Oklahoma State University (OSU)

According to one communications major, “OSU is about existing as a huge family across campus,” where students can pursue myriad academic opportunities while proudly rocking the school’s vibrant orange. Overall, “nothing says more about life here than ‘Orange Power.’” The professors at OSU generally earn high marks, with one environmental science major describing them as “engaging [and] interested” educators who “genuinely care about their students’ success.” At a school as large as OSU—roughly 12,300 students—it’s inevitable that some students will feel adrift (“I feel like I’m just a number”), but others underscore professors who “not only take time to invest in each student individually, but also go out of their way to see that you have everything you need to succeed.” The school boasts strong Engineering, Agriculture, and Science departments, and students praise their institution as “a small-town school with an excellent atmosphere [and] big-time research opportunities.” One strategic communications major praises the school’s “strong alumni network,” with an information assurance major adding that the “students and alumni have a great deal of pride in their school.” According to a management information systems major, “Everyone is passionate about the school, and the vision it has.”

Though OSU students are predominantly “Christian, middle class, and white” (one mechanical engineering and technology major suggests, “Wear western boots and you’ll fit in fine”), many are quick to point out that the “typical student at Oklahoma State University can only be defined by personality.” In fact, “a typical OSU student is friendly and greets people on the sidewalk.” As one psychology major puts it, “This school is located in the bible belt, so there are a lot of very religious Christians. However, there are many religious denominations here, and we all get along well.” In a school so large, it might seem intimidating to strike out and make friends, but an accounting major explained, “Everyone is very outgoing and looking for new friends. The best way to fit in is by starting conversations.” In addition to the bevy of students from Oklahoma and Texas, “There’s also a strong international presence on campus,” says a studio art major.

Greek life plays a significant role on campus. As one communication sciences major describes, “Many people are typical sororityand fraternity-affiliated. Therefore if you’re not in one then you don’t feel as comfortable as you would at a different school that isn’t as big.” But even without Greek life, “There’s always something to do on campus. . . . Introvert or extrovert, you won’t be bored or feel out of place,” says an industrial engineering major. Stillwater, Oklahoma, is admittedly a small college town and the verdict is split on whether it offers nightlife “unlike anything else” or if “there isn’t much to do other than go to the bars or parties on the nights/weekends.” Outdoor activities are popular with OSU students, both close to campus and more off the beaten path, “since Stillwater is in a great location to [get to] everything in Oklahoma.” Athletics play a key role on campus with students in a sea of vibrant orange attending football and basketball games to cheer on the OSU Cowboys. Even for those students who aren’t interested in playing Division I sports, “intramural sports are incredibly popular,” and, as one international business major sums up, “Physical activity in general is pretty popular at OSU.”