Most Affordable Colleges in Oklahoma 2023

MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN OKLAHOMA

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Oklahoma. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

10 Most Affordable Colleges in Oklahoma 2023

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  1. University of Oklahoma
  2. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
  3. University of Central Oklahoma
  4. Langston University
  5. Northeastern State University
  6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
  7. Bacone College
  8. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
  9. Cameron University
  10. East Central University
  1. Northeastern State University 99%
  2. Southwestern Oklahoma State University 94%
  3. University of Oklahoma 85%
  4. University of Central Oklahoma 81%
  5. Southeastern Oklahoma State University 74%
  6. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 68%
  7. East Central University 65%
  8. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 63%
  9. Northwestern Oklahoma State University 59%
  10. Bacone College 55%
  1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University 24 to 1
  2. Randall University 22 to 1
  3. University of Oklahoma 20 to 1
  4. Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City 20 to 1
  5. Southwestern Oklahoma State University 20 to 1
  6. Rogers State University 19 to 1
  7. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 18 to 1
  8. East Central University 18 to 1
  9. Cameron University 18 to 1
  10. Oklahoma Panhandle State University 18 to 1
  1. Southwestern Christian University $19,908
  2. Mid-America Christian University $18,838
  3. Randall University $16,190
  4. Bacone College $14,700
  5. University of Central Oklahoma $6,822
  6. Northwestern Oklahoma State University $6,810
  7. Southeastern Oklahoma State University $6,420
  8. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma $6,390
  9. Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,368
  10. Northeastern State University $6,000
  1. Mid-America Christian University $14,832
  2. Randall University $8,550
  3. University of Oklahoma $8,034
  4. Southwestern Christian University $7,758
  5. University of Central Oklahoma $7,142
  6. Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,294
  7. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,611
  8. Rogers State University $4,980
  9. Northwestern Oklahoma State University $4,928
  10. Southeastern Oklahoma State University $4,734
  1. Mid-America Christian University
  2. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
  3. Randall University
  4. Southwestern Christian University
  5. Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City
  6. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
  7. Southwestern Oklahoma State University
  8. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
  9. Rogers State University
  10. East Central University
  1. Randall University 55%
  2. Bacone College 55%
  3. Northwestern Oklahoma State University 59%
  4. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 63%
  5. East Central University 65%
  6. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 68%
  7. Southeastern Oklahoma State University 74%
  8. University of Central Oklahoma 81%
  9. University of Oklahoma 85%
  10. Southwestern Oklahoma State University 94%
  1. Southwestern Christian University 12 to 1
  2. Bacone College 12 to 1
  3. Mid-America Christian University 13 to 1
  4. Langston University 14 to 1
  5. Northwestern Oklahoma State University 15 to 1
  6. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 16 to 1
  7. University of Central Oklahoma 16 to 1
  8. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology 17 to 1
  9. Northeastern State University 17 to 1
  10. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater 18 to 1
  1. Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City $3,630
  2. Oklahoma Panhandle State University $3,696
  3. Langston University $4,342
  4. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology $4,574
  5. Rogers State University $4,710
  6. Cameron University $4,740
  7. University of Oklahoma $4,920
  8. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,417
  9. East Central University $5,791
  10. Northeastern State University $6,000
  1. Langston University $3,355
  2. Cameron University $3,564
  3. East Central University $4,402
  4. Northeastern State University $4,581
  5. Southeastern Oklahoma State University $4,734
  6. Northwestern Oklahoma State University $4,928
  7. Rogers State University $4,980
  8. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater $5,611
  9. Southwestern Oklahoma State University $6,294
  10. University of Central Oklahoma $7,142

Key Takeaways

  • Oklahoma, one of the least expensive states to live in the nation, is ideal for college education. It is characterized by a favorable cost-of-living index, cheap food, as well as affordable housing and rental costs.
  • Studying in Oklahoma opens you to so many options considering higher education in the state is generally affordable.
  • The options for affordable colleges don’t mean that you will skimp on a quality education. The most affordable colleges in this state happen to be among the best colleges.

Oklahoma: Home to Affordable Undergraduate Schools

There are many convincing reasons Oklahoma is a good place for college. With 38 accredited public and independent colleges and universities. Even better, many of these are among some of the most affordable colleges in the country.

The cost of education in Oklahoma is more affordable than similar institutions in other regions of the US. And since the cost-of-living index in Oklahoma is extremely favorable, your money can go a long way in food prices, petrol or gas prices, housing, and education.

Affordable Oklahoma Colleges

While it’s generally less expensive to study in Oklahoma in terms of college tuition, finding other means to help minimize your education cost even more is a bonus. Here are some ways you can make college significantly more affordable.

Go to In-State Public Universities

You can save a lot if you stay in your home state for higher education.

In 2020-2021 data from the College Board, in-state college students pay an average of $10,560 for their tuition, while the average out-of-state cost is $27,000.

Another advantage of staying in your home state is that you may be able to avoid paying for housing. Living with your parents while attending college can save you at least $10,000 every year.

Fill Out your FAFSA

Completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to affording college and assessing the type of financial aid package you will receive. This financial aid form will connect you to more than $150 billion in money for college.

The types of aid you may be qualified for are federal grants, work-study jobs, scholarships, and loans. Aside from these need-based programs, other aids like Pell Grants, state merit aid programs, and other scholarships and grants are available for eligible long-income students.

Search for Scholarships

According to Kevin Towns, the director of financial aid at North Central College, it’s best to start early when researching and applying for scholarships. Unfortunately, so many scholarships don’t get administered simply because there are no applicants.

