If Oklahoma State University is a public institution, why does it need private financial support?
Like most other “state universities” today, Oklahoma State University receives a small percent of its annual budget directly from the state. Since Oklahoma State University is state-assisted, not state supported, the remainder of its operating revenues comes from other sources such as student fees, federal and state grants and the generosity of OSU donors. State dollars currently provide slightly less than half of OSU’s funding needs. This percentage is shrinking as higher education continues to compete with many other demands on state revenue. With continued tuition increases over the last decade, OSU must be cautious about additional tuition increases that might deny deserving students the chance to receive an OSU education. Since state support is declining relative to the university’s total operating budget and limited increases can be expected in tuition, private gifts are becoming increasingly important to Oklahoma State University. Donors who recognize this increasing need provid
