Skip Navigation

OU Ranked Top University Employer in Oklahoma by Forbes

NEWS
Photo of Evans Hall.
Photo by Travis Caperton.

OU Ranked Top University Employer in Oklahoma by Forbes


By

Jacob Guthrie
ounews@ou.edu

Date

Aug. 25, 2025

NORMAN, OKLA. – The University of Oklahoma is the No. 1 university to work for in the state of Oklahoma, according to Forbes.

This year, OU’s overall ranking climbed six spots to No.6 in the magazine’s annual list of Best Employers by State, which recognizes employers with at least 500 employees.

“Being recognized as one of the top employers in the state is an incredible honor,” said Dorothy Anderson, vice president and chief human resources officer. “At OU, we pride ourselves on creating an environment where not only our students, but also our employees, can thrive. This recognition reflects the supportive culture and strong sense of community that make our university such a rewarding place to build a career.”

For four consecutive years, the university has offered a merit-based raise program to eligible employees, helping OU to recruit and retain top faculty and staff. This dedication to rewarding excellence is complemented by a comprehensive package of benefits including, paid parental leave, an expansion of paid holidays, employee and dependent educational benefits, career development opportunities, wellness programs and employee discounts.

The acknowledgment is measured through an independent survey of 160,000 U.S. employees  and considers every aspect of the employee experience.

To compile the rankings, Forbes partnered with Statista, an online statistics provider, to conduct an independent voluntary survey. Participants were asked how likely they were to recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their workplace based on working conditions, salary and advancement opportunities. The participants also evaluated their previous employers and other organizations they were aware of within their industry or through family or friends who work there.

The complete Best Employers by State 2025 list is available on the Forbes website.

To learn more about career at the University of Oklahoma and to view current job openings, visit jobs.ou.edu.

About the University of Oklahoma

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.


Recent News

Research
April 29, 2026

The Lancet Paper Calls for Earlier Diagnosis as Leprosy Persists Globally

Although often considered a disease of the past, leprosy remains a global health issue, causing preventable disability due to delayed diagnosis and gaps in care. In a paper published in The Lancet, a professor of infectious diseases from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine calls for stronger awareness, earlier detection and improved long-term management.


Campus & Community
April 27, 2026

175 OU Students Present Research at 38th Annual Undergraduate Research Day

The University of Oklahoma Honors College hosted its 38th annual Undergraduate Research Day on April 16 in the Thurman J. White Forum Building. Over 300 people attended, and 175 students presented their posters and projects to visitors, faculty members, judges and peers.


Impact
April 24, 2026

Where Practice Meets Leadership: OU and CCOSA Introduce Collaborative Ed.D.

The Collaborative Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership offers emerging leaders across Oklahoma’s PK–12 public education system a doctoral experience designed to be as relevant as it is rigorous.