Oklahoma’s higher education network teaches students and trains them to become valuable contributors to the state’s changing economy. According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, more than half of the state’s 100 critical occupations will require a college degree by 2030.
This page profiles accredited online colleges in Oklahoma. Our list emphasizes quality, affordable institutions. It draws on data from authoritative government sources, such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
You can use this guide to research schools and programs that match your learning goals and career aspirations. You can also find information on financing, tuition discounts and scholarship programs for Oklahoma students.
Featured Online Programs
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, 46 institutions offer postsecondary degrees, according to NCES data from the 2021-22 school year. Of those institutions — which include accredited online colleges in Oklahoma — 30 are public schools, 14 are private nonprofit institutions, and two are for-profit schools. The state’s higher education institutions provide valuable services for 183,768 students as of 2021.
in 2013, Oklahoma had 46 degree-granting institutions
- 30 public
- 14 non-profit
- 2 for-profit
Tuition rates in Oklahoma vary by institution. According to NCES data from the 2021-22 school year, the average in-state tuition at Oklahoma public four-year institutions paid an average in-state tuition rate of $8,291, while out-of-state tuition averaged $22,125. Four-year private schools charged an average tuition of $30,175. Two-year institutions were the most affordable, charging in-state learners an average of $4,288. Out-of-state students at two-year schools paid an average tuition of $9,413.
In the 2023-24 school year, Oklahoma’s flagship public university, the University of Oklahoma, charged full-time in-state students a combined tuition and fees rate of $4,797. Full-time out-of-state learners paid $13,332. Some online colleges in Oklahoma may charge reduced or in-state tuition for all learners regardless of their state residency.
Oklahoma college students pay for their degrees through a variety of funding sources, including financial aid like scholarships and grants. For example, the Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant provided $14.5 million in need-based grants to undergraduates during the 2021-22 academic year. Overall, Oklahoma learners received over $106 million in grants for the 2021-22 school year.
The State of Online Higher Education in Oklahoma
According to NCES data from 2022, 24% of college students in Oklahoma were enrolled exclusively in online coursework, while an additional 29.6% took at least one online class. Collectively, this represents the majority of learners in the state participating in distance education.
Online higher education serves over 80,000 Oklahoma students, according to a 2019 Distance Education State Almanac. In Oklahoma, 82,508 students took at least one online course, which equals 42.8% of the total student body. Most online students enrolled as undergraduates: 71,910 undergraduate students versus 10,500 graduate students.
In addition, roughly 28,000 students completed all their college courses online, representing approximately 21,000 undergraduates and 7,500 graduate students. Over 75% of the fully online students live in Oklahoma, with the rest enrolling from outside of Oklahoma.
Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma
Below, we rank Oklahoma’s best online four-year programs. Our list considers how schools approach accredited online education, including their services for distance students and their popular fully online degrees. After reviewing the best online schools in Oklahoma, explore our other state-specific resources, like a database of every college and university in Oklahoma or our index of popular in-state scholarships.
| Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma State University | Stillwater | $$$$$ | 107 Whitehurst Stillwater, OK 74078 (405) 744-5000 | School Website | Oklahoma State University (OSU), founded in 1890, was originally an agricultural and mechanical college. The school has developed over the past century and now offers over 300 majors and minors. Currently, the institution has over 26,000 enrollees from over 100 countries. Each undergraduate applicant must submit an online form, a $40 fee, and high school transcripts. Prospective students have the option to submit ACT or SAT scores. While the school reviews students holistically, internal scholarships may require official test scores. High school graduates with a minimum 3.0 unweighted GPA, 24 ACT score, or 1160 SAT score can receive assured admission. OSU automatically considers applicants for scholarships. Scholarship criteria can include test scores, grades, or class rank. Academically inclined enrollees can receive four-year partial tuition waivers. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State $464 | Out-of-State $981 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), American Psychological Association (APA), ABET | ||
| 2 | University of Oklahoma | Norman | $$$$$ | 660 Parrington Oval Norman, OK 73019 (405) 325-0311 | School Website | University of Oklahoma (OU), created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in 1890, has grown to offer over 170 programs. The school set primary goals to become a top university, prepare students, be excellent and affordable, positively affect the nation, and encourage emotional growth. OU has over 21,000 enrollees and an 18-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. The institution's most popular majors include meteorology, international business, and energy management. The school offers online programs with flexible schedules for working adults. According to OU, 80% of online graduates find employment within six months of program culmination. Admission counselors primarily focus on an applicant's academic history, including GPA, course selections, and SAT or ACT scores. Applicants who pass the initial academic screening may be assessed holistically, including application essays, school activities, and work experience. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 Cost per Credit: In-State $500 | Out-of-State $500 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) | ||
