UCO Welcomes Largest Freshman Class in Nearly a Decade

Sept. 2, 2026

Old North on the UCO campus.

The University of Central Oklahoma recently welcomed the Class of 2030, its largest freshman class in nearly a decade—demonstrating UCO’s commitment to offering an accessible, affordable education while meeting students where they are.

As of Friday, Aug. 28, UCO’s Class of 2030 is comprised of more than 2,000 first-time freshmen, an increase of 4% from fall 2025.

The university has experienced strong growth in first-time freshman enrollment over the past three years, increasing 10% from fall 2023.

More than 96% of the incoming class graduated from an Oklahoma high school, reinforcing Central’s continued success in attracting Oklahoma students and preparing the state’s next generation of professionals and leaders.

“This record-setting class represents the increasing number of students choosing to invest in their future and believe in what is possible at the University of Central Oklahoma,” said UCO President Todd G. Lamb.

“As we welcome the Class of 2030, we are reminded that UCO’s greatest strength is our affordability and our ability to meet students where they are and prepare them to lead and meet critical workforce needs in a rapidly changing world. This momentum reflects the growing confidence in a UCO education and our unwavering commitment to career readiness as students discover their potential and build a future they can be proud of.”

Undergraduate applications for the fall 2027 academic year are now open. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early to maximize scholarship and financial aid opportunities. For more information, visit www.uco.edu/apply.

UCO offers 121 undergraduate, 80 graduate and two doctoral programs to its more than 12,000 students from the main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. UCO also holds dozens of specialized national accreditations for its colleges, schools, departments and programs.

For more information about UCO, visit www.uco.edu.

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Adrienne Nobles

Adrienne Nobles

Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, University of Central Oklahoma

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About University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma is a campus community in motion—leading, innovating and creating transformative learning opportunities that foster success for our students. As Oklahoma’s largest metropolitan university, we provide high-quality, nationally recognized programs that are always evolving and adapting to the needs of our students and the community. This commitment is rooted in our founding in 1890 as the state’s teacher’s college, training those who would educate the next generation of leaders and innovators. We remain dedicated to offering an accessible, affordable education, earning national accolades for social mobility, veterans’ outreach and first-generation student programs.

Guided by the motto “ubi motus est” – which translates to “where movement is” – the university continues to evolve and grow, offering 119 undergraduate and 81 graduate programs to our more than 12,000 students from our main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and facilities throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Our colors were the first adopted of any university in the state, and our Bronze and Blue symbolize our greatest strengths—the illumination of new ideas and the endless expanse of a clear sky above. At UCO, anything is possible.

The university is governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Contact

100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034

405-974-2307

ucomm@uco.edu

www.uco.edu