Cheapest Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Oklahoma

Southeastern Oklahoma State University stands out with the state's lowest net cost at $6,352 for teacher education programs, creating an strong value proposition for future educators. Oklahoma's teacher preparation programs span a remarkable price range from $6,352 to $23,678, with public institutions claiming the bottom eight spots. The state's education sector benefits from a relatively low cost of living and supportive funding through Oklahoma's Promise, which covers tuition for qualifying families earning under $60,000 annually. With Oklahoma facing ongoing teacher shortages, particularly in rural districts and specialized subject areas like science and mathematics, graduates from these programs find ready employment opportunities. The earnings potential ranges from $32,925 to $39,969, reflecting the state's commitment to competitive teacher compensation despite budget constraints. Regional school districts actively recruit from programs at institutions like Northwestern Oklahoma State and East Central University, both offering strong preparation at net costs under $12,000.

Programs

$6,352 – $26,827

Net Price Range

$36,076

Avg. Program Earnings

39.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

22 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas 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	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542	$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
10	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus Stillwater, Oklahoma	$16,378	$10,234	65.9%	70.6%
11	Randall University Moore, Oklahoma	$16,474	$17,322	20.5%	42.9%
12	Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$17,123	$19,896	33.3%
13	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
14	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$29,600	48.8%
15	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
16	Southwestern Christian University Bethany, Oklahoma	$19,692	$21,316	12.7%
17	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
18	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556	$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
19	Oral Roberts University Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,600	$34,100	53.9%	78.4%
20	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678	$48,602	73.3%	69.2%
21	Oklahoma Baptist University Shawnee, Oklahoma	$23,880	$34,050	49.7%	47.3%
22	Oklahoma Wesleyan University Bartlesville, Oklahoma	$26,827	$31,466	28.4%	52.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University the most affordable option?

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers the lowest net cost at $6,352, combined with an in-state tuition of just $7,200. The university maintains a 74.21% acceptance rate while achieving a 33.30% graduation rate. Graduates earn a median of $37,208, providing solid return on investment for the minimal cost.

How do public and private costs compare for teacher education in Oklahoma?

The top eight most affordable programs are all at public institutions, with costs ranging from $6,352 to $14,542. Private institutions like Bacone College and Mid-America Christian University charge significantly more, with net costs between $12,197 and $17,838. Public universities offer in-state tuition as low as $5,970 at Northwestern Oklahoma State.

Is graduation rate connected to program cost in Oklahoma teacher education?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with the University of Oklahoma achieving 75.30% at $17,413 net cost. However, Northwestern Oklahoma State University breaks this pattern with a strong 35.40% graduation rate at just $11,366. Bacone College shows the lowest graduation rate at 2.40% despite moderate pricing at $12,197.

What earning potential can graduates expect from these programs?

Teacher education graduates in Oklahoma earn between $32,925 and $39,969 annually, with University of Oklahoma graduates earning the highest at $39,969. Most public university graduates earn around $37,208, regardless of program cost. The relatively narrow earnings range reflects standardized teacher pay scales across Oklahoma school districts.

Where do the most affordable programs cluster geographically?

The cheapest programs spread across varied Oklahoma regions, from Durant in the southeast to Goodwell in the panhandle. Rural locations like Alva and Ada offer particularly low costs under $12,000. Urban areas like Oklahoma City and Norman typically cost more, with the University of Oklahoma at $17,413 net cost.

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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.