You can scout for scholarships at fastweb.com or scholarships.com.

Go to an Affordable School

You can save a lot on tuition costs by attending a public university. Some neighboring states may even have exchange agreements with Oklahoma. These schools will give in-state tuition rates to residents of Oklahoma.

But, don’t be afraid to apply to a private college! The merit scholarships, grants, and other aid offered by these schools usually make their college cost comparable to state universities.

Private scholarships and merit aid are given to students with high academic achievements. Being active in extracurricular activities may also result in scholarship opportunities and generous grants.

Find a Work-Study Job

You can consider working over the summer or even during college to help secure your expenses for school. You may even be offered a work-study program for a school position as part of an aid package.

Make sure to check the location of your schools and whether there are ample opportunities for part-time jobs nearby.

Take Out Federal Loans (or Borrow for Private Loans)

To help cover your tuition costs, federal loans can help. Although it sounds overwhelming, think of student loan debts as investments in your future, knowing degree holders will likely have better employment and earn more money over time.

Federal student aids offer many advantages over private loans, including lower fixed interest rates or longer grace periods for repayment. There are even opportunities for student loan forgiveness and ease of application.

One example is Sallie Mae, a private lender that offers student loans. Every school has different partnerships with different lenders, so check your school’s financial aid office for federal aid, private student loans, or federal student loan options.

Commute from Home

If possible, try not to live in a residence hall on campus, as this can add thousands to your college cost. But if living on campus is important for you, check for opportunities to help lessen your college expenses, like becoming a resident assistant to oversee undergraduate students in a residence hall.

Colleges and Universities in Oklahoma

Less than half of the schools in Oklahoma are private schools. However, students who attend one these schools can expect a more intimate college experience, as each has a student population smaller than 4,000 students. The largest private school, the University of Tulsa, offers degrees in fields like education, criminal justice, and literature, with tuition fees around $41,000. The public schools tend to be more cost-friendly, with tuition ranging from $4,000 to $9,000 per year.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The University of Oklahoma, the state’s largest public school, costs about $9,000 and serves over 24,000 students. Here, students can partake in competitive on-campus programs in fields like communications and social work, or pursue one of the 30 graduate degrees and certificates online. Oklahoma is also home to several religiously affiliated schools, like Oral Roberts University and Bacone College. Students hoping to pursue a career as a physician, physician’s assistant, or dentist may also want to consider earning their degree here as the state offers several loan forgiveness programs to those who qualify.

The state of Oklahoma is serious about its food - so serious they even declared an official state meal, which consists of fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, black-eyed peas, and pecan pie. Those hoping to feed both their bellies and their minds can attend one of Oklahoma’s more than 40 colleges and universities.

To learn more about earning your degree in Oklahoma, check out some of the state’s top programs.


What are Oklahoma’s Colleges & Universities?

Oklahoma’s Best Overall

Oklahoma's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 19 colleges and universities in Oklahoma with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Oklahoma is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Oklahoma 2022

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/24

    Oklahoma State University–Stillwater’s Online Degrees

    BS in Early Child Care And Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    37%

    Student body

    11K

    University of Central Oklahoma’s Online Degrees

    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resources Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Applied Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/20

    What is Northeastern State University known for?

    Northeastern State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Southwestern Oklahoma State University known for?

    Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/21

    What is East Central University known for?

    East Central University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    East Central University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice Policy
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Services Counseling
    Degree Concentrations
    • Aging
    • Counseling
    • Rehabilitation
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Kinesiology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    985/20

    What is Southeastern Oklahoma State University known for?

    Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Occupational Safety And Health
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational And Strategic Communication
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Recreation Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Intervention And Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English Language Learning
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  7. #9

    Bacone College

    Muskogee , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    7%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    938/17

    What is Bacone College known for?

    Bacone College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bacone College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Development
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Christian Ministry
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Family Studies Education
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. #10

    Cameron University

    Lawton , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Cameron University known for?

    Cameron University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Cameron University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Criminal Justice
    • Technology
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    59%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    What is Northwestern Oklahoma State University known for?

    Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAAS in Applied Arts And Sciences
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #12

    Rogers State University

    Claremore , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Rogers State University known for?

    Rogers State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Rogers State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    Degree Concentrations
    • Business
    • Liberal
    • Social Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BT in Applied Technology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity And Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    Degree Concentrations
    • English
    • Global Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  11. Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Graduation

    26%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Oklahoma Panhandle State University known for?

    Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Oklahoma Panhandle State University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Agribusiness
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    63%

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    900/16

    What is University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma known for?

    University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #15

    Randall University

    Moore , OK

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    19%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1017/20

    What is Randall University known for?

    Randall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  14. Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Southwestern Christian University known for?

    Southwestern Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Southwestern Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Christian Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Graduation

    40%

    Student body

    2K

    What is Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology known for?

    Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  16. Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    27%

    Student body

    4K

    What is Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City known for?

    Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  17. Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Graduation

    36%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Mid-America Christian University known for?

    Mid-America Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Mid-America Christian University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Management And Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management And Ethics
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice And Ethics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
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Oklahoma’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Oklahoma State University–Oklahoma City
  2. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
  3. Langston University
  4. Cameron University
  5. Northeastern State University
  6. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
  7. East Central University
  8. Oklahoma Panhandle State University
  9. University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
  10. Rogers State University
  11. Southwestern Oklahoma State University
  12. Northwestern Oklahoma State University
  13. University of Central Oklahoma
  14. Oklahoma State University–Stillwater
  15. University of Oklahoma
  16. Southwestern Christian University
  17. Randall University