Whether you live far away from the nearest college or just want flexibility with your higher education, online learning may be right for you. Colleges and universities across Oklahoma offer a wide range of online degrees and certificates that can be completed from anywhere at any time. More than 90% of postsecondary institutions in the state had some form of distance learning option in 2019, and an estimated 82,500 students enrolled in at least one distance course.
But when it comes to choosing an online college in Oklahoma, where do you start? The one with the most online programs? The most affordable? The school with the specific program you need to move your career forward? The answer can be yes to all. This guide from onlinecolleges.me looks at the best colleges in Oklahoma for online degree programs, and breaks down the key questions you need to answer before filling out your applications. Learn about types, cost, accreditation, financial aid, and more.
Top Online Colleges in Oklahoma for 2023
Searching for online colleges and degree programs in Oklahoma may leave you with more questions than answers. It’s crucial for prospective students to have access to information they can trust when deciding where to attend. To help, we’ve ranked the top colleges and universities in Oklahoma with online learning options. We started with core metrics such as number of online programs and tuition, and integrated data points that include financial aid availability, student-to-faculty ratio, academic counseling, and career placement. See which online colleges in Oklahoma made the grade for 2023.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Stillwater, OklahomaPublic $$
Oklahoma State University (OSU) online provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees for today’s busy students. Whether you want to finish or start an undergraduate degree or pursue advanced studies, you can earn your degree online with OSU’s flexible programs. As an online student you may never visit the OSU campus, but you’ll still benefit from a high-quality education at a Carnegie top-tier research university. Online courses have identical content to on-campus classes and take the same amount of time to complete. Typically, each course follows a 16-week schedule. Online students access course lessons and materials through the Canvas learning management system, and it’s easy to connect with professors and peers via email, online discussions, and group meetings.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $432.40-$949.75/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $421.40-$938.75/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Science in Aging Studies
- Credits: 36
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $600/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Norman, OklahomaPublic $
Earn a University of Oklahoma (OU) degree online with programs and classes that meet the same academic standards as OU’s on-campus programs. These online master’s degrees bring quality, affordable education straight to your fingertips via the internet. Courses are led by a combination of the same world-class faculty that lead OU’s traditional programs and professors chosen specifically for their industry expertise, bringing a practical element of up-to-the-moment industry best practices to OU’s online course offerings. After graduating with your master’s degree, expect increased career prospects and earning potential, just like graduates of campus-based master’s programs.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $985/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Master of Science in Computer Science
- Credits: 33
- Length: 21 months
- Cost: $985/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Education in Educational Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: 24 months
- Cost: $700/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Tahlequah, OklahomaPublic $$
Northeastern State University (NSU) was founded on the educational heritage of the Cherokee Nation, and to this day it strives to provide diverse communities with lifelong learning opportunities. The university aims to create and maintain a schoolwide culture of learning and discovery. This mission extends to NSU’s online undergraduate, graduate, and professional doctoral programs. While knowledgeable professors prepare students for graduation and successful careers, students are also expected to reach high levels of academic excellence. NSU provides students with rigorous curricula, scholarly activities, unique research opportunities, immersive learning experiences, and service learning opportunities to support these goals.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $276.70/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Arts in American Studies
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $303.90/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Education in Reading
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $303.90/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Alva, OklahomaPublic $$
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NOSU) provides online degree options for business, nursing, and technical management students as they pursue their educational goals. Most of the available courses of study are traditional bachelor’s degree programs. However, NOSU also hosts the Reach Higher degree-completion program for adults who want to finish their undergraduate degrees. Additionally, nursing students who have already obtained a bachelor of science in nursing may choose to pursue a doctorate of nursing through the online-based BSN to DNP program. Whichever degree path they choose, NOSU students receive an affordable and approachable online degree well-suited to their academic goals.
