2023 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma
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Overview Online Colleges FAQsEarning bachelor's degrees online can help individuals develop the job skills and expertise needed for career advancement. We’ve ranked the best online schools by Salary Score so you can set realistic earnings expectations. Students often enroll in these programs after earning associate degrees and transferring credits from one of Oklahoma's online community colleges. Many of Oklahoma’s online universities offer distance learners an array of services, which often includes a virtual library, tutoring, advising, and writing help.
View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Annual Tuition: $15,390
31 Programs (view all)
2023 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma
Rank | School | Salary Score | Online Enrollment |
---|---|---|---|
Oklahoma Wesleyan University | 55 | 302 | |
Oklahoma State University - Main Campus | 54 | 1,670 | |
University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus | 54 | 2,613 | |
Rogers State University | 52 | 709 | |
Mid-America Christian University | 47 | 1,127 | |
University of Central Oklahoma | 46 | 1,029 | |
Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 46 | 999 | |
Northeastern State University | 41 | 1,653 | |
Northwestern Oklahoma State University | 40 | 461 | |
East Central University | 31 | 663 |
#1 Oklahoma Wesleyan University
- Salary Score: 55
- Online Enrollment: 302
- Locations: Bartlesville
- Accreditation: HLC
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OKWU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university offering online degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. According to their University Undergraduate Catalog, OKWU is not an LGBT-friendly institution. Online bachelor’s degree programs at OKWU include business administration, nursing, and psychology. OKWU’s online undergraduate degrees are typically 126 credit hours, with full-time students able to complete a bachelor's program within four years. OKWU’s acceptance rate is 54%, and it has a 42% graduation rate.
At OKWU, online students use the learning management system, D2L Brightspace, to complete coursework asynchronously. The university’s student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Online students are eligible for grants, loans, and scholarships. Online students can access advising, a bookstore, and disability services. OKWU is known for being a Christian University of the Wesleyan Church, providing online degree programs with nationally recognized and gifted teaching faculty.
#2 Oklahoma State University - Main Campus
- Salary Score: 54
- Online Enrollment: 1,670
- Locations: Stillwater
- Accreditation: HLC
Oklahoma State University - Main Campus (OSU) is a land-grant and Carnegie top-tier research university helping to bring new technologies, research, processes, and medicines to the marketplace. To build a strong workforce, OSU offers several online bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including Nursing (RN-BSN), Psychology, Finance, Marketing, and Education. These online programs can help distance learners prepare for careers in industries such as healthcare, market research, mental healthcare, and management. OSU also gives its online students the unique opportunity to tailor their course choices through an online bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies so they can focus on two or three areas of study. OSU supports its distance learners by offering online tutoring, library access, writing help, career assistance, and academic advising.
#3 University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus
- Salary Score: 54
- Online Enrollment: 2,613
- Locations: Norman
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus (OU) offers online undergraduate degrees, minors, and certificate programs to distance learners through its College of Professional and Continuing Studies (PACS). Online bachelor’s degree majors include Organizational Leadership, Integrative Studies, Lifespan Care Administration, and Criminal Justice. Online minors and certificates are primarily offered in Criminal Justice, with concentrations in Restorative Justice, Criminal Investigation, and Intelligence Analysis. An online minor in Diversity Studies, on the other hand, can help students prepare for civic participation. Online students may be able to transfer an associate degree, or up to 60 credit hours of coursework, to one of the online degree programs offered through PACS.
#4 Rogers State University
- Salary Score: 52
- Online Enrollment: 709
- Locations: Claremore
- Accreditation: HLC
Rogers State University (RSU) has offered affordable online learning to college students for the last thirty years. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in seven majors, including applied technology, business administration, business information technology, environmental studies, liberal arts, nursing, and organizational leadership. Online minors include computer science, cybersecurity and information assurance, and environmental studies. Programs are robust, with majors such as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with concentrations in Accounting, Management, and Marketing. Additionally, online Organizational Leadership majors can choose an area of focus, including Business Studies, Liberal Studies, or Social Studies. RSU’s online student services include library resources, writing assistance, tutoring, and access to the school bookstore.
