Oklahoma City University (OCU) is a private, United Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Founded in 1904, OCU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including business, law, nursing, and the arts. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of attending Oklahoma City University.
Pros:
- Academic excellence: OCU is known for its strong academic programs, particularly in the arts. The university is home to several highly regarded programs, including the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, the School of Theatre, and the School of Dance. In addition, OCU offers a variety of other undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, nursing, education, and law.
- Small class sizes: One of the advantages of attending a small, private university like OCU is the small class sizes. With an average class size of 17 students, OCU offers students the opportunity to receive individualized attention from their professors and to develop close relationships with their peers.
- Personalized attention: OCU is committed to providing its students with personalized attention and support. The university offers a variety of resources and services to help students succeed academically and personally, including academic advising, tutoring, counseling, and career services.
- Location: Oklahoma City is a vibrant and growing city with a lot to offer. As the capital of Oklahoma, it is home to a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and music venues. In addition, Oklahoma City is located in the heart of the state and is easily accessible to other cities in the region, such as Tulsa and Dallas.
- Student life: OCU offers a variety of opportunities for students to get involved on campus and to connect with their peers. The university has over 70 student organizations, including clubs for sports, arts, academics, and social justice issues. In addition, OCU has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the NCAA Division II.
- Financial aid: OCU is committed to making a college education affordable for its students. The university offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Cons:
- Cost: One of the biggest drawbacks of attending a private university like OCU is the cost. Tuition and fees can be significantly higher than at public universities, and students may need to take on more debt to finance their education.
- Limited course offerings: While OCU offers a variety of strong programs in the arts and other fields, the university may not offer as many course options as larger universities. This can make it challenging for students to find the courses they need to fulfill their requirements or to explore their interests.
- Limited diversity: OCU has a relatively homogenous student body, with a majority of students identifying as white and from Oklahoma. This may limit opportunities for students to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and to learn from different perspectives.
- Limited research opportunities: While OCU offers opportunities for students to conduct research, the university may not have the same level of resources as larger research universities. This can make it challenging for students who are interested in pursuing research or graduate studies.
- Limited campus size: OCU is a relatively small campus, which may limit opportunities for students to explore and discover new areas of interest. In addition, the campus may feel cramped or crowded at times, particularly during peak periods.
In conclusion, Oklahoma City University is a private liberal arts university that offers many benefits to its students, including academic excellence, small class sizes, personalized attention, location, student life, and financial aid. However, it also has some drawbacks, including cost, limited course offerings, limited diversity, limited research opportunities, and limited campus size. Ultimately, the decision to attend Oklahoma City University (OCU) should be based on a careful consideration of these factors and an assessment of whether the college is the right fit for your personal and academic goals.