Program Highlights:
RN to BSN
- Credits: 120
- Length: 1.5 years
- Cost: $328.75-$566/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACEN
Bachelor of Business Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $322.50-$559.75/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 120
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $275-$600/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Durant, OklahomaPublic $$
If you’d like to choose from multiple online program options for your undergraduate or advanced degree, then Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) might be the right school for you. With 28 courses of study across multiple disciplines, you’ll likely find one that suits your needs. All coursework is available 100% online, and students choose from multiple start dates during the year. Plus, with accelerated course formats, you’re more likely to finish your degree in less time than if you chose a traditional on-campus program. As part of SOSU, online students receive one-on-one attention and support from faculty and staff in an interactive online learning environment.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Business Administration
- Credits: 124
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $295/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: AACSB
Master of Early Intervention and Childhood Development
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $10,140/program
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Science in Native American Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $10,140/program
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
24/1
-
Goodwell, OklahomaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Lawton, OklahomaPublic $
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Edmond, OklahomaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Weatherford, OklahomaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Oklahoma City, OklahomaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Edmond, OklahomaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Ada, OklahomaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Tulsa, OklahomaPublic $
Tulsa Community College helps students obtain undergraduate degrees or certificates or just complete one class from wherever they live through the Blackboard system. Classes are not scheduled at specific times. Some courses are live courses that meet at designated times, so students must be present online at those times. The college provides ample support for online students, including through the Launch Online Classroom Foundations course that introduces them to the online class environment, virtual support services, and general technology and Blackboard support. Tulsa Community College is an open-admission institution, so there is no minimum test score or GPA requirement.
Program Highlights:
Mathematics AS
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $116.55-$341.55/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Business AAS in Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $116.55-$341.55/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Enterprise Development AS
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $116.55-$341.55/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Tishomingo, OklahomaPublic $
Murray State College students who enroll in online degree programs get the best of both worlds: the reputation and affordable tuition of a state college paired with the convenience of online study. Murray State offers 14 online programs to earn an Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, or Associate of Applied Science. Students access course material and interact with faculty and classmates through Blackboard. Coursework includes online lectures, videos, discussion boards, collaborative work, and more. Assignments are submitted online and typically asynchronous.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development
- Credits: 63-64
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $175-$181/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science Degree in Behavioral Science‐Psychology Option
- Credits: 63-64
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $175-$181/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
- CCredits: 63-64
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $175-$181/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Midwest City, OklahomaPublic $
Rose State College’s distance learning courses and programs rival any in the country with a variety of online undergraduate degree and certificate programs in business, tech, English, and more. Its online courses are conducted through Canvas. Students can also participate in the Flex program and choose from live instruction in-person, on campus, or via Zoom. You can also complete coursework online. Any graduate of an accredited high school or non-graduate whose high school class has graduated is eligible for admission.
Program Highlights:
Accounting Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Credits: 63
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $125.95-$338.50/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Multimedia Digital Design Associate of Applied Science
- Credits: 63
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $125.95-$338.50/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Library Technical Assistant Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Credits: 62
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $125.95-$338.50/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Poteau, OklahomaPublic $
Carl Albert State College provides an exceptional, accessible, and affordable education to its students. CASC Online offers online Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees along with certificates in a wide variety of subjects. Courses are delivered through Blackboard, and students learn through engaging videos, message boards, and interactive technology like Zoom. Students complete content-driven assignments and assessments. CASC also provides student resources that include a career center, grant programs, counseling services, and more.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Pre-Law Criminal Justice
- Credits: 62-67
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $140/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Science in Enterprise Development/em>
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $140/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Health & Safety
- Credits: 62-63
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $140/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Oklahoma City, OklahomaPublic $
Oklahoma City Community College offers 19 online undergraduate and certificate programs to allow students to earn their degrees with flexibility, and students choose when to interact with course content. Weekly coursework is expected, and some courses require on-campus or proctored exams. Coursework is delivered through a variety of mediums, including email, online discussions, live chats, reading assignments, web resources, interactive quizzes, and other activities. Online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students. Those resources include the OCCC library, student labs with free help and tutoring, tech support, and more.
Program Highlights:
Modern Languages (French) Associate of Arts
- Credits: 61
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $100.84/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Diversified Studies AA
- Credits: 61
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $100.84/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Speech Language Pathology Assistant Associate of Applied Science
- Credits: 61
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $100.84/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: July 2024
Online Learning Modes in Oklahoma
Before you embark on a degree program in Oklahoma, it is important to select one that aligns with how, when, and where you learn best. By taking advantage of an online degree program, you’ll have as many choices as an on-campus student. Learn everything you need to know about all of your online learning options and how to select the one that best aligns with your lifestyle, learning style, schedule, and career goals.
