Oklahoma University's Freshman Class: How Many Students?

The University of Oklahoma has welcomed thousands of students to its freshman class in recent years, with record-breaking numbers in 2019, 2023, and 2024. The university has also reported an increase in the percentage of first-generation students and a strong minority enrollment. In this response, we will explore the details of these incoming classes, including their sizes, demographics, and the university's efforts to accommodate and support this growth.

The University of Oklahoma's freshman class of 2028 is its largest ever

The University of Oklahoma has welcomed its largest-ever freshman class, with the Class of 2028 setting records for both the university and the state. This marks the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking freshman classes at the university, reflecting a 20% increase in student numbers over the last two years.

The freshman class of 2028 has a total of 5,100 students, surpassing the previous year's record of 4,526. This increase is indicative of the university's growth and momentum, with strategic investments made to accommodate the growing class sizes. The university has expanded its Career Center, hired more faculty, added academic advising positions, and provided targeted funding to enhance student services.

The Class of 2028 is also notable for having the highest number of first-generation students in the university's history, with 25.4% of the freshman class being first-generation. Additionally, the class boasts impressive academic achievements, with an average high school GPA of 3.63 and an average ACT score of 26. A significant number of students, 650, had a perfect 4.0 GPA in high school, and 243 were ranked first in their graduating class.

The University of Oklahoma's President, Joseph Harroz Jr., expressed his honour and excitement in welcoming such an exceptional freshman class. He emphasised the university's commitment to educating and preparing talented individuals for successful and impactful careers, contributing to the state's workforce initiatives. The large number of students choosing OU signifies the university's appeal and the value of its degree programmes.

The freshman class of 2028 at the University of Oklahoma is a testament to the university's reputation and attractiveness to prospective students. With its record-breaking size and impressive student achievements, the Class of 2028 is poised to make a significant impact during their time at the university and beyond.

The class of 2028 has the highest number of first-generation students

The University of Oklahoma's Class of 2028 is the largest freshman class in the school's 134-year history. It is also the fourth consecutive record-breaking class, reflecting a 20% increase in student intake over the last two years. The class boasts a collective high school GPA of 3.63, with 650 students achieving a 4.0 GPA or better.

In addition to the high number of first-generation students, the Class of 2028 also includes a substantial number of high-achieving individuals. Among the incoming students, 243 were ranked first in their graduating class, and 759 members qualified to receive Oklahoma's Promise, a 3% increase from the previous year. The class also includes 83 international students participating in the Davis United World College Scholars Program.

The University of Oklahoma's achievement in attracting such a large number of first-generation students to its freshman class is a testament to its reputation as a leading educational institution in the state and the region. It reflects the university's dedication to accessibility, diversity, and providing high-quality education to a wide range of students. The university has made strategic investments to accommodate growing class sizes and ensure that all students have the necessary resources and support to succeed in their academic pursuits.

The class of 2023 had the highest percentage of minority students

The University of Oklahoma has seen a steady increase in its incoming freshman class over the years, with the Class of 2023 being a testament to this growth. This particular class stood out as it welcomed more than 4,500 freshmen, setting a new record for the university. The Class of 2023 also distinguished itself by having the highest percentage of minority students in the university's history.

With an average GPA of 3.62 and an average ACT score of 26, the Class of 2023 was an impressive group academically. Among them, 550 students had a perfect 4.0 GPA, and 288 were ranked first in their high school graduating class. This freshman class also contributed to the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion, with 34% of its members identifying as minorities. This percentage reflected a consistent upward trend over the previous years, which saw minority enrollment percentages of 34% in 2018, 33% in 2017, and 32% in 2016.

The University of Oklahoma's efforts to attract a diverse student body have been evident, and the Class of 2023 was a significant milestone in this regard. The university's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment has been recognised, and it continues to strive for progress. The increase in minority representation among freshmen is a step towards creating a more equitable and representative student population.

The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is further demonstrated by its support for first-generation students. The Class of 2023 maintained the university's trend of strong minority enrollment, and it also boasted a notable number of first-generation students, accounting for 22.8% of the freshman class. This trend continued with the Class of 2027, which had the largest percentage of first-generation students of any incoming freshman class in the university's history.

The University of Oklahoma's dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive campus community is evident in its efforts to support both minority students and first-generation students. The Class of 2023 played a pivotal role in this ongoing journey, setting records not just in terms of overall numbers but also in the percentage of minority students choosing to make the University of Oklahoma their academic home.

Camp Crimson is a 5-day orientation experience for new students

The University of Oklahoma (OU) has been welcoming record-breaking freshman classes for the last few years. The Class of 2028 was the largest in the school's 134-year history, with over 5,100 students, the highest number of first-generation students, and more Oklahoma residents than any other incoming class. This marked the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking freshman classes, reflecting a 20% increase in students over the last two years.

To help new students transition into their first year, OU hosts Camp Crimson, a 5-day orientation experience. This gives students the opportunity to connect with their new OU community through a variety of engaging activities. These activities are designed to allow students to connect with their peers, get to know the campus, learn about OU's history and traditions, complete first-year training, and attend events.

Camp Crimson ensures that students starting at OU can begin to build a community and get to know the campus and its resources early on in their academic journey. This is a great way to foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to make the most of their time at the university.

In addition to Camp Crimson, OU also offers a 2-day orientation called Crimson Winter Welcome, which is designed to welcome students joining the university in January. This includes informational sessions and activities to help students explore the campus and build connections. For students wanting to get ahead with their coursework and build community before their first year, there is also the month-long 'Start Sooner' programme. This gives students the chance to take 6 hours of class and get to know the campus and their peers before their official first year begins.

With its record-breaking freshman classes and comprehensive orientation programmes, OU ensures that new students have the support and resources they need to succeed in their academic endeavours.

The university's first-year class of 2027 was its most diverse ever

The University of Oklahoma's first-year class of 2027 was its most diverse ever, with more than 5,100 students—a record-breaking number for the university. This was the third consecutive year that the university had welcomed record-breaking freshman classes, reflecting a 10% increase in new students over the previous year. The Class of 2027 also had the largest percentage of first-generation students of any incoming freshman class, as well as the highest number of underrepresented students in the university's history.

The university's growth in student numbers is a testament to its commitment to providing a world-class education and fostering meaningful connections. To accommodate its growing class sizes, the University of Oklahoma has made strategic investments in areas that directly impact students. These include expanding the Career Center, hiring more faculty, adding academic advising positions, and providing additional support for student-centric services such as the University Counseling Center and SafeRide.

The Class of 2027's record-setting size was celebrated at the annual Class Kickoff event, held at the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. The event included a BBQ dinner, a pre-ceremony flyover by World War II-era Tulsa Warbirds, a commemorative class photo on Owen Field, and a celebratory fireworks display. Featured speakers at the event included university officials and administrators, who welcomed the incoming class and encouraged them to make the most of their time at the University of Oklahoma.

The University of Oklahoma has a long-standing tradition of excellence and innovation, and the Class of 2027's diversity and record-breaking numbers are a testament to its continued commitment to providing a top-notch education and attracting the best and brightest students from all backgrounds. The university's efforts to accommodate its growing class sizes ensure that students have the resources and support they need to succeed and make the most of their time at the university.

Frequently asked questions