Bacone College: $15,060 Tuition

$15,060Tuition

106Students

2%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,006Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About Bacone College

Bacone College serves as one of the nation's few remaining Native American colleges, though its tiny enrollment of just 106 students creates an intimate learning environment in small-town Muskogee. The college has built its reputation around business and education programs, drawing from its 1880 founding as a mission school. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay personal and discussion-based. The student body reflects diverse backgrounds, with 63.51% coming from Oklahoma and strong representation across racial lines.

The financial picture tells a challenging story. Students pay an average net price of $12,197 after aid, with families earning under $48,000 often paying less than $12,000 annually. However, graduates face serious economic headwinds with median debt of $26,187 and starting salaries around $34,677. Only 34.80% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, suggesting many struggle with the $278 monthly payments. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $40,006, which may not justify the debt load for many students.

Academic outcomes present the starkest concern. Just 5.42% of students graduate within four years, and only 30.77% return for their sophomore year. The 2.40% six-year graduation rate ranks among the lowest nationally, though the 81.4% employment rate shows those who complete degrees find work.

Academics & Faculty

Bacone College serves as one of the nation's few Native American institutions, offering business and education programs rooted in Indigenous values and perspectives. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in a close-knit academic environment with just 106 students. However, the 5.42% four-year graduation rate and 30.77% retention rate signal significant academic challenges that prospective students should carefully consider. The college emphasizes culturally relevant education alongside traditional liberal arts coursework. Students receive substantial institutional support, with 66.04% receiving institutional grants averaging $14,052. The small size means limited course offerings but strong mentorship opportunities for those who stay enrolled.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 5.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 2.4%
Retention Rate: 30.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,006
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Campus Life

This tiny campus in Muskogee houses just 106 students, creating an intimate environment where everyone knows each other. With housing for only 75 students, most live off-campus in this small Oklahoma town about 50 miles southeast of Tulsa. Students need both winter coats for January lows around 30°F and plenty of sunscreen for sweltering summer days that hit the 90s.

The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name from day one. As one of the oldest Native American colleges in the country, Bacone maintains strong cultural traditions and powwows that bring the community together. With 58% men and diverse representation including significant Native American enrollment, the campus reflects its founding mission. Weekends often involve trips to Tulsa for entertainment or outdoor activities at nearby lakes. The retention rate of 31% suggests many students struggle with the adjustment to college life or find better fits elsewhere. Those who stay form tight bonds in this close-knit community where individualized attention comes standard.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 75 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1880

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–48°F
July Avg: 70°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 92.0"
Annual Snowfall: -772.5"

Student Demographics

This tiny Native American college draws 64% of its 106 students from Oklahoma. The student body is 58% male, reflecting strong interest in the school's business and technical programs. Over half receive Pell Grants, showing Bacone serves working-class families seeking affordable higher education. The college attracts a diverse mix of students, with significant Native American, Black, and Hispanic representation. Most students come from nearby communities who value the school's cultural mission and small-scale learning environment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit academic community.

Men: 58.5%
Women: 41.5%
White: 8.5%
Black: 12.3%
Hispanic: 7.6%
Asian: 0.0%
In-State Students: 63.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 53.0%

Location

Bacone College sits in Muskogee, Oklahoma, about 50 miles southeast of Tulsa. The town of roughly 40,000 residents lies in the heart of Green Country, where rolling hills meet the Arkansas River. Muskogee serves as a regional center for eastern Oklahoma's agricultural communities. The area blends small-town charm with Native American heritage, fitting for a college founded specifically to serve Indigenous students in 1880. Downtown Muskogee offers historic districts and cultural sites, while outdoor recreation abounds at nearby lakes and state parks. With 63.51% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Oklahoma's landscape and culture. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Bacone College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Muskogee, Oklahoma 74403-1597

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,006
Median Earnings (5 years): $48,797
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $29,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 34.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $278/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $26,187

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the enrollment size at Bacone College?

Bacone College enrolls just 106 students total. This tiny Native American college in Muskogee maintains an intimate 13:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for highly personalized attention in business and education programs.

How much does Bacone College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,197 after aid, with families earning under $48,000 paying even less at $9,612. About 66% of students receive institutional grants averaging $14,052, making this private college surprisingly affordable.

What are the graduation rates at Bacone College?

Only 2.4% of students graduate within six years, with a four-year rate of 5.42%. The college struggles with a low 30.77% retention rate, reflecting significant academic and financial challenges for its predominantly Native American student body.

What do Bacone College graduates earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $34,677 one year after graduation, rising to $40,006 ten years out. With median debt of $26,187 and monthly loan payments of $278, the employment rate reaches 81.4% despite the college's retention challenges.

Does Bacone College have on-campus housing?

The college offers housing for just 75 students at $10,100 per year for room and board. This small residential capacity serves less than the full enrollment, creating a close-knit campus community in this historic Native American institution.

What makes Bacone College unique as a Native American institution?

Founded in 1880, Bacone College serves a diverse student body that is 58.49% male and includes significant Native American representation alongside 12.26% Black and 8.49% White students. The college maintains its mission as one of the few remaining Native American colleges, focusing on culturally relevant business and education programs.