Three of Oklahoma's Universities Rank in Top 100 Public Colleges

Three of Oklahoma's public universities have ranked within the top 100 public colleges in the nation, according to the annual ranking of such institutions of higher learning completed by Kiplinger's Personal Finance . The University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University and the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma all had the distinction of ranking in the top 100 list based on cost and quality factors out of more than 600 schools nationwide.

Kiplinger's Ranking System for Public Colleges

Kiplinger's Personal Finance explained that the ranking each public college received was based 45 percent on the cost factors associated with a four-year degree at each school and 55 percent on quality of the education provided.

Cost factors : Thirty-five percent of each school's total ranking is based on the cost of tuition, room and board, books and fees along with financial aid available both on an at-need and not-at-need basis; 10 percent of the total ranking is based on the students' total indebtedness at graduation.

Quality Factors : Three different quality factors affect each school's ranking, with 22.5 percent based on the competitiveness of the school -- how many people who apply are granted admission -- and how many of those admitted then enroll; graduation rate for a four-year degree comprises 18.75 percent; academic support rounds out the quality factors ranking at 13.75 percent.

University of Oklahoma Ranks 70th for In-State Cost and Quality Factors

The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, Okla., ranked 70th for in-state cost and quality factors and 79th for out-of-state cost and quality factors. The average admission rate for those who apply is 82 percent; the four-year graduation rate 36 percent.

Total cost per year in-state is $18,288; total cost per year out-of-state is $29,925; the average indebtedness per student at graduation is $23,845.

University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Ranks 91st for In-State Costs and Quality Factors

Located in Chickasha, Okla., the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma ranks 91st for in-state cost and quality factors; 89th for out-of-state cost and quality factors. The average admission rate for those who apply to this liberal arts college is 27 percent; the four-year graduation rate is 26 percent.

Total cost per year in-state is $11,760; total cost per year out-of-state is $19,080; the average indebtedness per student at graduation is $17,757.

Oklahoma State University Ranks 93rd for In-State Costs and Quality Factors

Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Okla., ranks 93rd for in-state cost and quality factors; 95th for out-of-state cost and quality factors. The average admission rate for those applying to OSU is 82 percent; the four-year graduation rate is 35 percent.

Total cost per year in-state is $15,569; total cost per year out-of-state is $27,584; the average indebtedness per student at graduation is $21,204.

Bottom Line

Those who look at a half-full glass and see it as half-empty will say, "No big deal," to the rankings of the three Oklahoma universities. No, not one of the schools broke the top 10 or even top 50 list of rankings for public colleges, but then, more than 500 public colleges didn't make the top 100 list.

Oklahomans have more and more for which to be proud. Their institutions of higher learning earn a place of honor, too.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/three-oklahomas-universities-rank-top-100-public-colleges-172500765.html

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