Tulsa, Okla. – September 22, 2026 -- The University of Tulsa has landed a spot among the Top 75 private research universities in the country, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday. The publication also named UTulsa the No. 1 best value for higher education in Oklahoma.
The school jumped 10 places in the overall national university rankings this year. Its undergraduate computer science program leaped 57 spots, while undergraduate engineering rose 16 places and undergraduate business climbed 26 spots. UTulsa also moved up eight positions among the best colleges for veterans.
Petroleum engineering holds steady at No. 3 nationally
UTulsa's undergraduate petroleum engineering program kept its No. 3 ranking among all national universities and remains No. 1 in Oklahoma.
A $25,000 tuition rate arrives in fall 2027
Earlier this year, UTulsa announced that annual undergraduate tuition and required fees will be capped at $25,000 starting in fall 2027, with new students locking in that rate for at least four years. Once merit- and need-based aid is factored in, most students will pay less than that published figure. The university says the move makes it the most affordable private research university in the nation's heartland.
U.S. News gathered its ranking data before UTulsa's tuition announcement, meaning the new pricing has not yet been reflected in the best-value rankings.
Other 2026 accolades add to the momentum
The Wall Street Journal ranked UTulsa No. 11 nationally for best student experience. WalletHub rated it the top university in Oklahoma, and Money magazine recognized the school for producing graduates with the state's highest median income. Niche.com reports that UTulsa bachelor's degree recipients have a median starting salary of $58,279.
"While student experience and post-graduation outcomes will always be our primary focus, these and other rankings confirm that we are a university on the rise,