OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) — The University of Oklahoma Health Campus has broken into the nation’s Top 100 for National Institutes of Health funding for the first time, marking a record high for both the university and the state, according to new Blue Ridge Institute rankings.
The jump caps a three‑year rise of 31 spots as OU increased NIH funding nearly 35%, from $60 million in FFY 2022 to $80.9 million in FFY 2025. Leaders said the growth reflects expanding research capacity across priority areas including cancer, neurosciences, infectious diseases, diabetes and geroscience.
“As the largest research engine in the state and the leading recipient of NIH funding in Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma carries a profound responsibility,” OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said in an announcement. “This record level of support reflects the strength of our research community and our unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes, accelerating the search for cures and deepening scientific understanding. Most importantly, it reflects our dedication to serving the people of Oklahoma and changing lives for generations to come.”
OU aims to reach the Top 75 in NIH funding by 2030 under its “Lead On, University: The Next Phase” strategic plan. The FY2025 results show movement toward that target. The OU College of Medicine reported $72.2 million in NIH funding — a record — placing it 65th among 145 medical schools. Twelve departments earned national rankings, including Family Medicine at No. 2.
The university also cited major awards supporting infectious disease research, healthy aging initiatives and the expansion of the Stephenson Cancer Center’s CURE undergraduate research program.
The ranking places OU among the top 3.6% of the 2,702 institutions nationwide receiving NIH support.
