OU’s incoming class of 2029 is the largest first-year class in state history with 6,251 students, breaking the university’s enrollment record for the fifth-consecutive year.
According to a Monday press release, of the 6,251, 26% are first-generation and 117 are Oklahoma State Regents’ Scholars. Compared to the 5,615 first-year students in the class of 2028, enrollment has increased by 11%, rising more than 30% in three years.
According to the release, the incoming class has an average 3.64 GPA, with 711 students earning a 4.0 high school GPA of 4.0 and 330 students ranking first in their high school graduating class. There was also a 1.5% increase in Oklahoma’s Promise recipients, with 770 first-year students qualifying for the program.
“The Class of 2029 symbolizes the unmatched value of an OU education that is rapidly drawing students and families from across Oklahoma and beyond,” OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. wrote in the release. “We are excited to champion another outstanding freshman class as they begin the life-changing journey that comes with earning an OU education.”
OU made several investments to accommodate growing class sizes, including the opening of McCasland Hall, a new residence hall for first-year students, with a second new residence hall set to open in fall 2026.
“This historic freshman class marks more than just a record; it’s a powerful signal of OU’s momentum and the bright future we’re building together,” Jeff Blahnik, vice president for Enrollment Management and chief enrollment officer, wrote in the release. “As we welcome the class, we’re energized by the potential they bring and the success they’ll achieve both inside and outside the classroom.”
This story was edited by Natalie Armour and Thomas Pablo.
