The average four-year private university costs more per year than what a typical ORU at The LEAD Church student will pay over four undergraduate years. A course location allows students to receive a quality, private education for a state school price. Find out more by attending one of our onsite Interest Days or emailing oru@the.leadchurch
What is the general timeline for upcoming ORU at The LEAD Church events?
February 22, 2025 Interest Day 11am-12pm - SIGN UP
March 1, 2025: Regular Decision Application Deadline (Decision by April 1st)
July 1, 2025: Late Decision Deadline Application
July 2025: Orientation for 2025 Cohort
August 2025: Welcome Week and Start of Class
Can students receive an accredited degree?
Yes. Oral Roberts University, in a collaborative agreement with The LEAD Church, hosts an instructional site on the church campus and offers students affordable, regionally-accredited degree programs. ORU is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), one of the top accrediting organizations in the country.
Why is The LEAD Church partnering with Oral Roberts University to offer this degree program?
There are a host of reasons that make ORU a fantastic educational partner. ORU provides a spiritual and historical pillar for a biblically based worldview, spirit empowered higher education institution; The LEAD Church provides the strength of the local church. ORU also places an institutional emphasis on retention, graduation, and placement of students, with:
Why choose ORU at The LEAD Church compared to another nationally recognized university or regional college?
Students are essentially receiving a quality education from ORU at an affordable price with personal coaching, career counseling and spiritual family that you will not experience in many places!
Important notes include:
What kind of emphasis is placed on academics at ORU at The LEAD Church?
Along with a significant ministry practicum, leadership focus, and lifestyle expectations, the academic load at ORU at The LEAD Church is rigorous. We believe in all our students being lifelong learners.
What’s the “student type” at ORU at The LEAD Church?
ORU at The LEAD Church primarily has students that are incoming freshmen with less than 15 credits towards college but certainly welcomes other students. Other students will include: students that already have AP or dual credits, and other college transfers.
How do I apply to ORU at The LEAD Church?
Our ORU at The LEAD Church -specific application is live year-round. Keep in mind, applicants have to be admitted to Oral Roberts University to attend. Please carefully read our instructions, which can be found on the interest form.
Please follow the ORU Admission Process to ensure you submit the proper ORU online application.
What are the minimum test score(s) for admissions into ORU at The LEAD Church?
Although every applicant is different and circumstances vary based on the applicant pool, a general baseline for successful applicants will be an ACT score of 20 or higher and an SAT score of 1020 or higher (math and critical reading only). Other baselines to keep in mind include the top 40% of high school class or at least a 2.6 GPA.
Can AP credits or dual credit programs be used in conjunction with ORU at The LEAD Church?
We welcome students with college credits, and will work with ORU to create degree plans that prioritize the student!
ORU also offers an incredible Advantage program (dual credit program) that high school students are encouraged to pursue: https://oru.edu/admissions/advantage/index.php
How does transferring into ORU at The LEAD Church work?
It is important to note that no school, whether ORU or otherwise, has to accept another institution’s credits. However, ORU does a phenomenal job - with the help of admissions and enrollment specialists - to accommodate students’ unique situations.
Please initially refer to ORU’s transfer information page, here: https://oru.edu/current-students/my-enrollment/registrar/transfer-info/
What if I go to ORU at The LEAD Church for a year or two and then wish to transfer?
Generally, most ORU courses should transfer to another institution as long as the grade is a C or higher because they are college-level courses. Exactly how they transfer to another institution is based on that institution’s transfer guidelines.
In terms of how they may transfer into other ORU programs and many other institutions, ORU has structured Years 1-2 to have approximately 18 credit hours of Theology & Ministry courses (out of approximately 60 credit hours). If a student changes to an (online) ORU major, becomes an ORU Tulsa residentially-based student, or transfers to another institution, the 18 hours of “ministry” courses will typically satisfy general elective requirements. All of the remaining Years 1-2 courses should satisfy general education requirements in any of ORU’s online programs and many other institutions. *It is the responsibility of the student to verify with other institutions how potential courses may transfer.
What will be the cost of ORU at The LEAD Church?
ORU tuition and fees will be approximately 10k/year at the instructional site. A Tulsa-based ORU student can expect to pay approximately 30k in tuition alone so ORU at The LEAD Church students are receiving an incredible discount for the equivalent degree upon graduation.
How do I apply for FAFSA with ORU at The LEAD Church?
When applying for FAFSA, please use ORU’s code: 003985.
For any more help with FAFSA, please reach out directly to ORU at The Lead Church staff: oru@thelead.church
Where will ORU at The LEAD Church classes take place?
ORU at The LEAD Church will be a blended learning environment on campus at our (LEAD Church) campus as well as online.
Who will make up the faculty at ORU at The LEAD Church?
ORU (adjunct) instructors at The LEAD Church instructional site will be both The LEAD Church Church staff and non-ORU at The LEAD Church staff. Instructors will have a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field of study, carry the heart and culture of ORU, and be great teachers.
Is there housing provided for students?
At this time, there are no on-campus housing options at The LEAD Church.
What does student life look like at ORU at The LEAD Church?
Just like our church at large, ORU at The LEAD Church places an emphasis on spiritual family! Our student life events, intramurals, small groups, trips, and practicum all provide an environment in which every student can thrive.
What help is available if a student has spiritual needs or concerns?
Outside of the academic faculty and staff resources available through ORU at The LEAD Church, students will have access to their pastoral staff and as the needs arise.