Points of Pride
OLLU's groundbreaking achievements and innovations:
- OLLU's Master of Social Work program ranks sixth in Texas and among the top 95 in the U.S. (U.S News and World Report, 2024 Best Graduate Schools).
- OLLU ranks among the top universities in the nation for the social mobility of its graduates. OLLU is ranked No. 11 in Texas and No. 61 in the nation. (U.S. News and World Report, 2024 Best Colleges)
- OLLU ranks sixth in Texas and 37 in the nation for economic diversity among National Universities (U.S. News and World Report, 2024 Best Colleges)
- OLLU's Master of Science in Cybersecurity is ranked among the nation's top 100 online master's programs in Computer Information Technology. (U.S. News and World Report, 2023 Best Colleges)
- OLLU's Master of Science of Psychology has been ranked among the top programs in the nation and the top 20 programs among Texas universities. (U.S. News and World Report, 2023 Best Colleges)
- OLLU ranks among the top 24 universities in the nation and the top five in Texas for economic diversity. (U.S. News and World Report, 2023 Best Colleges)
- OLLU has been ranked as a Top 100 Producer of Graduate Degrees among minorities by
Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine. Rankings for specific programs include:
#1 - Doctoral in Business Administration, Management and Operations (Leadership Studies) - Hispanic Graduates
#2 - Doctoral Psychology - Hispanic Graduates
#3 - Doctoral Psychology - Total Minority
#8 - Doctoral in Business Administration, Management and Operations (Leadership Studies) - Total Minority
#10 - Communication Sciences and Disorders - Hispanic Graduates
#12 - Doctoral in Business Administration, Management and Operations (Leadership Studies) - All Races
#12 - Doctoral Psychology - All Races
#14 - Master's in Public Administration and Social Services Professions (Social Work) - Hispanic
#15 - Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders - Total Minority
#17 - Doctoral in Business Administration, Management and Operations (Leadership Studies) - African American Graduates
#24 - Master's in Public Administration and Social Services Professions (Social Work) - Total Minority
#26 - Bachelor's in Communication Sciences and Disorders - Hispanic Graduates
#29 - Doctoral in Public Administration and Social Services Professions (Social Work) - Total Minority
- Graduates of OLLU's Master of Science in Accounting program had a 100% pass rate for students who tested for any subject area of the CPA exam (February 2022).
- OLLU's Master of Social Work program ranks seventh in Texas and among the top 116 in the U.S. (U.S News and World Report, 2022 Best Graduate Schools).
- OLLU's Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders ranks among the top 12 in Texas (U.S News and World Report, 2022 Best Graduate Schools).
- OLLU is among the top 90 universities nationally for awarding master's degrees to Hispanic students. (The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine 2022).
- Among National Universities, OLLU ranks seventh in Texas and 47th nationally for the social mobility of its graduates (U.S News and World Report, 2022 Best Colleges).
- OLLU ranks second in Texas and eighth nationally for economic diversity among National Universities (U.S News and World Report, 2022 Best Colleges).
- OLLU has the highest percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students among San Antonio universities and is fifth in Texas. (U.S. News and World Report, 2022 Best Colleges).
- OLLU has been ranked as a Top 100 Producer of Graduate Degrees among minorities by
Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine. Rankings for specific programs include:
#1 - Doctoral Psychology - Hispanic Graduates
#1 - Doctoral in Leadership - Hispanic Graduates
#8 - Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders - Hispanic Graduates
#9 - Master's in Social Work - African American Graduates
#11 - Master's in Social Work - Hispanic Graduates
#12 - Doctoral in Leadership - African American Graduates
#14 - Master's in Management - Hispanic Graduates
#16 - Master's in Social Work - Native American Graduates
#35 - Master's in Psychology - Hispanic Graduates - OLLU boasts the nation's largest percentage of Hispanic degree-seeking undergraduates among private universities - 78 percent. It ranks No. 5 among all universities and No. 1 among San Antonio universities (U.S. News and World Report, 2022 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is among the top 100 universities in the nation for granting master's degrees to Hispanics and among the top 14 in Texas. (The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine fall 2021).
