, a program that covers tuition and fees for Oklahoma students from families earning under ~$60,000 annually. This program mirrors similar “promise” initiatives at peer institutions and reflects OSU’s commitment to affordability.
Departmental scholarships in veterinary medicine, engineering, and agriculture provide additional support for students in those fields.
Key Takeaways
- More selective than expected: At ~67%, OSU’s acceptance rate is lower than many similarly positioned Big 12 schools, reflecting growing demand and rising standards.
- Veterinary medicine is a standout: Oklahoma’s only accredited vet school gives OSU a unique draw for pre-veterinary students in the region.
- Affordable in-state option: Tuition under $11,000 for Oklahomans, combined with Oklahoma’s Promise and the Cowboy Covenant, makes OSU highly accessible financially.
- Apply early for best results: While OSU is rolling, submitting by February 1 — or ideally earlier — ensures full scholarship consideration.
- Land-grant strengths endure: Agriculture, animal science, and natural resources programs remain core strengths rooted in OSU’s 130+ year mission.
Next Steps
Considering Oklahoma State? These resources will help you prepare:
- Financial Aid Guide — Understand Oklahoma’s Promise, the Cowboy Covenant, and how to maximize your OSU aid.
- SAT vs. ACT: Which Should You Take? — OSU requires scores and uses them for automatic merit awards.
- College Application Timeline — Plan your timeline around OSU’s priority and rolling deadlines.
- Scholarship Search Guide — Layer external awards with OSU’s institutional aid.
Verify all admissions data with the institution directly. Acceptance rates and requirements change annually.