ORU’s Historic Enrollment Surpasses 7,000

Tulsa, Oklahoma, February 24, 2025—Oral Roberts University (ORU) has reached a new enrollment record of 7,069 unduplicated students for the academic year (2024-2025), the first time in its history. Full-time residential students surpassed 2,400 for only the second time in the past 20 years. ORU also saw a 96% residential student retention rate from Fall to Spring.

“Every new student represents a step toward our vision of reaching 10,000 students and expanding ORU’s impact worldwide,” said ORU President Dr. William Wilson. “This milestone isn’t just about where we are today—it’s about where we are headed. With annual enrollment surpassing 7,000, we see how high-quality students inspire and attract their peers. ORU is an environment where students thrive academically, grow spiritually, and prepare to lead. We are honored that so many students and families trust ORU for their future.”

 

 

 

The latest figures reveal a series of impressive increases across various student categories, underscoring ORU's dynamic growth and expanding reach.

Key Highlights for Spring 2025

• Overall Enrollment Growth: ORU has experienced a 6% increase in total enrollment from Spring 2024 to Spring 2025, marking a robust upward trend in student interest and engagement.
• Online Student Enrollment: Demonstrating the University's adaptability and appeal, there has been an 11% rise in online student enrollment, showcasing the growing demand for flexible and accessible education options.
• Virtual Student Enrollment: In a remarkable leap, virtual student enrollment has soared by 105%, highlighting ORU's successful integration of cutting-edge virtual learning platforms and its appeal to a global student body.
• Full-Time Equivalency (FTE): The total full-time equivalency has increased by 7%, reflecting the University's ability to attract and retain full-time students committed to their academic pursuits.
• Graduate FTE: Graduate programs at ORU have seen a substantial 20% increase in full-time equivalency, indicating a strong interest in advanced degrees and professional development among students.

ORU's strategic initiatives, including the expansion of online and virtual learning opportunities, have played a pivotal role in this growth. The University remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive and innovative learning environment that empowers students to achieve their academic and professional goals and become whole leaders for the whole world.

For more information about ORU’s academic programs, campus developments, and enrollment opportunities, please visit oru.edu.

UNIVERSITY BRIEF

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 16 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 165 nations in the last 5 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.

The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2025). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest-ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche has recognized ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, the # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and the # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest. Heritage.org classified ORU as a great option for families prioritizing freedom, opportunity, and civil society.

ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:

• #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
• #2 in Most International Students
• #3 in Best Value
• #6 in Best College for Veterans
• #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West

For more information, visit www.oru.edu.