- OLLU ranks second in Texas and 12th nationally for economic diversity among National Universities (U.S News and World Report, 2021 Best Colleges).
- Among National Universities, OLLU ranks seventh in Texas and 54th nationally for the social mobility of its graduates (U.S News and World Report, 2021 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is among the top 100 universities in the nation for awarding master's degrees to Hispanics and among the top 15 in Texas (Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine, fall 2020 edition).
- OLLU's Master of Social Work program ranks seventh in Texas and among the top 150 in the U.S. (U.S News and World Report, 2021 Best Graduate Schools).
- OLLU's Master of Arts in Communication Sciences and Disorders ranks among the top 13 in Texas (U.S News and World Report, 2021 Best Graduate Schools).
- OLLU attracts the largest percentage of Hispanic undergraduates of any private university in the nation, and is fourth among universities overall -- public or private (U.S News and World Report, 2020 Best Colleges).
- OLLU ranks No. 49 nationally for the social mobility of its graduates (U.S. News and World Report, 2020 Best Colleges).
- OLLU was elevated to the national category by U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News and World Report, 2020 Best Colleges). It moved up from Tier 1 of Regional Universities - West (U.S. News and World Report, 2019 Best Colleges) due to the growth of OLLU's doctoral programs.
- OLLU is ranked second among San Antonio universities for alumni giving rate, and 76th nationally (U.S. News and World Report, 2020 Best Colleges).
- OLLU ranks No. 19 of the 2019 Best Online Colleges for School Counseling Degrees for MEd School Counseling Program (SR Education Group - GuidetoOnlineSchools.com, 2018).
- OLLU is among the top 60 universities in the nation for granting master's degrees to Hispanics, and among the top 11 in Texas (The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine fall 2018).
- OLLU is among the top 70 regional universities in the West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2019 Best Colleges).
- OLLU ranks 10th for economic diversity among Regional Universities – West, and second among Texas universities in this group. (U.S. News and World Report, 2019 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is 35th for awarding need-based aid among Regional Universities – West, and 10th among Texas universities in this group. (U.S. News and World Report, 2019 Best Colleges).
- OLLU ranks 36th for ethnic diversity among Regional Universities – West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2019 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is second among San Antonio universities for alumni giving rate, and eight for Regional Universities – West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2019 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is ranked No. 6 of the 2018 Best Online Colleges. (Affordable Colleges Online, 2018 Best Online Colleges in Texas).
- OLLU ranks as the No. 6 Best Online College in Texas for 2017-2018. (AffordableCollegesOnline.org, November 2017).
- OLLU is among the top 90 regional universities in the West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2018 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is second among San Antonio universities for alumni giving rate, and among the top five for Regional Universities – West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2018 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is fourth in Texas among private Regional universities for the least amount of debt for graduates. (U.S. News and World Report, 2018 Best Colleges).
- OLLU ranks 15th for economic diversity among Regional Universities – West, and fourth among Texas universities in this group. (U.S. News and World Report, 2018 Best Colleges).
- OLLU is 40th for awarding need-based aid among Regional Universities – West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2018 Best Colleges).
- OLLU has the highest proportion of classes with fewer than 20 students among San Antonio universities and is 33 among Regional Universities – West. (U.S. News and World Report, 2018 Best Colleges).
- OLLU's Master of Social Work program was ranked as a "Best Social Work Program" by U.S. News and World Report in the Best Grad Schools section (2016).
- OLLU students who tested during the April-June 2016 cycle of the CPA exam passed at a rate of 50 percent--higher than the national average of 42 percent.
- OLLU ranks No. 26 of College Choice's 50 Best Colleges in Texas (September 2016).