#5 Mid-America Christian University
- Salary Score: 47
- Online Enrollment: 1,127
- Locations: Oklahoma City
- Accreditation: HLC
Mid-America Christian University (MACU) is a faith-based institution helping adult learners earn accelerated online undergraduate degrees through five-week terms. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in majors such as Christian Ministries, Elementary Education, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Psychology. An online bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is also available. It includes concentrations such as Communication, Healthcare Management, and Sports Management. MACU’s FastTrack program allows students to complete an online bachelor’s degree in any major dually with a master’s degree in majors such as Healthcare Management, Education, Christian Leadership, and Business Administration. Online students may also be eligible to receive up to 30 life-experience credits, which can save time and money. Online student resources include the library, writing center, tech support, and new student orientation.
#6 University of Central Oklahoma
- Salary Score: 46
- Online Enrollment: 1,029
- Locations: Edmond
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of Central Oklahoma (OCU) offers 100% online degrees through its Connected Campus. Online bachelor’s degree programs include Nursing (RN to BSN), Finance, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Management, Applied Liberal Arts, General Business, Organizational Leadership, and General Studies. These online degree programs can help students develop the most current in-demand job skills and expertise that employers seek. For example, OCU’s online bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management has a curriculum aligned with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) standards. Distance learners can access online student resources, such as the OSU bookstore, well-being counseling, and writing help.
#7 Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Salary Score: 46
- Online Enrollment: 999
- Locations: Weatherford
- Accreditation: HLC
At Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), a public university, future students can pursue online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Popular online undergraduate degrees at SWOSU include nursing and allied health. Full-time students can expect online undergraduate degrees to be between 120-125 credit hours, which can take four years to complete. The university accepts 94% of applicants, with 45% graduating.
SWOSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Canvas. The student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. Online student financial aid services at SWOSU include financial aid, like scholarships, grants, and loans. The university offers online student support, such as tutoring, a writing center, and an academic support system. SWOSU offers several online delivery options to ensure students have the flexibility to complete their degrees and handle daily obligations.
#8 Northeastern State University
- Salary Score: 41
- Online Enrollment: 1,653
- Locations: Tahlequah
- Accreditation: HLC
Northeastern State University (NSU) is a public university offering online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Some of the online bachelor’s degree programs available at NSU include business administration, criminal justice, and nursing. A minimum of 124 credit hours is required for undergraduate degrees at NSU, so full-time students can expect to spend four years completing a degree. The university accepts 99% of applicants, with 45% graduating.
NSU’s online students use the learning management system, Blackboard, to complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously. NSU’s student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Online students at NSU are eligible for financial aid support like year-round Pell Grants, grants, loans, scholarships, and Heroes Promise. Online student support services include academic advising, career services, a bookstore, and a library. Because online courses can be more challenging than traditional courses, NSU offers prospective students a Learner Readiness Tool to help them determine if online learning is right for them.
#9 Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Salary Score: 40
- Online Enrollment: 461
- Locations: Alva
- Accreditation: HLC
At Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU), a public university, prospective students can pursue online degrees at the bachelor’s and doctorate levels. Popular online undergraduate programs include business administration, technology management, and RN to BSN. Typically, undergraduate students must complete at least 124 credit hours to complete their degree, which can take four years. The acceptance rate at NWOSU is 59%, with a graduation rate of 32%.
NWOSU uses the learning management system Blackboard to deliver online courses in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The university’s student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. Financial aid support, such as tuition waivers, scholarships, and loans, is available to online students. Online students at NWOSU can access resources like counseling, career services, tutoring, testing services, disability support, and veterans services. NWOSU offers a ReachHigher program for online students who’ve acquired at least 72 credit hours and are 21 years or older, and have a minimum 2.0 GPA in college coursework to be considered for enrollment in a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership.
#10 East Central University
- Salary Score: 31
- Online Enrollment: 663
- Locations: Ada
- Accreditation: HLC
East Central University (ECU) is a public institution that has several online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Popular online bachelor’s degrees at ECU include criminal justice, psychology, and social work. Online undergraduate degrees at the university total 124 credit hours, which can take full-time students four years to finish their degree. ECU’s acceptance rate is 65%, with a graduation rate of 42%.