Fully-Online vs. Hybrid or Blended
Learning about the differences between a fully online, hybrid, or blended program is a valuable exercise, as this choice will form the structure of your degree program. A fully online program will be completed 100% remotely, with no expectation for on-campus participation.
A blended program uses online components in tandem with in-person instruction. This could be a series of required lectures that are streamed online between on-campus class sessions.
Hybrid learning partially replaces in-person instruction, offering as much content online as possible while retaining in-person activities to adhere to credentialing expectations. For example, degrees in nursing would require some on-campus clinical sessions to practice hands-on skills.
For many students, the deciding factor between a fully online and a hybrid program is their distance to campus. For a student who is far from campus, a fully online program at an online college in Oklahoma would probably be better If you’re considering a school that is close and you can attend required in-person sessions, a hybrid model could work quite well for you.
Doctor of Nursing Practice – BSN to DNP Program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Hybrid)
If you are a nurse considering earning a doctorate in nursing and you already hold a BSN, consider NWOSU’s BSN to DNP program to earn your degree in three years of full-time study or four years of part-time study.
The degree requires 73 credit hours and includes online components, a summer residency program, and 1,020 practicum hours, typically completed locally by the student. Courses are completed online, and students interface through NWOSU’s academic online portal. Students who already hold an MSN or are a licensed nurse practitioner may take an accelerated course, pending review of graduate transcripts.
Courses are $388.50 per credit hour for in-state students regardless of full or part-time status, with additional program costs ($650 total) for degree completion.
The on-campus residency condenses standardized patient experiences and clinical skills and prepares students to engage their skills during their practicum or at their current workplace.
Master of Science in Dietetics at Oklahoma State University (Fully Online)
The MS in Dietetics at OSU is delivered 100% online and can be completed in three years by taking one or two courses per semester. The program is for students interested in continuing their existing path as a registered dietitian, the gold standard in nutritional advising. If you are passionate about chronic disease prevention, nutrition for fitness or aging populations, maternal and infant nutrition, obesity, or medical nutrition therapy, this advanced degree in dietetics could be right for you.
OSU offers the same tuition rate for in- and out-of-state learners. Courses cost $600 per credit hour, with an estimated total program cost of $21,600. Students will take core requirements and electives to complete their degree, using OSU’s online classroom platform, Canvas, to complete assignments and communicate in discussions with classmates and faculty. OSU additionally makes many of its on-campus student support resources available to online students, and faculty are easily accessible by email, phone, or virtual conferencing.
Finding Your Pace: Asynchronous vs. Synchronous
“Synchronous” refers to whether coursework occurs at the same time, much like an on-campus class, and “asynchronous” means that coursework, lectures, and other assignments may all be completed at the student’s pace and preferred timing, as long as they submit assignments by their due dates.
Students who benefit from live energy and discussion will find their stride in synchronous programs, while students with existing responsibilities, schedules, or distances from campus will find asynchronous learning most harmonious with their lifestyles. Instead of rushing home from work to attend a 7:00 p.m. live lecture, students can instead stream the same lecture at 9:30 p.m., after they’ve commuted home safely, enjoyed a meal, and even possibly put their children to bed. Fitting in coursework in this manner makes asynchronous learning the most accessible way to earn a degree from an online college in Oklahoma, with top institutions and programs making the switch to this mode.
M.S. In Library Media and Information Technology at Northeastern State University (Asynchronous)
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and are passionate about library media will want to consider applying for this program. Students who already hold an Oklahoma teaching certificate or license will be eligible for certification as a school library media specialist upon graduation.
The master’s degree in library media and information technology at NSUOK requires 33 credit hours and can typically be completed in two or three years. Credits are $283.40, with some additional fees based on the degree program you select. You’ll use NSUOK’s online platform to complete assignments and communicate with other students while completing courses in the education and reading departments in tandem with required courses from library media and information technology. NSUOK makes resources available to online students, from career services to intramural sports and other student organizations.
