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USAO ranked in Top 20 of U.S. News Top Public Schools - National Liberal Arts Colleges for third consecutive year

September 24, 2024
The U.S. News rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality, with an increased emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating students.
The U.S. News rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality, with an increased emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating students.

For the third consecutive year, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma has been ranked in the top 20 of top public schools - national liberal arts colleges in the 2025 edition of the U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges ranking.

The National Liberal Arts Colleges category comprises of institutions that emphasize undergraduate education, awarding at least half of their degrees in liberal arts fields. Alongside USAO, this category includes highly respected schools such as the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. Like these top-tier institutions, USAO fosters an inclusive environment with small classes, award-winning faculty and undergraduate research opportunities, giving students a well-rounded educational experience.

“Our interdisciplinary focus on the traditional arts and sciences, paired with innovative teaching methods, sets us apart from other institutions,” said President Kayla Hale. “To be recognized in the top 20 for three years in a row truly shows the dedication of our faculty and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful future.”

The U.S. News rankings evaluate nearly 1,500 national colleges and universities on up to 17 measures of academic quality, with an increased emphasis on social mobility and outcomes for graduating students. The rankings reflect USAO’s commitment to providing a quality education grounded in the liberal arts, helping students achieve success both in college and beyond.

“For 40 years, Best Colleges has continued to evolve as a trusted companion to prospective students and their families during the decision-making process,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for education at U.S. News. “The rankings and editorial content offer crucial data as well as college advice and informed reporting to all who seek a college education.”

U.S. News publishes its Best Colleges rankings annually to help prospective students and their families compare the strengths of various institutions. The rankings provide insights into academic quality, including graduation rates, post-graduation earnings and student indebtedness. Notably, the 2025 edition reflects changes in methodology, such as a greater focus on student outcomes, including first-generation student graduation rates and retention rates, while placing less weight on factors like alumni giving and class size.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders, and policy officials to make informed decisions. The company provides independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice, and live events through its platforms on Education, Health, Money, Travel, and more. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.