Oral Roberts University: A Student Population Overview

Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private evangelical university in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 1963, the university is named after its founder, Charismatic Christian preacher Oral Roberts. ORU has experienced significant growth in recent years, with enrolment increasing for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, the university welcomed its largest incoming class in history, with a total enrolment of 5,936 students. The university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to providing a holistic education that nurtures both academic excellence and spiritual development. With a diverse student body representing various states, countries, and cultural backgrounds, ORU continues to be a leading educational institution, shaping future leaders who are equipped to make a global impact.

Oral Roberts University has around 5,000 students enrolled

Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private evangelical university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, founded in 1963. The university is named after its founder, Charismatic Christian preacher Oral Roberts. ORU has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a total undergraduate enrollment of approximately 5,000 students. This number has continued to increase, with the Fall 2023 census reporting 5,365 students and the Fall 2024 census reaching an all-time high of 5,936 students.

ORU's growth in enrollment is a testament to its appeal to students seeking a faith-based education. The university prioritises spiritual empowerment and whole-person development, attracting students who want to combine academic excellence with their values. This focus on values and spiritual dynamics has drawn a generation with a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

The diverse student body at ORU enhances the educational experience. With students from all 50 states and a significant international population, ORU offers a global perspective and cultural exchange. The Fall 2024 census reported an international student population of 21%, representing 129 countries. This diversity is further enriched by the variety of academic programs offered, with over 70 undergraduate and nearly 20 graduate programs across six colleges.

ORU's commitment to creating well-rounded individuals extends beyond the classroom. The university encourages community engagement and spiritual exploration, with mandatory chapel services and a range of extracurricular activities. Students can choose from over 60 clubs and participate in short-term mission trips, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world contexts.

The growth in enrollment at ORU has led to a need for expansion and improvement of campus facilities. The university has undertaken construction projects to accommodate the increasing number of students, including the addition of new state-of-the-art buildings and renovations to existing structures. These developments ensure that ORU can continue to provide a high-quality educational experience as its student population thrives.

The university has seen 15-16 years of consecutive enrolment growth

Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has seen 15-16 years of consecutive enrolment growth. The private, evangelical Christian university was founded in 1963 and named after its founder, Charismatic Christian preacher Oral Roberts.

ORU's enrolment numbers have been steadily increasing since 2008, when it had approximately 3,000 students. By 2019, this number had grown to over 4,100. In 2022, ORU welcomed its largest-ever incoming class, officially exceeding 5,000 students for the fall semester. This marked the 14th consecutive year of enrolment growth for the university.

This growth continued into 2023, with the Fall Census reporting 5,365 students, including the largest group of on-campus freshmen in ORU's history. The university also saw strong retention among returning residential students, with increases in online and graduate programs.

In 2024, ORU achieved record enrolment for the 16th consecutive year, with the Fall Census reporting an all-time high of 5,936 students, a 10.5% increase from the previous year. This was accompanied by a 92% residential retention rate.

ORU's consistent enrolment growth can be attributed to several factors, including its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual empowerment, and diversity. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on providing a whole-person education that encourages and develops students' faith.

The university's global reach has also expanded significantly, with an increasing number of international students from a diverse range of countries. In addition, ORU has been recognised for its inclusive community, being named one of the most diverse colleges in America by Niche.

ORU's enrolment growth has led to a number of campus expansions and improvements, including new state-of-the-art buildings, renovations, and technological upgrades. The university has also received significant financial support, with donations from the Mart Green family and the Armand Hammer Foundation contributing to its development and debt reduction.

The student body is diverse, with students from all 50 states and over 100 nations

Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private evangelical university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a student body that reflects a diverse range of backgrounds and nationalities. With students enrolled from all 50 states, ORU has a strong presence across the United States, catering to a geographically diverse student population. This diversity extends beyond national borders, with students hailing from over 100 nations worldwide. This international student population has been consistently growing, reaching 19.9% in 2023 and 21% in 2024, representing 129 countries.

