Best Value Registered Nursing Colleges in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's nursing programs create a striking divide between ultra-affordable public options and higher-priced private schools, with costs ranging from $7,557 to $26,827 annually. Oklahoma Panhandle State University delivers the state's lowest net price while graduates still earn $64,196, making it an strong return on investment. The state's growing healthcare sector, bolstered by major medical centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, creates strong demand for nursing professionals across all specialties. Northeastern State University stands out with earnings reaching $69,338 despite charging just $11,800 net price. Oklahoma's energy and aerospace industries also drive healthcare employment, as companies like those around Tinker Air Force Base require occupational health nurses and medical administrators. Public universities dominate the value equation, with most charging under $12,000 annually while preparing graduates for careers that consistently pay above $52,000.

Programs

$7,557 – $26,827

Net Price Range

$60,322

Avg. Program Earnings

42.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, Oklahoma	$7,557	$64,196	$7,922	26.1%
2	East Central University Ada, Oklahoma	$9,287	$60,024	$8,032	32.7%	70.1%
3	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$69,338	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
4	Langston University Langston, Oklahoma	$11,359	$58,796	$6,728	17.5%
5	Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, Oklahoma	$11,366	$56,505	$5,970	35.4%	56.4%
6	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542	$62,479	$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
7	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$59,468	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
8	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$58,673	$29,600	48.8%
9	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$61,192	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
10	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556	$63,898	$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
11	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678	$61,020	$48,602	73.3%	69.2%
12	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$53,358	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
13	Oral Roberts University Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,600	$58,221	$34,100	53.9%	78.4%
14	Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, Oklahoma	$26,827	$65,557	$31,466	28.4%	52.1%
15	Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, Oklahoma	$23,880	$52,107	$34,050	49.7%	47.3%
16	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$16,378		$10,234	65.9%	70.6%
17	Rogers State University Claremore, Oklahoma	$13,953		$7,392	25.4%
18	Bacone College Muskogee, Oklahoma	$12,197		$15,060	2.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oklahoma Panhandle State University the best value for nursing?

Oklahoma Panhandle State University offers the lowest net price at just $7,557 while graduates earn $64,196 annually. This creates one of the strongest return-on-investment ratios among all nursing programs in the state. The school also maintains relatively low student debt at $10,408, making it financially accessible for students from rural communities.

How do public and private nursing programs compare in Oklahoma?

Public nursing programs in Oklahoma cost significantly less, with most charging under $12,000 in net price compared to private schools that range from $17,838 to $26,827. However, earnings remain competitive across both sectors, typically falling between $52,107 and $69,338. Private schools like Oklahoma City University offer higher graduation rates at 64.2% but come with substantially higher debt loads averaging $27,000.

Where do Oklahoma nursing graduates earn the highest salaries?

Northeastern State University graduates command the highest earnings at $69,338, despite the school's affordable $11,800 net price and high acceptance rate of 99.46%. Oklahoma Wesleyan University graduates also perform well with $65,557 in earnings, though the program costs significantly more at $26,827 annually. These salary levels reflect Oklahoma's competitive healthcare market and growing medical infrastructure.

Does Oklahoma's Promise program help nursing students?

Oklahoma's Promise covers full tuition for qualifying low-income students, making even the most expensive public nursing programs essentially free for eligible families. This program particularly benefits students at schools like Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where in-state tuition costs just $5,970 annually. The state's low cost of living further stretches financial aid dollars, helping students graduate with minimal debt.

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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.