- OLLU's online Master of Science in Accounting degree ranks No. 22 on College Choice's Top 50 Online Accounting Degrees (September 2016).
- OLLU has been ranked among the top 80 universities in the Western United States by U.S. News and World Report. OLLU is number 76 among Regional Universities – West (U.S. News and World Report, 2017 Best Colleges, September 2016).
- Among area private universities, OLLU students graduate with the least amount of average debt according to U.S. News and World Report rankings. In addition, OLLU is number 38 in the West for providing need-based aid to students (U.S. News and World Report, 2017 Best Colleges, September 2016).
- OLLU is ranked as the local university offering the highest percentage of classes with less than 20 students (U.S. News and World Report, 2017 Best Colleges, September 2016).
- OLLU is tops among local universities and number 10 in the West for economic diversity, and number 33 in the West for campus ethnic diversity (U.S. News and World Report, 2017 Best Colleges, September 2016).
- OLLU's alumni giving rate is at 14 percent – second only to Trinity University in San Antonio, which is at 15 percent (U.S. News and World Report, 2017 Best Colleges, September 2016).
- OLLU's online Master of Education in School Counseling degree is ranked No. 11 among best online Master's in School Counseling Programs (BestColleges.com, 2016).
- OLLU's online Master of Science in Nonprofit Management degree is ranked No. 36 in the Top 50 online Nonprofit Management degree programs (Top Management Degrees, 2016).
- OLLU was named to the 2015 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
- OLLU's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program won award for Outstanding Commitment to Excellence and Innovation in Distance Learning by a 4-Year Higher Education Organization, presented by the Texas Distance Learning Association (April 2015).
- OLLU is ranked 12th among National Universities for courses, staff and financial aid dedicated to community service, and 36th for community service participation and hours served (Washington Monthly Magazine, 2015).
- OLLU students who tested during the Oct.-Dec. 2014 cycle of the CPA exam passed at a rate of 83.33 percent--almost double the national average.
- OLLU has the highest percentage and is number two overall among Texas private universities for awarding master's degrees to Hispanics according to rankings from The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine (2015). Nationally, OLLU is in the top 70 of all universities for awarding master's degrees to Hispanics.
- OLLU alumni giving rate is at 14 percent - the highest in San Antonio - tied with Trinity University (U.S. News & World Report 2015 Best Colleges September 2014).
- In San Antonio, OLLU again has the highest percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students (U.S. News & World Report 2015 Best Colleges September 2014).
- High school guidance counselors surveyed by US News & World Report ranked OLLU among the top 200 universities nationally for undergraduate education (U.S. News & World Report 2015 Best Colleges September 2014).
- OLLU's online bachelor's program in nursing was ranked among the top 150 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. (U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs 2014).
- In San Antonio, OLLU has the highest percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students (U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges September 2013).
- OLLU alumni giving rate is at 12 percent - the second highest in San Antonio and above the national average (U.S. News & World Report 2014 Best Colleges September 2013).
- OLLU was named a "Top 100 Degree Producer" for awarding master's degrees to Hispanics by Diverse Magazine (July 2013).
- Our Lady of the Lake University is ranked 18th among National Universities for courses, staff and financial aid dedicated to community service, and 36th for community service participation and hours served. (Washington Monthly Magazine, 2013).
- OLLU was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fourth consecutive year for its institutional commitment and support of service, evaluation and assessment to improve the quality of the interventions, developing long-term, collaborative community partnerships, and addressing significant community needs with measurable impacts supported by credible evidence (2013).
- OLLU was elevated to the national category by U.S. News & World Report ("America's Best Colleges 2012"). It moved up from Tier 1 of Regional Universities - West ("America's Best Colleges 2011").
- High school guidance counselors surveyed by U.S. News & World Report ranked OLLU among the top 100 universities nationally for undergraduate education ("America's Best Colleges 2012").
