ORU Named Military Friendly Top 10 School and Top 10 Spouse School for 2026-2027

University earns national recognition for third consecutive year among military-serving institutions

Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 30, 2026-Military Friendly designated Oral Roberts University (ORU) a "Gold-Top 10 School" for the '26-27 academic year, ranking the University #6 in the nation. This marks the third consecutive year ORU has ranked in the Top 10 as a University. ORU also received a "Gold-Top 10 Spouse School" designation for the second consecutive year, continuing the University's commitment to service members, veterans, and their families as they pursue their academic goals.

"At ORU, we are committed to developing whole leaders for the whole world, and that includes those who have served our nation and the family members who serve alongside them," Dr. William M. Wilson, ORU President. "This recognition reflects ORU's dedication to creating a Spirit-empowered environment where military-affiliated students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. We are honored to support these heroes as they pursue their calling and prepare to make a difference in the world."

The two highest scoring categories for ORU were Support & Retention and Admissions & Orientation. ORU maintains a 20% higher retention rate for student veterans and family members than other colleges, offers a 99% Career Outcome rate, and provides consistent, focused connections throughout the academic year.

"We don't say it as a talking point…ORU is truly a special place that offers a Spirit-empowered environment that transforms our students through a whole-person education," said ORU's Veterans Experience Director, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Will Beck. "This environment has a tremendous impact on our student veterans and family members as well. We have integrated our efforts into supporting our veterans and their family members. This sets us apart from other colleges across the country and gives us the opportunity to buck the trend of stagnating and declining enrollments. I am excited to see where we go from here."

Dr. Dean Prentice, U.S. veteran and ORU Dean of the College of Health Sciences, shared, "ORU's commitment to Spirit-empowered education aligns with the values of service, resilience, and faith that resonate deeply with many veterans seeking a transformative academic experience. From my experience as a student and now faculty member, education of the whole person, body, mind, and spirit is a powerful connection for military students."

ORU's Welcome Center, which houses the Veterans Experience Office, is designated as the first point of contact for prospective student veterans. This office provides military-affiliated students with a liaison and advisor to navigate education benefits, ensuring they have full access to information, assistance, and post-graduate guidance.

ORU's Welcome Center, which houses the Veteran's Experience office

ORU offers residential and online courses to our veteran and depend ent community. The University has also signed the Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding, allowing active-duty service members to take online classes using DoD tuition assistance. For more information about ORU's student veteran programs, visit the University's Veteran's Benefits page.

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 17 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor's level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. In 2024, the Carnegie Foundation recognized ORU with a "Leadership for Public Purpose" award, a distinction earned by only 25 universities nationwide. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 176 nations in the last 7 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.