Bachelor of Business Administration in General Business Online at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Synchronous)
Online bachelor’s degree programs at SOSU require 124 credit hours with tuition at a fixed rate of $295 per credit hour. Students pursuing a bachelor’s business degree at SOSU will engage in general education, business core courses, electives, and seminars as a part of their degree.
Bachelor’s degrees at SOSU are offered synchronously, meaning you engage in a live online class session with peers. While you can complete your coursework on your time, you’ll be connected to your classmates and instructors as you complete your studies. Courses last seven to eight weeks depending on the major, and courses focus on specific areas of learning for your career trajectory.
SOSU offers online student support services and prioritizes small class sizes to put the student, their learning, and career advancement first. SOSU focuses on the small student-to-faculty ratio and recruiting highly qualified faculty to ensure that you feel engaged and connected while pursuing your degree.
Time Commitment: Part-Time vs. Full-Time
Degree timing is a crucial factor to consider when embarking on a degree from an online college in Oklahoma. While degree completion will be faster with full-time study, many students are combining their education with life responsibilities. For those students, part-time study allows them to take fewer classes at a time while still completing their degree in a timely fashion. Many programs, even part-time, have an established curriculum for the order of course completion to ensure students remain on track and their content knowledge builds over time. In Oklahoma, many online colleges offer full- and part-time options for their degrees.
Since institutions have developed the curricula for students to pursue either full- or part-time, rest assured that the quality of your education will be commensurate regardless of which degree timing you select.
Online Master of Social Work Program at the University of Oklahoma (Part-Time)
If you’re looking to increase your social impact, pursuing a degree in social work is a viable way to give back and better your community. University of Oklahoma’s online MSW is keeping up with the demand for more social workers by offering its established and accredited MSW program online. Many students pursue an MSW part-time, and OU’s flexibility allows a large cross-section of students to pursue their degrees while remaining in their home community for field placements and existing responsibilities.
The program cost is $625 per credit hour, for a total of $22,500 for students who are completing a master’s following a bachelor’s in social work and $37,500 for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field. Social work degrees are typically completed in two years of full-time or three years of part-time study.
OU offers hybrid learning for their part-time students, in which they can decide to participate in weekend courses in class, online, or via Zoom. Designed for students who may otherwise have to commute to campus, this modality is closing the gap between students with outside responsibilities and those who can pursue a degree on-campus, increasing discourse and connection between students. OU uses Canvas to promote participation and assignment completion.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at East Central University (Full-Time)
Preparing students for careers in athletic training or fitness and wellness, the B.S. in kinesiology at East Central University is offered 100% online for students who are passionate about movement, the body, and the psychology of sports and coaching. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study and it does offer a part-time option with up to four years for completion. There is a $306.84 cost per credit for in-state residents. While the program requires 124 hours for graduation, ECU allows up to 94 applicable transfer credits to complete your degree faster, which would lower the overall cost of attendance from $38,048.16 to as little as $9,205.20. Courses are typically three credits each and meet for eight weeks before moving on to the next topic, so students can expect to dedicate 12-15 hours to learning each week to keep pace with their curriculum.
Accreditation for Online Colleges in Oklahoma
Before choosing and applying to an online college in Oklahoma, check its accreditation. Accreditation is usually granted by a national, professional, or regional body that affirms the rigors of the curriculum and its integrity to a validated set of criteria. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and has accredited many Oklahoma institutions. If your degree is preparing you for any form of professional licensure, such as nursing or social work, you must attend an accredited university and program to be eligible to pursue any form of licensure. An accredited university will display its accreditation proudly on its website, with information included about the accrediting body and sometimes the duration of the institution or program’s accreditation.
Accreditation is an essential component to ensuring your institution is eligible to participate in federal and state financial aid programs.
How Much Does Online College in Oklahoma Cost?
Educational costs in Oklahoma are about $5,000 lower per year than the national average for in-state public tuition. You can expect to spend an average of $17,283 per year at a four-year public college ($8,064 of that on tuition) or $39,822 at a private four-year college in Oklahoma. Online learning may further decrease the cost of attendance at most schools, as there are fewer expenses associated with online learning delivery.
