Lawton is the fourth largest Metropolitan Statistical Area and serves as a prominent shopping, medical, recreational, educational, and religious center for the region. The City of Lawton is committed to the long-term economic development of our state, bringing new businesses on a continual basis and helping existing businesses grow and expand. Lawton is nestled within 15 miles of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The 59,000 acres of natural grasslands provide habitat for bison, elk, deer, and longhorn. Over 22,000 acres are open to the public to enjoy water sports, hunting, hiking, sailing, climbing, fishing, and camping. Lawton Public Schools includes 26 elementary, four middle and three high schools. All three of LPS' high schools are participants in the National Mathematics and Science Initiative program, making Laton schools a state leader in promoting student participation in science techology, engineering, and mathematics. In addition, Lawton has multiple private schools with several smaller school districs within 30 miles of Lawton. Lawton is also the home of Cameron University, a four-year, state-funded university. Cameron offers more than 50 degress, to include a four-year nursing program through a collaboration with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Nursing.