The university's commitment to diversity is further demonstrated by its focus on global education and its recognition as one of the most diverse colleges in America by Niche. ORU's student body comprises various ethnicities, with notable percentages of African American and Hispanic students, contributing to its inclusive and multicultural environment. The university also actively targets a 25% Hispanic population within the student body through initiatives such as the opening of a bilingual Hispanic Centre on campus in collaboration with the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

ORU's dedication to diversity and global engagement is rooted in its Christian values. The university embraces its role in fostering future leaders who embody these values and strive to make a global impact. This is evident in its $75 million Impact 2030 campaign, which aims to educate students from 195 nations and make a "maximum global impact" by 2030. The university's efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity have not gone unnoticed, earning recognition from organisations like Niche and the Wall Street Journal.

The diverse student body at ORU enriches the educational experience and fosters a vibrant and inclusive community. Students have the opportunity to interact with peers from various cultural backgrounds, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their understanding of the world. This exchange of ideas and experiences contributes to a dynamic and stimulating learning environment, preparing students to become well-rounded global citizens.

In conclusion, the student body of Oral Roberts University stands out for its remarkable diversity, attracting students from all 50 states and an impressive number of nations worldwide. This diversity is a cornerstone of the university's commitment to providing a holistic education that equips students to make a positive impact in a globalised world.

The undergraduate population is around 4,700

Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private evangelical university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, founded in 1963. The undergraduate population is around 4,700, with the university enrolling approximately 5,000 students in total. ORU has seen 14 consecutive years of enrolment growth, with the largest incoming class in the university's history in 2022, when it exceeded 5,000 students. The Fall 2023 census reported 5,365 students, with over 1,000 residential students. The university's global reach is also expanding, with 19.9% international students from 129 countries in 2023, and students enrolled from all 50 states.

ORU's undergraduate population of around 4,700 is spread across its 323-acre campus. The university offers over 70 undergraduate degree programs and almost 20 graduate programs across six colleges. The most popular majors include ministry and leadership, business administration, nursing, psychology, and engineering. Students can also take part in short-term mission trips, with over 500 students completing trips across five continents in the summer of 2018.

ORU's enrolment growth has resulted in the expansion of its campus. The university has added several new buildings, including the J.D. McKean Library, the ORU Welcome Center, the Mike Carter Athletic Center, and the Media Arts Center. These additions aim to support the growing number of students choosing to pursue their academic goals at ORU.

The undergraduate population of around 4,700 at ORU reflects the university's appeal to students seeking a faith-based education. With its focus on Christian values and a whole-person education, ORU attracts students from diverse backgrounds, fostering a community that prioritises spiritual growth alongside academic excellence.

The tuition and fees are $35,470

Oral Roberts University is a private Christian university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a recent history of growing student enrollment. In Fall 2023, the university enrolled 5,365 students, with the largest group of on-campus freshmen in its history. The tuition and fees for Oral Roberts University are $35,470. This figure is lower than the national average cost of tuition, which is $47,999.

The tuition cost is part of the total cost of attendance, which includes room and board, meals, textbooks, and other materials. For students living on campus, room and board charges are around $9,960 for the academic year. The university offers meal plans, with annual costs ranging from $5,400 to $5,500. Textbooks and other materials can cost between $800 and $1,000 per year. There are also additional university fees, such as a $430 technology fee per semester and a $1,240 student general fee for the year.

Considering all these expenses, the total cost of attendance at Oral Roberts University for the academic year 2024-2025 is estimated to be between $47,600 and $48,200. However, it's important to note that financial aid, scholarships, or grants can significantly reduce the overall cost for students. The average net price, which takes into account aid and scholarships, is $25,429 for students receiving need-based aid.

The university offers various forms of financial aid, including need-based and merit-based scholarships and grants. The average need-based scholarship or grant for first-year students is $27,693, and 71% of first-year students received this type of financial aid in Fall 2022. Additionally, the university provides merit-based scholarships, with an average award of $19,663 for first-year students, excluding any athletic scholarships.

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