UTulsa rises to Top 75 private research university in U.S. News rankings

PR Newswire

TULSA, Okla., Sept. 22, 2026

TULSA, Okla., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The University of Tulsa is ranked a Top 75 private research university, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report’s Best College report released Tuesday. The publication also ranks UTulsa the No. 1 best value for higher education in the state of Oklahoma.

University of Tulsa Professor Peter LoPresti works with students in the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge program on campus in July 2026. UTulsa was ranked a Top 75 private research university by U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday.

Academic excellence and outstanding outcomes drive UTulsa’s recognition as a leading small, private research university.

UTulsa advanced 10 places in overall rank for national universities, increased 16 spots in undergraduate engineering programs, jumped 57 positions in undergraduate computer science programs, climbed 26 places in undergraduate business programs and rose eight spots among the best colleges for veterans.

The University of Tulsa remained No. 3 for undergraduate petroleum engineering programs among all national universities and No. 1 in Oklahoma.

Earlier this year, UTulsa took the bold step to increase access to academic excellence by announcing that the annual undergraduate rate for tuition and required fees will be set at $25,000 beginning in fall 2027. Additionally, new undergraduates will have that rate locked in for at least four years. And once students factor in merit- and need-based financial aid, most will pay even less than the published cost. This move makes The University of Tulsa the most affordable private research university in the nation’s heartland.

U.S. News collected data for the 2027 report before UTulsa made its tuition announcement, signaling that future best value rankings will continue an upward trajectory once the new pricing structure is fully considered.

Tuesday’s rankings news is just the latest of many accolades UTulsa has acquired this year, including:

Named No. 11 in the country for best student experience by the Wall Street Journal
Rated the top university in Oklahoma by WalletHub
Recognized by Money magazine for highest median income for recent grads in Oklahoma

According to Niche.com, students who receive a bachelor’s degree from The University of Tulsa report a median starting salary of $58,279.

“While student experience and post-graduation outcomes will always be our primary focus, these and other rankings confirm that we are a university on the rise. We are on the right track and poised for growth and more significant impact in the near and long term,” said President Stacy Leeds. “Today’s announcement highlights the outstanding achievements of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff and the generosity of donors who provide opportunity at every turn.”