•AVERAGE: 69
Oklahoma Wesleyan University came about through aggregation, rather than as a single, historical founding. Over approximately a decade, beginning in 1959, Oklahoma Wesleyan began gathering together colleges from across the west through merger: Colorado Springs Bible College, Pilgrim Bible College, and Holiness Evangelistic Institute. One final merger in 1972 – Miltonvale Wesleyan College – compelled the institution to seek accreditation as a four-year, liberal arts college in 1974, and in 2001 OWU reach university status. Today OWU is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 12 best Western regional institutions in its class, as well as a regional best value.
Academic Programs
As an evangelical Wesleyan institution, OWU puts Christian faith and biblical beliefs at the center of its curriculum, with a mission focused on Christ, the Bible, Truth, and Wisdom. OWU has experienced success in marrying contemporary professional studies with its traditional, classical liberal arts foundation, building highly regarded nursing, business, and education programs alongside their Christian and Ministerial programs. All of OWU’s undergraduate programs are directed toward preparing young people for service and ministry in their fields, whether health, business, education, or any other.Where OWU has experienced the most growth, however, is in embracing adult and online education in recent years. OWU has taken their two decade-long experience in teaching continuing education and nontraditional courses and formed a dozen top-notch online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in some of their strongest fields, including nursing, management, and ministry. With an excellent 84% yearly retention rate – far higher than average – it’s evident that OWU is doing online and adult education right.
Student Life
Christ and Scripture are the core of Oklahoma Wesleyan’s teaching, and the heart of OWU’s student life. The Four Year Chapel Curriculum is central to student life, as all students take part in a focused, directed spiritual growth experience organized around the themes of Community, Believing, Calling, and Belonging. With just over 1100 students, and considerably more women than men, OWU takes pride in a tight-knit, familial atmosphere and strong student support from faculty, administration, and the student body.The OWU Eagles participate in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), with 17 men’s and women’s varsity teams including basketball, football, and baseball and softball. Students are also encouraged to take part in intramural sports, including volleyball, frisbee, football, and basketball. Students, alumni, and faculty are all permitted and welcome.