OKLAHOMA — The Regional University System of Oklahoma proudly announces another successful commencement season, celebrating the achievements of its graduating class across its six esteemed universities. As the largest four-year university system in the state, enrolling over 40,000 students across campuses, RUSO continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Oklahoma's workforce by producing graduates equipped with degrees ranging from associate to doctorate levels.
“We are so proud of our Spring 2024 class of graduates. As RUSO continues working to empower individuals and strengthen communities, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing educational opportunities that shape the future of Oklahoma’s workforce,” said Jane McDermott, Chair of the RUSO Board of Regents. “One of the most remarkable aspects of RUSO graduates is their commitment to staying in Oklahoma and contributing to its prosperity. Compared to other four-year institutions, RUSO graduates are more likely to remain in the state post-graduation. An impressive 85% of RUSO graduates are working in Oklahoma five years after graduation, actively contributing to the state's workforce.”
This spring, RUSO universities celebrated a total of 4,973 graduates, underscoring the significant impact RUSO graduates have on the state. Here's a breakdown of the total graduates from each RUSO institution:
• East Central University (ECU): 427 graduates
• Northeastern State University (NSU): 1,072 graduates
• Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU): 225 graduates
• Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SE): 823 graduates, the largest graduating class in the university’s history.
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU): 744 graduates
• University of Central Oklahoma (UCO): 1,682 graduates Together, these numbers represent not just diplomas earned, but also serve as a representation of the potential talent that will drive Oklahoma’s workforce forward.
The impact of RUSO graduates extends beyond numbers, fostering economic growth in the state. RUSO universities play a crucial role in shaping Oklahoma's degreed workforce across a diverse array of fields, including nursing, teaching, optometry, aviation, pharmacy and forensic science.