| 3 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Durant | $$$$$ | 425 W. University Boulevard Durant, OK 74701 (580) 745-2000 | School Website | Southeastern Oklahoma State University, originally created to educate Oklahoma teachers, now offers four separate schools: arts, business, education, and graduate. The university has over 45 programs, and 82% of enrollees receive financial aid. Southeastern reports that bachelor's graduates received an average salary of $51,510 five years after program culmination. Online courses use fully remote programs with multiple start dates throughout the year. Online program choices include criminal justice, psychology, and accounting. Enrollees can access student support services, including an online orientation, academic support, and technical assistance. A first-year applicant must submit an online form, a $30 fee, high school transcripts, and official ACT or SAT scores. Prospective enrollees must meet one of the following criteria: ACT score of 20 or SAT equivalent, minimum 2.7 high school GPA and ranked top 50% of the class, or minimum 2.7 high school GPA in the 15 core curricular courses. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 Cost per Credit: In-State $220 |Out-of-State $307 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) | ||
| 4 | East Central University | Ada | $$$$$ | 1100 East 14th Street Ada, OK 74820 (580) 332-8000 | School Website | East Central University (ECU), one of three schools established in eastern Oklahoma in 1909, currently covers 142 acres with 40 buildings. The school applies five core values to prepare graduates for their personal and professional lives: integrity, candor, accountability, respect, and excellence. ECU offers multiple varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. Notable alumni include previous Oklahoma Governor Robert S. Kerr and Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby. The institution's online school provides eight undergraduate and six graduate programs. Online courses do not require in-person assignments but may require proctored tests. Each applicant submits an online form, a $20 fee, official transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores. The school offers scholarships varying from $1,500 to full tuition. Scholarship criteria vary but often rely on SAT or ACT scores. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Semester: In-State $4,240 | Out-of-State $9,050 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) | ||
| 5 | Northeastern State University | Tahlequah | $$$$$ | 600 N. Grand Ave. Tahlequah, OK 74464 (918) 456-5511 | School Website | Northeastern State University (NSU) has links to the Cherokee National Female Seminary, founded in 1846. The school later became a state institution in 1909. The institution's mission statement incorporates its Cherokee history, which aims for a sustainable future for diverse communities. NSU's online school offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional development programs. Degree choices include cybersecurity, supply chain management, and entrepreneurship. Attendees can choose fully online or hybrid programs. Each applicant must possess an ACT score above 20 or a 2.7 minimum GPA while graduating in the top 50% of the class. Each candidate submits an online application, a $25 fee, official high school transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. Accepted attendees can attend a two-day camp in August, organized by current enrollees. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 Cost per Credit: In-State $275 | Out-of-State $581 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | ||
| 6 | University of Central Oklahoma | Edmond | $$$$$ | 100 N. University Dr. Edmond, OK 73034 (405) 974-2000 | School Website | University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), originally called the Territorial Normal School, was founded in 1890 with a $5,000 bond and 40 acres of land. Currently, the school offers over 100 undergraduate programs to 12,000 enrollees. The institution aims to help students become ethical, creative, and engaged citizens. UCO's online school provides eight graduate and nine undergraduate programs, including finance, human resources, and management. The online programs provide flexibility to working professionals and out-of-state learners. All applicants must complete three items for consideration: an online form, high school transcripts, and immunization records. Incoming attendees must submit ACT or SAT scores to qualify for scholarships. The automatic four year scholarships, based on GPA and ACT or SAT scores, can range from $500-$2,000 annually. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 Cost per Credit: In-State $243 | Out-of-State $363 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) | ||
| 7 | Rogers State University | Claremore | $$$$$ | 1701 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Claremore, OK 74017 (918) 343-7777 | School Website | Rogers State University (RSU), founded by the Oklahoma Legislature in its second session, was originally intended to prepare the children of Native Americans and local farmers for college. The school has since grown to become a regional four-year institution with associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The institution aims to provide quality education opportunities, promote intellectual freedom, and offer student services. RSU, the first Oklahoma college to offer associate and bachelor's degrees online, opened its online campus in 1992. The university offers seven associate and seven bachelor's programs through virtual delivery. Students can take courses asynchronously but must complete weekly classwork. Each prospective enrollee must submit an online form and official high school transcripts. Academic advisors work individually with attendees to determine if they require skill testing or prerequisite courses. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State $264 | Out-of-State $542 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) | ||
| 8 | Cameron University | Lawton | $$$$$ | 2800 W. Gore Blvd. Lawton, OK 73505 (580) 581-2987 | School Website | Cameron University, named after Reverend E. D. Cameron, held its first classes in 1909. The institution gained authorization to issue bachelor's degrees in 1966. Currently, the school has over 3,000 students, with most enrollees pursuing undergraduate programs. Cameron offers online and hybrid programs through its distance learning classes. Each course includes at least one proctored activity per semester. Attendees can choose from six online bachelor's programs and more than 100 standalone online courses. An applicant must possess one of the following requirements for admission: a minimum 940 SAT score, a minimum 20 ACT, or a minimum 2.7 GPA while graduating in the top 50% of the class. Enrollees can apply for many school-sponsored scholarships simultaneously through a general scholarship form. Non-general scholarships may require additional prerequisites or application procedures. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 124 Cost per Credit: In-State $230 | Out-of-State $544 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) | ||
