OSU hits record high full-time and online enrollment

System enrollment again tops 37,000 students as in-state and Native American enrollment show historic strength

(STILLWATER, Okla., Aug. 21, 2026) — Oklahoma State University is welcoming 37,411 students across the OSU System this fall, thanks to all-time highs in full-time student, online, and Native American enrollment and the university’s strongest Oklahoma resident enrollment in over four decades.

As students return to the system’s five campuses statewide for another academic year, OSU has reached a record of 23,233 full-time students, with online enrollment climbing to a record 3,289 students.

In-state enrollment stands at 17,999, its highest level since 1984, underscoring OSU’s continued commitment to serving students across all 77 counties.

OSU President Jim Hess said the university remains focused on creating an environment where students can thrive academically, professionally and personally.

“Students are the reason we’re here, and everything we do must begin with how we can better serve them,” Dr. Hess said. “These enrollment numbers tell an important story about Oklahoma State University. More Oklahoma students are choosing OSU, and more students are finding a path to us in ways that fit their lives, including online.

“That is our land-grant mission in action: meeting people where they are, opening doors to opportunity and providing an educational experience that helps students succeed while strengthening the communities and state we are proud to serve.”

Building on the momentum of The Code Calls — a transformative branding and fundraising campaign launched last fall that is now halfway toward its $2 billion goal — the OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved a new strategic plan for OSU in June.

Hess said the new plan includes the entire OSU System and marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the institution.

The plan — “Answering the Call: A Strategic Vision for The State’s University” — prioritizes transforming the student experience, expanding life-changing educational opportunities and strengthening OSU’s service to Oklahoma.

Karen Chen, vice president of enrollment management, said the latest enrollment figures reflect the university’s continued focus on making students feel supported from the moment they consider OSU through their time on each campus.

“Students are at the center of everything we do at Oklahoma State, and these enrollment figures reflect the confidence students and families have in the experience we provide,” Chen said. “Our goal is not simply to welcome students to OSU, but to make sure they have the support, opportunities and sense of belonging they need to succeed. That is the strength of the Cowboy family, whether you’re in Stillwater, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee or online.”

OSU is also welcoming 4,712 freshmen this fall, marking the third-largest freshman class in university history.

Native American enrollment has reached an all-time high of 3,657 students, another milestone for a university with a longstanding commitment to serving tribal populations and expanding access to higher education.

As a leader in workforce development, OSU’s online degree paths enable students to become credentialed in the skills they need for Oklahoma’s in-demand jobs. This rise in online enrollment shows the university’s commitment to helping students and industry partners power Oklahoma.

Altogether, the 2026-27 enrollment figures reflect the breadth of OSU’s student body and continued demand for educational opportunities systemwide — showing that no matter which program, department, college or campus a student chooses, they can continue their journey toward success at The State’s University.

BY THE NUMBERS: OSU ENROLLMENT 2026

• 37,411 — OSU System enrollment
• 23,233 — Full-time enrollment, an all-time high
• 3,289 — Online enrollment, an all-time high
• 17,999 — Oklahoma resident enrollment, the highest since 1984
• 4,712 — Freshmen, the third-largest freshman class in OSU history
• 3,657 — Native American students, an all-time high

 

Oklahoma State University is a premier land-grant university that prepares students for success. Through teaching, research and Extension, OSU engages communities and empowers servant-leaders to meet society’s most pressing challenges. OSU is the largest university system in Oklahoma and has more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 27,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 300,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.