@rmilunas: I can only tell you about OCU as that is where D attends. Does your S have specific questions he needs answered? I’ll do my best to try to answer.
In the meantime, here are some thoughts when comparing the two programs:
OCU’s musical theater degree is in the School of Music. Students get a Bachelor of Music degree. IUs is a BFA. Personally, I would worry less about the letters of the degree and really examine the curriculum at each and see which he likes best. At OCU, you will have more intense classes in music theory, piano, etc…And you must present your own junior and senior recitals. You have juries each semester at both schools I believe.
You have to audition for senior showcase at both schools. But both have a showcase.
If you are interested in where OCU grads work after graduating, you can find some information here: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/oklahoma-city-university-mt/1769345-where-are-alumni-working.html#latest
Indiana is a large, public university. The campus is gorgeous. OCU is a small private college university. The performing arts facilities are nice, but IU definitely wins on who has the prettier campus. But OCU probably wins on the only-takes-five-minutes-to get-anywhere-on-campus-therefore-I-can-sleep-longer award!
I think the biggest selling point to us were the people we met at OCU. The students at OCU are genuinely happy and very nice - something that is sometimes hard to find in the cutthroat world of MT. I am not saying kids at IU are not nice, I’m just saying that the happy overall environment at OCU was something we felt and saw every time we visited the campus.
OCU does have a lot of performing opportunities both in and out of school. There are large musicals, small musicals, operas, operettas, student-directed pieces and a multitude of straight shows and dance shows for which you can audition. As an MT you can be cast in straight shows, and acting majors can be cast in musicals. Students can also audition for shows at regional equity theaters like Lyric Theatre, City Rep and others and earn equity points there while in school.
The dance training at OCU is wonderful and has many different levels within each discipline to make sure you are placed exactly where you need to be for your current skill level.
Academics are decent at OCU - better than what the school is given credit for. But I would give the nod to Indiana as the stronger academic institution if comparing.
If you are applying to Indiana out-of-state, the costs for both schools are probably similar. We found OCU to offer more scholarship $ than IU and to be the cheaper option in the end.
Both schools have wonderful teachers and great training. But i think the 2 campus environments are really different. Has he been able to visit both? Does he feel more at home at one than the other?
Let me know if you have specific questions that you need answered. Best of luck in making your decision. The nice thing is, he has 2 great choices!