The premier Pentecostal and charismatic Christian university — Spirit-filled culture, daily chapel, prayer emphasis, and genuinely Christian community. Academically improving. Best for students from charismatic and Pentecostal traditions.
ORU's campus culture is distinctively charismatic. Chapel services occur multiple times per week and feature worship, prayer, and often expression of the gifts of the Spirit. Prayer is embedded in academic and campus life in ways that would surprise students from non-charismatic backgrounds. Students are expected to participate in this culture — it is not optional for those who enroll.
This makes ORU an exceptional fit for students from Pentecostal and charismatic backgrounds who want to be formed in an environment that shares their theological commitments. It makes ORU a poor fit for students from Reformed or cessationist traditions who reject the continuation of the sign gifts.
ORU's academics have improved substantially in recent years. It gained national attention through its basketball team's Sweet 16 NCAA tournament run. It offers strong programs in business, nursing, communication, and education. Academic selectivity is lower than Wheaton or Notre Dame, but improving.
At approximately $28,000/year, ORU is among the more affordable Christian universities with a national profile. For Pentecostal and charismatic students who want a Spirit-filled campus culture, it is the clear first choice.
Learn more at Oral Roberts University.
The label "Christian college" spans an enormous range. Key indicators of genuine Christian institutional identity: a binding doctrinal statement that faculty must affirm, required chapel attendance, lifestyle standards consistent with Christian ethics, and faith integrated across all academic disciplines — not just theology departments. Score: 86/100 Spiritually Safe.
Visit the campus and attend chapel before enrolling — talk to current students about whether their faith strengthened or weakened there. See our Best Christian Colleges hub. The CCCU maintains a directory of genuinely Christian institutions. US News provides academic quality context.