OBU Marks Fifth Consecutive Year of Enrollment Growth
Oklahoma Baptist University continues its enrollment momentum this fall, marking its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth.
Oklahoma Baptist University continues its enrollment momentum this fall, marking its fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth, driven by double-digit freshman gains and expanding online and graduate programs.
Fall 2026 figures show enrollment reached 1,987 students, marking a 16.7% increase year over year, compared with 1,702 students in fall 2025. The sustained five-year climb reflects gains across all three of the university’s primary enrollment areas: traditional undergraduate, online undergraduate and graduate programs. Final enrollment figures will rise as dual enrollment numbers are added and online and graduate enrollment remains underway throughout the semester.
The university welcomed 575 new undergraduate students this semester. Combined freshman and transfer enrollment rose 8.49% compared to fall 2025, with freshman enrollment alone growing 10.29% year over year.
In-person undergraduate enrollment grew from 1,439 to 1,523 students, a 5.8% increase.
University leadership attributes the continued momentum to renewed campus facilities, investment in academic programs, and new pathways to access an OBU education.
“Continuing enrollment growth over several years testifies to the ongoing momentum we are experiencing at OBU," said OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas. "More and more students are passionate about OBU education because they recognize the value of a faith forward, academically excellent, connected community that prepares them for what is next. This growth does not just happen. Our community and alumni have shared their stories and brought students to Bison Hill. Our faculty and staff have invested their very lives for these students to help them succeed. Families confident in OBU remind us of that sacred trust we hold dear to educate the next generation to live all of life, all for Jesus."
While the university’s traditional undergraduate population remains the foundation of its enrollment, significant expansion in online and graduate education is extending OBU's reach to new populations of students.
The growth in online undergraduate enrollment has been particularly strong, increasing from 90 students in fall 2025 to 243 this year, an increase of 170% this fall.
Graduate programs also continue to expand, with enrollment increasing nearly 28% year over year to 221 students.
“We are seeing growth across multiple areas of the university and that is especially exciting,” said Scott Hannigan, vice president for enrollment strategy. “Our residential undergraduate experience continues to grow, while online and graduate programs are creating new opportunities for OBU to serve students. This momentum is a testament to the exceptional leadership and hard work of our Admissions team, along with so many faculty and staff across the university who invest in recruiting, welcoming and serving our students. Most importantly, this growth means more students are experiencing the transformational education and Christ-centered community found on Bison Hill.”
The continued expansion of online and graduate education, alongside sustained growth in the University's traditional undergraduate population, positions OBU to serve an increasingly broad community of learners while remaining committed to its historic Christian mission.