Best Colleges in Oklahoma
The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top 4-year colleges in Oklahoma. Start planning your future at BestColleges.![Staff Writers](https://cms.bestcolleges.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/logo-circle.png)
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A college degree is increasingly necessary to secure lucrative jobs and enjoy long-term professional success. The National Center for Education Statistics projects undergraduate enrollment in the U.S. to grow from 16.8 million students in 2017 to 17.2 million in 2028.
Finding the school that best supports your academic interests and career goals can feel overwhelming. However, the following ranking can aid you in your search; we highlight the 20 best colleges in Oklahoma with regards to factors like cost, financial aid availability, and student retention and graduation rates.
The profiles below offer information on degree offerings, available distance education platforms, and student resources like individualized career guidance and internship placement. We also outline general admission requirements. If a university piques your interest, contact the institution’s admissions department directly. Professionals can help you navigate the enrollment process and apply for scholarships.
By attending an Oklahoma college, you stand to benefit from the state’s robust economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, of November 2019, Oklahoma’s unemployment rate sits at 3.4%, just below the national average. Graduates can pursue lucrative career opportunities in growing industries like biotechnology, healthcare, renewable energy, and hospitality. The Sooner State also boasts a low cost of living. Even in a major city like Oklahoma City, living expenses are 15% below the U.S. average.
Best Accredited Colleges in Oklahoma
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Tulsa
Tulsa, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$45,566
$45,566
69%
24%
$25,002
$25,002
85%
3,769
Private
Yes
$45,566
$45,566
Tulsa, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$45,566
$45,566
69%
24%
$25,002
$25,002
85%
3,769
Private
Yes
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,070
$22,140
77%
51%
$8,034
$23,820
89%
29,166
Public
Yes
$5,070
$22,140
Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,070
$22,140
77%
51%
$8,034
$23,820
89%
29,166
Public
Yes
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
Chickasha, OK4 yearCampus
$6,630
$17,820
56%
21%
N/A
N/A
60%
825
Public
Yes
$6,630
$17,820
Chickasha, OK4 yearCampus
$6,630
$17,820
56%
21%
N/A
N/A
60%
825
Public
Yes
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus
Stillwater, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,417
$20,937
71%
53%
$4,208
$15,836
84%
26,008
Public
Yes
$5,417
$20,937
Stillwater, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$5,417
$20,937
71%
53%
$4,208
$15,836
84%
26,008
Public
Yes
East Central University
Ada, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$6,001
$15,151
70%
78%
$4,555
$10,945
60%
3,376
Public
Yes
$6,001
$15,151
Ada, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$6,001
$15,151
70%
78%
$4,555
$10,945
60%
3,376
Public
Yes
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$6,420
$15,360
74%
89%
$4,734
$11,070
59%
5,479
Public
Yes
$6,420
$15,360
Durant, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$6,420
$15,360
74%
89%
$4,734
$11,070
59%
5,479
Public
Yes
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$28,094
$28,094
70%
20%
$10,620
$10,620
77%
2,550
Private
Yes
$28,094
$28,094
Oklahoma City, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$28,094
$28,094
70%
20%
$10,620
$10,620
77%
2,550
Private
Yes
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$7,026
$17,913
70%
57%
$7,356
$17,364
64%
12,250
Public
Yes
$7,026
$17,913
Edmond, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$7,026
$17,913
70%
57%
$7,356
$17,364
64%
12,250
Public
Yes
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