| 9 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Weatherford | $$$$$ | 100 Campus Drive Weatherford, OK 73096 (580) 774-3063 | School Website | Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), originally a training and preparatory work institution, was established in 1901. The school currently has over 1,000 courses annually and 200 faculty members. The institution's vision includes fostering an environment that focuses on professional development and personal growth. SWOSU's distance education school offers online and hybrid programs. Enrollees can choose from synchronous Zoom courses or asynchronous classes with weekly discussions. The school expects asynchronous attendees to complete classwork daily. For admission, each undergraduate applicant must meet one of the following requirements: minimum 20 ACT score, 1030 SAT score, 2.7 GPA and a ranking in the top 50% of their class, or 2.7 GPA in the 15-unit core curriculum. The application process involves submitting an online form, transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and immunization records. Over 70% of attendees receive financial aid, which has surpassed $30 million. Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120 Cost per Credit: In-State $232 | Out-of-State $233 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) | ||
| 10 | University of Tulsa | Tulsa | $$$$$ | 800 South Tucker Drive Tulsa, OK 74104 (918) 631-2000 | School Website | University of Tulsa (TU) can be traced back to the Presbyterian School for Indian Girls, founded in 1882. The school became a higher learning institution in 1894. The private institution currently offers over 100 programs to its 3,700 students. TU provides online programs that offer flexibility to working adults. Attendees can complete assignments at their own pace or pursue an accelerated route to graduate early. The school only provides online programs in nursing and cybersecurity. Prospective enrollees can apply through the school's website or Common App. Each applicant must pay a $50 fee and submit official high school transcripts. The school recommends but does not require the following supplemental application documents: essay, school profile, counselor recommendation, interview, and SAT or ACT scores. Admitted students automatically receive consideration for merit-based scholarships. The National Merit Semifinalist Package, the largest financial aid provided by the school, offers up to $263,000 in tuition coverage. Cost per Semester: In-State $23,466 | Out-of-State $23,466 Credits to Earn Bachelor's: 120-124 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Programmatic Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) |
Tuition Breaks for Out-of-State Students
Oklahoma participates in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)’s interstate tuition reciprocity compact. This compact, the Academic Common Market (ACM), includes 15 member states in the southern U.S. and operates tuition reciprocity initiatives for undergraduate and graduate programs in specialized programs. The ACM covers more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate programs.
Learners from other states can pursue a variety of degrees in Oklahoma with ACM reduced tuition at institutions like the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Job Opportunities in Oklahoma for College Graduates
Projections Central data projects jobs like nurse practitioner, physical therapist assistant, speech language pathologist, financial examiner, and market research analyst — all careers which require college education — will experience faster-than-average growth from 2020 to 2030. 2023 BLS data also reveals these jobs each pay higher-than-average wages.
In general, careers in fields like business, healthcare, and engineering can offer positive returns on investment for Oklahoma college graduates.
Scholarships and Financial Aid in Oklahoma
Community Foundation Scholars
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $3,000
Graduating seniors with a 3.25-3.79 GPA who attend schools that participate in the Central Oklahoma High School Counselor Network can qualify for this scholarship.
Application Deadline: December
Oklahoma’s Promise Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: FULL TUITION
Oklahoma high schoolers with a family income between $60,000-$80,000 qualify for tuition at public two-year or four-year Oklahoma institutions, including online schools. Attendees of Oklahoma private institutions can receive partial tuition.
Application Deadline: June 30
Oklahoma City Community Foundation Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
This organization offers over 200 scholarships that Oklahoma residents can apply for using just one application process.
Application Deadline: Varies
Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation Scholarships
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
The Oklahoma CareerTech Foundation offers multiple academic scholarships to students pursuing career and technical education majors at qualifying postsecondary institutions.
Application Deadline: February 15-June 1
Oklahoma Society of Land Surveyors’ Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: VARIES
This organization’s associate and student members qualify for this scholarship if they maintain a 2.5 high school GPA and reside in Oklahoma. Professionals who work under the supervision of a land surveyor can also apply.
Application Deadline: May 15
Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Scholarship
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $8,000
Students who have maintained at least one year of membership with the American Quarter Horse Association or the American Quarter Horse Youth Association as well as at least two years of membership with the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Association can apply for this award in their final year of high school or while enrolled in college. The scholarship offers $2,000 in annual funding for up to four years. To keep the award, recipients need to maintain a 2.5 GPA each year.
Application Deadline: December 1
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence Award
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT: $1,500
Oklahoma high school seniors can qualify for one of 100 awards from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence if they get a minimum 30 ACT score, a minimum 1370 SAT score, or are at least a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Application Deadline: Application window opens on October 1
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