SOSU is known for having a diverse student body due to its location, with 28% of students identifying as being of Native American descent. It's also ranked seventh in the U.S. for graduating Native American students. SOSU offers programs in Native American studies, such as an online bachelor's degree with a minor in Native studies, that can help students develop an understanding of this culture and its people. SOSU notes that this program may be ideal for students who wish to work with this unique and historical population. Additionally, SOSU offers over 70 diversity-related organizations for students to join.
Other distinguishing features of SOSU include the following:
The school's Edmon Low Library is one of the top 100 academic research libraries in the U.S.
SOSU has the largest comprehensive university student union
In Oklahoma, SOSU became the first Truman Honor Institution due to the school's strong advocacy for public service careers and its Truman Scholarship applicants/recipients