Cheapest Biology Colleges in Oklahoma

Oklahoma biology programs reveal dramatic cost differences, with Southeastern Oklahoma State University offering the lowest net price at just $6,352 while private institutions like Oklahoma Christian reach $21,423. This $15,000 gap reflects the state's commitment to affordable public education through initiatives like Oklahoma's Promise, which covers tuition for qualifying students. Biology graduates from these programs enter a state economy driven by energy companies, aerospace manufacturers like Boeing at Tinker Air Force Base, and expanding healthcare systems that rely heavily on biological sciences expertise. Most programs maintain graduation rates between 25% and 40%, though Oklahoma State University stands out with a 65.9% completion rate. The earnings data shows biology graduates typically start around $28,000 annually, with Northeastern State University graduates reaching $32,498. Oklahoma's low cost of living means these salaries stretch further than in coastal states, making the combination of affordable education and reasonable starting wages particularly attractive for biology students planning careers in research, healthcare, or the state's growing biotechnology sector.

Programs

$6,352 – $26,827

Net Price Range

$28,149

Avg. Program Earnings

40.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, Oklahoma	$6,352	$7,200	33.3%	74.2%
2	Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, Oklahoma	$7,557	$7,922	26.1%
3	University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Chickasha, Oklahoma	$8,543	$9,000	36.3%	56.3%
4	East Central University Ada, Oklahoma	$9,287	$8,032	32.7%	70.1%
5	Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma	$10,705	$6,900	21.5%
6	Langston University Langston, Oklahoma	$11,359	$6,728	17.5%
7	Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, Oklahoma	$11,366	$5,970	35.4%	56.4%
8	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
9	Rogers State University Claremore, Oklahoma	$13,953	$7,392	25.4%
10	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542	$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
11	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$16,378	$10,234	65.9%	70.6%
12	Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$17,123	$19,896	33.3%
13	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$29,600	48.8%
14	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
15	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
16	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556	$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
17	Oral Roberts University Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,600	$34,100	53.9%	78.4%
18	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678	$48,602	73.3%	69.2%
19	Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, Oklahoma	$23,880	$34,050	49.7%	47.3%
20	Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, Oklahoma	$26,827	$31,466	28.4%	52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University the cheapest option for biology students?

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers the lowest net price at $6,352 annually, with in-state tuition of just $7,200. The school maintains a 74.21% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. However, the graduation rate sits at 33.30%, which means students should carefully consider academic support resources when choosing this budget-friendly option.

How do private biology programs compare to public options in Oklahoma?

Private institutions like Oklahoma Christian University cost significantly more, with net prices around $21,423 compared to public school averages under $15,000. However, Oklahoma Christian achieves a 55.20% graduation rate with a 96.02% acceptance rate. Southern Nazarene University also shows strong performance with a 48.80% graduation rate, suggesting private schools may offer better completion support despite higher costs.

Is Oklahoma State University worth the higher cost for biology majors?

Oklahoma State University charges a $16,378 net price but delivers the highest graduation rate at 65.90% among the schools listed. The program maintains a 70.63% acceptance rate while producing graduates who enter a job market influenced by the university's research connections to agriculture and energy sectors. The $4,000 premium over mid-range options may pay off through better completion rates and alumni networks.

What earnings can biology graduates expect in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma biology graduates typically earn between $23,649 and $32,498 annually in entry-level positions. Northeastern State University graduates lead with $32,498 average earnings, while Cameron University graduates start at $23,649. These salaries align well with Oklahoma's lower cost of living, particularly in smaller cities where many of these universities operate.

Where do Oklahoma biology graduates typically find employment opportunities?

Oklahoma's economy offers biology graduates positions in energy companies conducting environmental research, aerospace firms like those near Tinker Air Force Base requiring materials science expertise, and healthcare systems throughout the state. The agricultural sector also provides opportunities in crop science and veterinary support. Average debt loads range from $16,250 to $20,625, making these career paths financially viable given the state's employment market.

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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.