Oral Roberts University (ORU)

A private Christian college in Tulsa, Oral Roberts University is "a spirit-empowered university educating the whole person." With a focus on "Christian lifestyles, healthy living, and challenging academics," ORU offers students an "atmosphere that encourages world changers" by "experiencing growth and transformation in the spirit, mind, and body." The strong academic curriculum is paired with a focus on religious teachings, creating what students describe as "a place where students can grow spiritually, academically, physically, and professionally in order to become a light for God in any career." With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, professors are "involved with their students and willing to help even when it does not pertain to school." They are "easily reachable outside of class," and "they are understanding and encourage you to learn." Students prize "consistency between the disciplines regarding the world-view," as well as the hands-on experience their classes offer: "My professor got my class the opportunity to present to a former COO and franchisee of McDonald. because of our work in that presentation we had the potential to be the campaign in McDonalds 2017 super bowl commercial."

Undergrad report that most Oral Roberts students identify as Christian, and the "vast majority [are] involved in some sort of Christian ministry because it is a nondenominational university." Students say their peers are "the kind who are ambitious about life goals," "full of energy," and "striving to be leaders in their field of study." These "highly motivated" students are committed to "giving back to the community and the world as a whole." ORU students also describe their peers as "the friendliest students, who genuinely are driven to do God's work in whatever area of study they are focused in." "Any time I see someone I don't know I always introduce myself!" one student explains. Students seem unified by their shared religious devotion, and when "students challenge one another in academics, spiritual life, and in daily activities," students believe their peers "push me towards my goals and keeping me grounded in my identity."

Oral Roberts offers "fifteen different local community outreaches that occur throughout the week" as well as "school communal prayer services throughout the weekdays." For more impromptu fun, students can check out the "Hammer Student Center where they can watch television, play video games or board games, play pool or ping pong, or enjoy food from Moe's or a beverage from Jazzman's Cafe." Between commitments with "clubs, volunteer opportunities, outreach groups, [and] internships" students "spend a lot of time talking and hanging out on and off campus. We grab things to eat, go to movies, go to local coffee houses, and visit downtown." ORU's dry campus culture is largely embraced by the student body: "Most, if not all, of the students on campus aren't...drinkers."