ECU facilitates asynchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. ECU’s student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The university offers financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and direct loans, based on an online student’s eligibility. Online students at ECU can access advising, counseling, testing, accessibility services, tutoring, a library, and a writing center. Once an online student selects ECU as their school of choice, they’re given a support team of an enrollment counselor, a transcript team, a tuition planner, and an online adviser.
#11 Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Salary Score: 28
- Online Enrollment: 2,713
- Locations: Durant
- Accreditation: HLC
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public university that has online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Some of the most popular online bachelor’s degrees at Southeastern include accounting, early intervention & childhood development, and management. Southeastern’s online undergraduate degrees are typically 124 credit hours, so prospective students can expect to spend four years to complete these degrees. Southeastern’s acceptance rate is 74%, with a 41% graduation rate.
At Southeastern, online students complete courses on the learning management system, Blackboard. The university’s student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. Online students eligible for financial aid can receive assistance at Southeastern. Online student resources include tutoring, an online library, and disability services. Southeastern offers affordable tuition, student-centered learning environments, work-life balance, high-quality faculty, and a diverse online student body.
#12 Cameron University
- Salary Score: 27
- Online Enrollment: 515
- Locations: Lawton
- Accreditation: HLC
At Cameron University (CU), a public university, students can pursue online degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Some of the most popular online bachelor’s degrees offered at CU include business administration, criminal justice, and psychology. Online undergraduate degrees at CU range between 69-124 credit hours, which can take full-time students 2-4 years to finish. The acceptance rate is 100%, and CU's graduation rate is 24%.
CU delivers asynchronous and synchronous online learning on the learning management system Blackboard. CU’s student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. Financial aid for online students at CU includes grants, loans, scholarships, and tuition waivers. Online student support services at CU are disability services, tech support, online proctoring, testing centers, academic advising, financial assistance, and a bookstore. The university provides flexibility in how distance learners can complete online degrees at their own pace.
#13 Oral Roberts University
- Salary Score: 26
- Online Enrollment: 622
- Locations: Tulsa
- Accreditation: HLC
Oral Roberts University (ORU) is a private, nonprofit, evangelical institution that offers online degrees at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. ORU is not an LGBT-friendly school; its Honor Code states that same-sex relationships are prohibited. Some online bachelor’s degrees available at the university include communications, ministry and leadership, and psychology. Undergraduate degree programs at ORU are 120 credit hours, which can take four years to complete with a full class schedule. The university’s acceptance rate is 85%, with a 45% graduation rate.
At ORU, online students access asynchronous and synchronous online courses on the learning management system D2L Brightspace. This Christian university’s student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Online students may be eligible for financial aid at ORU, such as loans and military discounts. Online student support at ORU includes veterans affairs, academic advising, tutoring, IT support, a math learning center, a writing center, an online library, and career services. ORU offers accredited online degrees designed with working adults in mind.
#14 Randall University
- Salary Score: N/A
- Online Enrollment: 87
- Locations: Moore
- Accreditation: TRACS
Randall University (RU) is a private, nonprofit, Christian university offering online degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. RU is affiliated with Free Will Baptist Church, and according to their Student Handbook, RU is not an LGBT-friendly school and prohibits LGBT activities. Popular online degrees at RU include business leadership, ministry and leadership, and worship studies. Undergraduate degree programs at RU range between 50 to 122 credit hours, which can take full-time students 1-4 years to finish their degree. RU’s acceptance rate is 55%, with a 42% graduation rate.
RU facilitates asynchronous online learning on the learning management system MySaint by Populi. The student-to-faculty ratio at RU is 13:1. Online students are eligible for financial aid like scholarships. Online student support at RU includes an online library, tutoring, and financial aid. RU’s online degree programs are designed for adults looking to finish degrees they’ve previously started.
Higher Education in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is dedicated to preparing the state's workforce for the future of its most important industries through education. Whether students are following a more traditional career path in agriculture or planning for a place in one of the state's emerging industries, such as financial services, they are sure to find degree programs to help them achieve their goals.
The state government supports college education with a strong public university system and financial aid programs for students, such as Oklahoma's Promise. Within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, there are 25 colleges and universities, 11 constituent agencies, and one university center. The following are some of the specific institutions of higher education within the system:
Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and the University of Oklahoma in Norman, both research universities
Ten regional universities, such as Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, and the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond
Twelve community colleges, including Tulsa Community College, Oklahoma City Community College, and Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton
The Sooner State is also home to a network of 29 technology centers spread across 60 campuses. These learning centers provide vocational career training in more than 90 subjects. Attendance is free for high school students, but adults must pay a moderate tuition fee.