Whether an institution offers a lower cost-per-credit for in-state or out-of-state tuition for online learning depends on the university. Some do, while others maintain a consistent cost-per-credit, regardless of the student’s location, which makes that degree program financially accessible to others across the country. You may notice that some universities have slightly higher tuition for online programs, especially for undergraduates, which may be because the university will not receive room and board as a part of your cost of attendance.
As you look more closely at costs at online colleges in Oklahoma, there are a variety of factors to consider when deciding between an on-campus and online program, and whether you pursue studies within Oklahoma or explore possibilities in other states.
School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
---|---|---|---|---|
Northwestern Oklahoma State University | $248.75/credit hour | $293.75/credit hour | $322.50/credit hour | $559.75/credit hour |
Oklahoma State University | $464/credit hour | $981.33/credit hour | $180.55/credit hour (+$245 fee) | $697.90/credit hour (+$245 fee) |
University of Oklahoma | $446.67/credit hour | $998.93/credit hour | $625/credit hour | $625/credit hour |
Southeastern Oklahoma State University | $278.33/credit hour | $543/credit hour | $295/credit hour | $295/credit hour |
Northeastern State University | $246.65/credit hour | $546.65/credit hour | $303.90/credit hour | $304.90/credit hour |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Financial Aid for Online Students in Oklahoma
Navigating financial aid takes patience. There is a specialized vocabulary, a form to fill out that requires personal financial information, and a detailed set of rules. We’ve broken down the process in our financial aid guide to help.
Many students at Oklahoma online colleges finance their education through federal student loans, federal or state grants, or scholarships. The OKCollegeStart page breaks down many of these opportunities, including a Financial Aid Wizard that can help you plan your entire financial aid package.
For federal loans and grants, you may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, federal work-study, federal direct subsidized or unsubsidized loan, or Oklahoma Tuition Aid grant. If you have participated in military service, you are eligible for student veteran or military tuition assistance, and if you are employed, your employer may offer tuition assistance as well. Indigenous students in Oklahoma should contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs for financial aid support and look into specific Native American grants or scholarships at their preferred university.
Even though many entities and bodies exist to help financially support students in their pursuit of higher education, there are always some bad actors. Learn about reputable and philanthropic scholarships and how to apply for them with our scholarship guide.
Careers for Oklahoma College Grads (Online or Campus)
For prospective students in Oklahoma who are deciding on their future careers, learning more about which areas will experience the most growth and which jobs will be in highest demand in the coming years can be helpful in reaching your decision. Combined with areas of existing interest or aptitude, these careers are expected to see the fastest growth in the next decade.
Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
---|---|---|
Nurse Practitioners | 47.4% | $116,650 |
Physical Therapist Assistants | 41.6% | $55,950 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants | 41.5% | $61,760 |
Information Security Analysts | 38.6% | $88,770 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | 36.8% | $51,660 |
Physical Therapist Aides | 36.8% | $24,610 |
Athletic Trainers | 36% | $46,500 |
Physician Assistants | 36% | $118,810 |
Medical and Health Services Managers | 33.2% | $99,920 |
Speech-Language Pathologists | 32.7% | $77,120 |
Resources for Oklahoma College Students
Student Resources, Oklahoma State Department of Education
Check out resources to help you find the right college for you, finance your studies, and make a plan for the future. Whether you are pursuing education as a career or want to learn more about how learning in Oklahoma is evolving, check out this site.
For prospective college students, take advantage of OKGearUp and their school specialists, a team of college prep experts who each cover a series of counties in the state.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
For resources in Oklahoma, information about job opportunities, the latest research, and college assistance programs, the state regents have a wealth of knowledge to help you along the path of your college degree.
Learn more about the OK-Share card, which empowers students, faculty, and staff at Oklahoma’s state colleges and universities to borrow materials from one another within this broad consortium. Apply for a card and have access to materials that you may not have at your home institution through this information-sharing mechanism.
Oklahoma College Assistance Program
For specific information about paying for college, OCAP can answer your questions about college access, money management, student loan repayment, and guidance on COVID-19 financial aid and loan updates.