18 Straight Years of Enrollment Growth and Unprecedented Campus Expansion: ORU's Historic 2026

An expanding student body, growing global reach, and transformed campus reflect ORU's continued commitment to developing Whole Leaders for the Whole World.

Tulsa, Oklahoma, September 21, 2026-For the 18th consecutive year, Oral Roberts University's (ORU) enrollment increased, with the 2026 Fall Census reporting a total of 6,504 students. This follows ORU's 2025 Fall semester enrollment success, when the headcount reached 6,213 students. The milestone extends a period of sustained growth across ORU's undergraduate, graduate, online, ORU Flex (virtual classes), and dual-enrollment programs and is expected to continue as graduate and online students complete registration after the census date.

The incoming class includes 1,250 first-year students, a 4% increase from last fall, with international students representing 26% of the student body, alongside students from all 50 states. Since 2019, students from 182 nations have attended ORU, with 6 new nations represented this fall.

"This year's enrollment growth reflects the trust students and families continue to place in ORU," said Alison Vujnovic, Vice President of Enrollment Management. "This incoming class is stepping into a remarkable moment in the University's history. They are joining our largest full-time freshman class at a time when ORU is investing significantly in the student experience and creating new opportunities for them to learn, worship, and lead. But beyond the numbers, what excites us the most is who these students are. There's something really special about this class. Each one brings unique gifts, a unique story, and a unique God-given calling. We are honored they have chosen ORU, and we cannot wait to see how God uses their time here to prepare them for their bold future."

Historic Campus Expansion

As more students are drawn to ORU, the University has invested in the spaces where students live, learn, worship, collaborate, and build lifelong relationships. Along with 18 years of consecutive enrollment growth, ORU has opened multiple new buildings and completed significant renovations during the last decade. All of these improvements have been completed debt-free and without tuition dollars.

As part of ORU's Whole Leaders for the Whole World (WLWW) Campaign, future campus expansion includes:

• the International Commons: Green Space, Water Feature, & Amphitheater,
• the Science & Cancer Research Center, and
• the ORU Innovation Center: Home of the Institute for Emerging Technologies.

From its campus in Tulsa to communities across 182 nations, ORU's 18-year growth story remains rooted in one enduring mission: preparing more students to become Whole Leaders for the Whole World.

These historic enrollment numbers occurred during a time of unprecedented campus expansion at ORU, including:

• the new Daystar Dining Hall,
• two new residence halls,
• two renovated dorms,
• a complete renovation of Christ's Chapel, and
• the David and Barbara Green Centre for Global Leadership.

The Summer campus transformation, which exceeded $82 million, was completed in just over 100 days, and welcomed the Class of 2030, ORU's largest full-time freshman class in the University's history.

Nationally Ranked, Globally Recognized

ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 18 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 182 nations in the last 7 years to be whole leaders for the whole world.