Best Value Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Oklahoma

Cameron University delivers the highest early career earnings for Liberal Arts graduates in Oklahoma at $58,673 annually, nearly triple what some programs produce. This dramatic spread from $22,329 to $58,673 across the state's 20 programs reflects different approaches to general studies education and regional job placement success. Oklahoma's energy sector headquarters in Oklahoma City and Tulsa create strong demand for Liberal Arts graduates who can handle complex communications, regulatory analysis, and project coordination roles. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with Southeastern Oklahoma State offering the lowest net cost at $6,352 while private institutions like University of Tulsa reach $23,678. The state's Promise scholarship program covers full tuition for qualifying low-income students, making even costlier options accessible. Regional aerospace employers including Tinker Air Force Base value the critical thinking and writing skills that Liberal Arts programs develop, creating career paths beyond traditional humanities roles.

Programs

$6,352 – $26,827

Net Price Range

$35,057

Avg. Program Earnings

38.0%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma	$10,705	$58,673	$6,900	21.5%
2	East Central University Ada, Oklahoma	$9,287	$42,682	$8,032	32.7%	70.1%
3	Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, Oklahoma	$6,352	$22,329	$7,200	33.3%	74.2%
4	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$33,192	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
5	Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, Oklahoma	$11,366	$30,771	$5,970	35.4%	56.4%
6	Langston University Langston, Oklahoma	$11,359	$25,967	$6,728	17.5%
7	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$37,834	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
8	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$16,378	$31,314	$10,234	65.9%	70.6%
9	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556	$39,009	$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
10	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$34,170	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
11	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$29,685	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
12	Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, Oklahoma	$7,557		$7,922	26.1%
13	Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$17,123		$19,896	33.3%
14	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678		$48,602	73.3%	69.2%
15	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542		$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
16	Southwestern Christian University Bethany, Oklahoma	$19,692		$21,316	12.7%
17	Rogers State University Claremore, Oklahoma	$13,953		$7,392	25.4%
18	Oral Roberts University Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,600		$34,100	53.9%	78.4%
19	Bacone College Muskogee, Oklahoma	$12,197		$15,060	2.4%
20	Randall University Moore, Oklahoma	$16,474		$17,322	20.5%	42.9%
21	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838		$29,600	48.8%
22	Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, Oklahoma	$26,827		$31,466	28.4%	52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Cameron University's $58,673 earnings advantage over other Oklahoma Liberal Arts programs?

Cameron University graduates earn $58,673 annually, outpacing even larger state universities like Oklahoma State ($31,314) and University of Oklahoma ($37,834). The Lawton location near Fort Sill creates strong connections to military contracting and government positions that value Liberal Arts skills. Cameron's 21.5% graduation rate suggests a smaller but potentially more career-focused student body. This earnings premium comes at a reasonable $10,705 net cost, making it strong value despite lower completion rates.

How do Oklahoma's public university costs compare for Liberal Arts students?

Public university net costs range from $6,352 at Southeastern Oklahoma State to $18,990 at University of Central Oklahoma. In-state tuition stays remarkably consistent between $5,970 and $10,234 across most public options. Southeastern offers the state's lowest net cost while maintaining a 33.3% graduation rate. Northwestern Oklahoma State provides strong value at $11,366 net cost with $30,771 earnings and manageable $15,000 debt loads.

Is the University of Oklahoma worth the higher cost for Liberal Arts majors?

University of Oklahoma charges $17,413 net cost but delivers a 75.3% graduation rate, far above the state average. Early career earnings of $37,834 place graduates in the middle range among Oklahoma programs. The Norman campus accepts 72.9% of applicants while maintaining academic standards that produce strong completion rates. For students prioritizing graduation likelihood over lowest cost, OU provides reliable outcomes despite higher expenses.

Does Oklahoma's job market support Liberal Arts graduates effectively?

Oklahoma's energy sector headquarters create demand for Liberal Arts graduates in communications, regulatory compliance, and project management roles. Tinker Air Force Base and aerospace companies value the analytical and writing skills these programs develop. Earnings vary significantly from $22,329 to $58,673, suggesting career outcome success depends heavily on program quality and regional connections. The state's low cost of living helps stretch starting salaries further than comparable wages in other regions.

Where do private universities fit in Oklahoma's Liberal Arts value equation?

Private options range from $17,123 at Mid-America Christian to $23,678 at University of Tulsa. Oklahoma City University offers middle pricing at $21,556 with strong 64.2% graduation rates and $39,009 earnings. University of Tulsa commands the highest cost but delivers 73.3% completion rates, justifying expenses for students prioritizing graduation success. Private institutions generally show higher completion rates but mixed earnings outcomes compared to top public programs.

More Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Rankings

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.