The first college in Oklahoma opened its doors in 1880, and by 1910 — just a few years after gaining statehood — the Sooner State had 12 secondary schools and colleges. Oklahoma is now home to 64 colleges, universities, and campuses across its regions, with nearly 40% clustered in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City metropolitan areas.
Continue exploring this guide to learn more about the state's career landscape, popular cities with online colleges, and state resources for students. Also, browse the list of top online colleges in Oklahoma to compare the state's best options.
Top Online Colleges in Oklahoma
Reasons to Consider Online Schools in Oklahoma
- Some online colleges in Oklahoma may offer in-state tuition, even if you live in another state.
- Attending an online program provides maximum flexibility and allows you to maintain a full-time job.
- You may be able to find a job more easily by studying one of Oklahoma's top industries, which includes aerospace, agriculture, and financial services.
Did You Know…
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 30% of undergraduate students in Oklahoma enrolled in distance education courses as of 2022.
Accreditation Matters for Oklahoma Online Colleges
Accreditation demonstrates the legitimacy of your education by ensuring that colleges meet strict academic standards. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited school.
Attending an accredited college also ensures your degree and credits will be recognized if you apply for graduate programs or transfer to other schools.
Most online colleges in Oklahoma are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Programs in professional fields like nursing, law, and education should also have programmatic accreditation, which ensures you qualify for state licensure.
How Much Do Online Colleges in Oklahoma Cost?
In 2021-2022, the average cost of in-state tuition and fees at public four-year Oklahoma colleges was $8,291, according to NCES data.
That same year, average out-of-state tuition and fees were $22,125, while private four-year tuition and fees reached an even higher $30,175.
You can qualify for federal grants and loans to save money by submitting the FAFSA. You can also apply for external scholarships. Some Oklahoma online colleges offer in-state tuition discounts to all online students, regardless of their location.
Fastest-Growing Jobs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to robust manufacturing and energy industries. Jobs like wind turbine service technician and nurse practitioner are currently experiencing high demand in the state, according to Projections Central.
Other healthcare jobs and tech jobs are also seeing high demand, with medical and health services managers, physician assistants, data scientists, and information security analysts all projected to grow by more than 20% between 2022 and 2032.
| Job | Median Annual Salary in OK (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate in OK (2022-2032) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Service Technicians | $59,620 | 59% | Certificate/diploma |
| Nurse Practitioners | $126,670 | 38.6% | Master's |
| Data Scientists | $80,380 | 31.6% | Bachelor's |
| Information Security Analysts | $86,500 | 28.7% | Bachelor's |
| Statisticians | $81,180 | 26.7% | Master's |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $100,570 | 26.1% | Bachelor's |
| Operations Research Analysts | $62,510 | 23.9% | Bachelor's |
| Physician Assistants | $130,750 | 22.4% | Master's |
Popular Cities With Online Colleges in Oklahoma
As the state's most populous cities, Tulsa and Oklahoma City are hubs for online schools in Oklahoma.
Tulsa
Tulsa is the second largest city in Oklahoma, partly due to the population boom it experienced in the early to mid-1900s. Today, Tulsa prioritizes clean energy, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing as its top industries. The Tulsa metro area has 10 colleges and universities to help students launch their careers.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has the largest population in the state, with more than 1.4 million residents in its metropolitan area. With 14 colleges and universities in its surrounding area, Oklahoma City is a prime spot to prepare for a career in in-demand industries like business services, weather mapping and technology, healthcare, and logistics.
Did You Know…
University of Oklahoma was the first public university in the U.S. to build residential colleges for upper-level and female students.
Resources for Online Students at Oklahoma Colleges
OKcollegestart
Students attending online colleges in Oklahoma can find information about college prep, career planning, and financial aid on this site. OKcollegestart offers various resources for middle and high school students, college students, and adult learners.
Oklahoma GEAR UP
This federally funded program helps Oklahoma students and their families prepare for college. The site offers mentoring, tutoring, ACT prep, and college exploration resources.
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
This government entity provides information about Oklahoma's public colleges and universities, financial aid options, degrees, and overall state of higher education.
Oklahoma College Assistance Program
This nonprofit offers student loan management, financial aid information, and college access services to prospective students in Oklahoma.
OneNet
OneNet serves the state's largest colleges and universities as a digital initiative of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. This network also improves broadband access in rural Oklahoma.
Questions About Online Colleges in Oklahoma
How many colleges and universities are in Oklahoma?
According to NCES data, Oklahoma is home to a total of 105 colleges and universities. This number includes one tribal college — College of the Muscogee Nation — and one historically Black college: Langston University.
Does Oklahoma State offer online degrees?
Yes, Oklahoma State University offers online degrees through OSU Online. Online majors include psychology, finance, elementary education, and computer science. You can also tailor your education to your unique learning and career goals by majoring in multidisciplinary studies.
What is the hardest college to get into in Oklahoma?
One of the more selective colleges in Oklahoma is Oklahoma Wesleyan University, which had an acceptance rate of 52% in fall 2022, according to NCES. Other competitive colleges in Oklahoma include Oklahoma Baptist University (47% acceptance rate) and Northwestern Oklahoma State University (56% acceptance rate).
How long do you have to live in Oklahoma to get in-state tuition?
According to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, you must live in Oklahoma for 12 consecutive months and intend to remain in the state for Oklahoma residency and in-state tuition.
What is the best online school in Oklahoma?
The best online school in Oklahoma for you depends on your goals and interests. Factors to consider include career services, student retention, and free software licenses for enrolled students. Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City, for example, offers free Microsoft software to online students, and the University of Oklahoma holds virtual writing center appointments.