- OLLU is among the top 25 universities nationally for awarding MBAs to Hispanics according to rankings from The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine (2012).
- OLLU was named a "Top 100 Degree Producer" for Hispanics earning master's degrees by Diverse Magazine (July 2012). OLLU ranked 63 nationally and 16 in Texas. In addition, OLLU was ranked 28 nationally for Hispanics earning master's degrees in business, management and marketing.
- OLLU is ranked 13th among National Universities for academic courses that incorporate community service, relative to school size; staff supporting community service initiatives, relative to total staff; and scholarships provided for community service (Washington Monthly Magazine 2012).
- OLLU is ranked 44th among National Universities for community service participation and hours served, relative to school size (Washington Monthly Magazine 2012).
- OLLU is the top Texas private university for awarding master's degrees to Hispanics according to rankings from The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine (2011). Nationally, OLLU is in the top 50 of all universities for awarding master's degrees to Hispanics.
- OLLU is one of 25 universities in the U.S. recognized for promoting Latino success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by University of Southern California Center for Urban Education (2010).
- The University received a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to completely renovate all science laboratories and mathematics classrooms (2009).
- OLLU's Worden School of Social Service was recognized with the Presidential Award from the Council on Social Work Education, the national organization which accredits schools of social work (November 2009).
- OLLU was named a Best Western College by The Princeton Review 2008 (Best Colleges:Region by Region).
- OLLU established a PhD program in Leadership Studies in Rio Grande Valley (2008). It is the first doctoral program to be offered in Harlingen.
- OLLU was recognized in USA Today for student engagement efforts based on the University's higher-than-average scores in the National Survey of Student Engagement (November 2007).
- OLLU's Psychological Services to Spanish Speaking Populations Certificate program was recognized by Excelencia in Education's 2007 Examples inExcelencia Award.
- OLLU was designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security (June 2007).
- OLLU was the first in Texas to offer an online Master Technology Teacher Program (2002).
- OLLU was the first organization in the U.S. to sponsor a Latino psychology conference, which addressed the state of research, training and knowledge of Latino mental health issues and culture (2000).
- OLLU was the first to establish a master of business administration (MBA) degree program in electronic commerce management in San Antonio (1998).
- OLLU was the first to establish a bachelor of science (BS) and bachelor of business administration (BBA) degree program in electronic commerce in Texas (1995).
- OLLU was the first institution of higher education in San Antonio accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (1995 - formerly known as Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs).
- OLLU was the first in the nation to offer a doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree program in counseling psychology (practitioner-scholar model) accredited through the American Psychological Association (APA) (1995).
- OLLU established the first weekend degree program in Texas (1978).
- OLLU established the first program in bilingual education for teachers in South Texas (1965).
- OLLU established the first program in Communication Disorders in South Texas (1955).
- OLLU's Worden School of Social Service was the first school of social work in Texas (1942).
- In 1923, OLLU was the first institution of higher learning in San Antonio and the first Catholic institution of higher education to receive regional accreditation. Our Lady of the Lake University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Our Lady of the Lake University.
- OLLU has the highest percentage Hispanic enrollment of all U.S. Catholic colleges and universities.
- All undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn Biliterate Certification as a minor, demonstrating mastery of Spanish.
- OLLU has the highest percentage (78%) of classes with less than 20 undergraduate students in San Antonio.
- All undergraduate students are required to complete service learning tied to an academic major and mentored by faculty.
- OLLU's Center for Science and Mathematics Education has provided more than 500 educators continuing education training and certification in the past 12 years. They, in turn, have taught science and math courses to more than 200,000 students in the region during that period.
- OLLU's Harry Jersig Center was the first speech and hearing center that combined professional training with clinical service in Texas.
- OLLU received the rating of “Accredited” from the Texas State Board for Educator Certification's Accountability System for Educator Preparation (ASEP) based on a 97 percent success rate for graduates taking state certification tests.