Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, OK · founded 1890 · 24,000 students · public research university · Big 12 Conference

Known for: A leading land-grant university known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business, as well as its passionate athletic culture and vibrant orange school spirit.

Rankings

U.S. News national: #187
QS World: #701
Times Higher Education: #501
Forbes: #267

Top programmes

Animal Science
Agricultural Economics
Mechanical Engineering
Business Management
Architecture
Veterinary Medicine

Notable alumni

Garth Brooks — Country music superstar
T. Boone Pickens — Businessman and philanthropist
Barry Sanders — NFL Hall of Fame running back
Chelsea Vaughn — Olympic pole vaulter
John R. Campbell — Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria
Meg Gardiner — Bestselling thriller novelist
Michael G. Smith — Nobel Prize-winning chemist

Traditions

Homecoming 'America's Greatest Homecoming' parade and festivities
Ringing the Old Central bell after athletic victories
Waving wheat during the 'Waving Song'
Bedlam rivalry games against the University of Oklahoma

If Oklahoma State University were…

As a food: Calf fries — Distinctly Oklahoman, unpretentious, and an acquired taste that locals swear by—OSU doesn't pretend to be fancy, but if you're willing to embrace what it is, you'll find it surprisingly satisfying and authentically itsel
As an athlete: Barry Sanders — Heisman-winning running back who put Oklahoma State on the national map with humility and jaw-dropping talent—still the school's greatest athletic legend and a perfect embodiment of OSU's workmanlike excellence without t
As a person alive today: Garth Brooks — Country superstar who stayed humble, never forgot his roots, and built a massive following by being genuine and accessible—OSU has that same everyman appeal with surprising reach and a fiercely loyal fanbase.
As a historical figure: Henry Iba — Legendary basketball coach who built a dynasty through discipline, fundamentals, and quiet excellence—OSU's ethos in human form, proving you don't need flash when you have substance and a strong work ethic.
As a movie or TV show: Parks and Recreation — Wholesome, community-focused, full of earnest people who genuinely care about their town and each other. Stillwater is Pawnee with better football—small-town charm, big hearts, and an infectious optimism about what they'
As a US president: Harry S. Truman — Plain-spoken, hardworking Midwesterner who got things done without pretense—both came from modest beginnings, earned respect through competence rather than pedigree, and never apologized for being exactly who they were.
As a city: Fort Worth, Texas — The friendly, unpretentious sibling to a flashier neighbor (Dallas/OU), with deep cowboy and agricultural roots, genuine hospitality, and a strong sense of identity that doesn't need to shout to be heard.
As an element: Copper — Reliable conductor that makes everything else work better, essential to infrastructure, and turns a beautiful orange patina over time—just like OSU's orange pride, land-grant mission, and role as the steady, dependable b
As a car: 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie — Oklahoma State brings heartland truck loyalty—orange-blooded Cowboys spirit, ag-school roots with modern comfort upgrades, Stillwater-friendly without Dallas pretense, and the kind of authentic Big 12 grit that Boone Pic

Campus life

Life at OSU is defined by strong school spirit, a welcoming community, and a classic college town atmosphere in Stillwater. Greek life is prominent, and football game days are massive, campus-wide events. There is a wide array of student organizations, and the university fosters a family-like environment.