Where do Oklahoma universities rank among the nation’s best colleges?

OKLAHOMA CITY — An annual ranking of best U.S. colleges again rated the University of Oklahoma the highest in the state. 

Despite falling six spots, OU led all Oklahoma-based higher education institutions in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, which released Tuesday. It ranked No. 116 out of the 422 best national universities, tying with Brigham Young University, Iowa State University, the University of Oregon and the University of San Francisco.

In a statement through its communications office, OU said its trajectory “has never been stronger” with enrollment approaching 40,000 students, unprecedented philanthropic support and a rapidly expanding research enterprise. It also touted the “dramatic transformation” of the university’s health care system as it expands across the state.

“Together, these gains are strengthening OU’s ability to provide an exceptional and affordable education, drive discoveries that improve lives, and deliver greater impact for Oklahoma and beyond,” the university stated.

The University of Tulsa at No. 148 and Oklahoma State University at No. 191 each rose in the national university rankings this year, jumping 10 and seven spots respectively.

“These rankings reflect the strength and breadth of the academic experience at OSU and, more importantly, the work our faculty and staff do every day to help students succeed,” OSU Interim Provost Chris Francisco said in a statement.

The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma was ranked in a separate category dedicated to the best liberal arts colleges. USAO, based in Chickasha, ranked No. 178 on that list.

U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings put heavy emphasis on student outcomes, like graduation and retention rates, social mobility for low-income students and post-graduate earnings. The report also considers an academic peer assessment, faculty research, student-to-faculty ratios, financial resources and other factors when determining its ranking order.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranked as the top university in the country, ending Princeton University’s 15-year reign as No. 1. Princeton fell to No. 2, and Harvard University ranked No. 3 in the 2027 list.

Among the best public universities in the country, OU ranked No. 55 and OSU at No. 99.

Tulsa, followed by OSU and then OU, ranked highest of all Oklahoma institutions for best value, which organizes schools based on their academic quality and actual cost after need-based financial aid.

OSU led all Oklahoma schools for best value for in-state students, landing one spot ahead of OU.