In 2000, 80.6% of all Oklahomans 25 years of age or older were high school graduates; during the same year, 20.3% of adult state residents had obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
The total enrollment for fall 1999 in Oklahoma's public schools stood at 627,032. Of these, 446,719 attended schools from kindergarten through grade eight, and 180,313 attended high school. Minority students made up approximately 34% of the total enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools. Total enrollment was estimated at 625,577 in fall 2000 and is expected to drop to 596,000 by fall 2005. Education is the largest expenditure item in the state budget. Expenditures for public education in 2000/01 were estimated at $625,577. Enrollment in nonpublic schools in fall 2001 was 31,276.
As of fall 2000, there were 203,262 students enrolled in college or graduate school. In the same year Oklahoma had 50 degree-granting institutions. Public higher education institutions include 2 comprehensive institutions, 6 regional campuses, 18 senior and junior colleges, and a professional college. The comprehensive institutions, the University of Oklahoma (Norman) and Oklahoma State University (Stillwater), also offer major graduate-level programs. There are 21 private colleges and universities. Well-known institutions include Oral Roberts University and the University of Tulsa. In 1997, minority students comprised 21.9% of total postsecondary enrollment.