Naturally, the state also has its share of private colleges and universities. Many of these schools are faith-based institutions, including Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, and Southwestern Christian University in Bethany.
Looking for online programs in states beyond Oklahoma? Review our list of online colleges by state.
Online Colleges in Oklahoma
Since the early 2000s, a growing number of colleges in the Sooner State have begun offering online courses and online degree programs — clear evidence that distance learning has become increasingly popular. Our list of the best online colleges in Oklahoma is ranked based on bachelor's degrees and concentrations. However, learners considering online options can earn online associate degrees, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificates.
You'll find Oklahoma online degrees for all of the most common fields of study. These often include business administration degrees, health science degrees, criminal justice degrees, and liberal arts programs. In terms of format, some of your online courses may be asynchronous, meaning you can log in at any time. Other courses, however, may be synchronous and require you to stream lectures and participate in live, online class discussions at specified times. Hybrid programs allow you to complete most of your coursework online but require you to come to campus for some learning activities.
To fulfill all of the graduation requirements for an online bachelor's degree, most full-time students need four to five years and part-time students may need five to six years. Depending on the number of credit hours, an online master's program can take two to three years of full-time study or three to four years for part-time attendance. If finishing your degree quickly is a priority, you might look into accelerated online Oklahoma colleges that are structured around shorter terms that run back-to-back year round.
Whether you're applying for online programs or on-campus programs, you'll find that undergraduate admissions requirements are fairly similar across all Oklahoma universities. To gain entry into one of the more competitive colleges, your high school GPA may need to be 2.8 or higher and you'll need to participate in a number of extracurricular activities, such as sports and volunteer work. You will probably be asked to submit your high school transcripts, college entrance exam scores, personal essay, letters of recommendation, and resume when you submit your application.
To ensure you're getting a quality education through an Oklahoma online degree program, you may want to check a school's accreditation status before applying. Enrollment in an accredited college may be required to qualify for financial aid, transfer credits from one school to another, apply for graduate school, or earn a state-issued credential or license to practice a specific profession. All of the Oklahoma online colleges featured on our rankings list are accredited, most likely by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) — the primary accrediting body for colleges in Oklahoma — or the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC).
Explore other online degrees in Oklahoma on our Online Nursing Programs in Oklahoma and Online MSW Programs in Oklahoma rankings.
FAQs About Online Colleges in Oklahoma
How Many Colleges Are in Oklahoma?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator lists a total of 102 postsecondary educational institutions in Oklahoma. Of these, 62 are public institutions, including large universities like the University of Oklahoma in Norman and smaller campuses such as Rogers State University in Claremore and Cameron University in Lawton. Of course, distance education allows many students to attend Oklahoma colleges online.
How Much Is College in Oklahoma?
According to the NCES, in-state tuition and fees at two-year institutions in Oklahoma are slightly higher than the national average while in-state tuition and fees at four-year colleges are lower than the national average. Some schools in Oklahoma may also offer lower fees for their online programs than for their on-campus programs. To help reduce the cost of your college education, you can apply for grants and scholarships. You might also consider completing one or two years of general education coursework at one of Oklahoma's online community colleges before transferring to an in-person or online bachelor's degree program at a four-year university.
Do Foster Kids Get College Paid for in Oklahoma?
Yes, those who leave foster care in Oklahoma may be eligible for tuition assistance under the Independent Living Act (Foster Care Tuition Waiver). Oklahoma residents who were in foster care for at least nine months between the ages of 16 and 18 may receive a tuition waiver when they enroll at a public college or university or in select programs at a state-run technology center. However, students are responsible for all other college fees and related expenses.
Do Oklahoma Colleges Have Reciprocity Programs With Texas College Students?
Oklahoma colleges have limited reciprocity agreements with schools in neighboring states, including Texas. Through the Academic Common Market, organized by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), college students from 15 southern states may qualify for in-state tuition rates at out-of-state institutions of higher education if the degree they're seeking is not offered by a public institution in their home state. You can check the SREB website for qualifying programs and schools.
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