Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Oklahoma

Cameron University graduates with Liberal Arts and Sciences degrees earn $58,673 annually, nearly triple the $22,329 earned by Southeastern Oklahoma State University alumni. This stark earnings gap highlights how location and program focus can dramatically impact career outcomes even within the same field. Oklahoma's energy sector, anchored by companies like Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy, increasingly values the critical thinking and communication skills that liberal arts programs develop. Net costs range from $6,352 at Southeastern to $17,838 at Southern Nazarene University, making Oklahoma one of the most affordable states for liberal studies education. The state's Promise scholarship program further reduces barriers by covering tuition for qualifying low-income students. With acceptance rates exceeding 70% at most institutions and the University of Oklahoma achieving a 75.3% graduation rate, students have multiple pathways to affordable liberal arts education in a state where low living costs stretch degree value even further.

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	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	East Central University Ada, Oklahoma	$9,287	$8,032	32.7%	70.1%
4	Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma	$10,705	$6,900	21.5%
5	Langston University Langston, Oklahoma	$11,359	$6,728	17.5%
6	Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, Oklahoma	$11,366	$5,970	35.4%	56.4%
7	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
8	Bacone College Muskogee, Oklahoma	$12,197	$15,060	2.4%
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	Randall University Moore, Oklahoma	$16,474	$17,322	20.5%	42.9%
13	Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$17,123	$19,896	33.3%
14	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
15	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$29,600	48.8%
16	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
17	Southwestern Christian University Bethany, Oklahoma	$19,692	$21,316	12.7%
18	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
19	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556	$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
20	Oral Roberts University Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,600	$34,100	53.9%	78.4%
21	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678	$48,602	73.3%	69.2%
22	Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, Oklahoma	$26,827	$31,466	28.4%	52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Cameron University and Southeastern Oklahoma graduates?

Cameron University graduates earn $58,673 compared to $22,329 at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, a difference of over $36,000 annually. Cameron's location in Lawton provides proximity to Fort Sill and defense contractors who value liberal arts graduates for project management and communication roles. Southeastern's rural Durant location offers fewer high-paying opportunities, though the program's $6,352 net cost makes it the state's most affordable option.

How do graduation rates vary among Oklahoma's cheapest liberal arts programs?

The University of Oklahoma leads with a 75.3% graduation rate despite a $17,413 net cost, while Bacone College shows just 2.4% completion. Northwestern Oklahoma State University achieves 35.4% graduation at $11,366 net cost, demonstrating that mid-priced programs often balance affordability with student success. Public universities generally outperform private institutions in completion rates across all price points.

Is Oklahoma's Promise scholarship available for liberal arts students?

Oklahoma's Promise covers full tuition for students whose families earn under $60,000, significantly reducing costs at public universities. This makes programs like Northwestern Oklahoma State University effectively free for qualifying students, as the $5,970 in-state tuition gets covered entirely. Private colleges like Randall University don't participate, leaving students to pay the full $17,322 sticker price.

Does student debt burden vary significantly across Oklahoma liberal arts programs?

Student debt ranges from $15,000 at Northwestern Oklahoma State University to $28,079 at Langston University, showing that higher costs don't always mean higher debt. Cameron University graduates carry $25,189 in debt but earn $58,673, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. East Central University offers a middle ground with $19,004 average debt and $42,682 earnings potential.

Where do Oklahoma liberal arts graduates find employment opportunities?

Oklahoma's energy sector employs liberal arts graduates in corporate communications, regulatory affairs, and community relations roles at companies like Devon Energy and Continental Resources. Tinker Air Force Base near Oklahoma City hires graduates for technical writing and project coordination positions. The state's healthcare systems, including Integris and Saint Francis, recruit liberal arts majors for administrative and patient advocacy roles that value strong communication skills.

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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.