About Langston University
Langston University carries the legacy of Oklahoma's original land-grant institution for Black students. Founded in 1897, this historically Black university serves 1,743 students in rural Oklahoma, building on more than a century of educational tradition. The school maintains its mission of providing accessible higher education while fostering community and academic growth.
Students pay an average net price of $11,359 after financial aid, with 68% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $33,261 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The employment rate reaches 95%, though the 17.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $276 for those borrowing federal funds.
The student body is predominantly female at 58.6% and overwhelmingly Black at 76.1%, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 236 athletes competing across 11 NAIA sports, the Lions offer opportunities for student-athletes to continue their careers. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 59% retention rate suggests students sometimes struggle with the transition to college life in this rural setting.
Students pay an average net price of $11,359 after financial aid, with 68% receiving some form of assistance. Graduates earn a median of $33,261 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The employment rate reaches 95%, though the 17.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face completing their degrees. Monthly loan payments average $276 for those borrowing federal funds.
The student body is predominantly female at 58.6% and overwhelmingly Black at 76.1%, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With 236 athletes competing across 11 NAIA sports, the Lions offer opportunities for student-athletes to continue their careers. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 59% retention rate suggests students sometimes struggle with the transition to college life in this rural setting.
Academics & Faculty
Langston University builds its academic reputation as Oklahoma's historically black land-grant institution, emphasizing agriculture, nursing, and education programs that have served students since 1897. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring relationships typical of smaller HBCUs. However, only 17.5% of students graduate within six years, reflecting challenges many first-generation college students face at this rural campus. The university's nursing program draws students statewide, while its agricultural sciences connect to the school's land-grant mission. With 1,743 students and strong community ties, Langston focuses on hands-on learning and practical career preparation rather than research.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 20.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 17.5%
- Retention Rate
- 59.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,261
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $71,351 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,796 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $36,134 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $35,274 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,391 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $21,508 |
Campus Life
This historically black university sits in rural Oklahoma about 45 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. The 1,743 students experience true small-town college life in a community where the university dominates. Campus housing accommodates 1,694 students, meaning nearly everyone lives on campus and creates a tight-knit residential community. You'll need both a winter coat and sunscreen here, as Oklahoma temperatures swing from freezing winters to sweltering summers above 95 degrees.
Women make up 58.63% of the student body, and 76.13% of students are Black, reflecting Langston's proud HBCU heritage dating to 1897. The Lions compete in 11 NAIA sports with 236 total athletes receiving $1,001,800 in athletic scholarships. Weekend activities center around campus since the nearest major city requires a drive. Students gather for football games, campus events, and activities organized around the residence halls. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 59.36% retention rate suggests the rural isolation and academic challenges aren't for everyone.
Women make up 58.63% of the student body, and 76.13% of students are Black, reflecting Langston's proud HBCU heritage dating to 1897. The Lions compete in 11 NAIA sports with 236 total athletes receiving $1,001,800 in athletic scholarships. Weekend activities center around campus since the nearest major city requires a drive. Students gather for football games, campus events, and activities organized around the residence halls. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, but the 59.36% retention rate suggests the rural isolation and academic challenges aren't for everyone.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,694 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1897
Campus Safety (2023)
119 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 18 | 15 | 0 | 2 |
| Domestic Violence | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–49°F
- July Avg
- 70°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 35.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 7.1"
Student Demographics
The student body at this historically black university draws from both Oklahoma and beyond, with 60% coming from out-of-state seeking the HBCU experience. Nearly 70% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve first-generation and lower-income students. Women outnumber men , which aligns with the university's strength in education and nursing programs. The campus is predominantly African American, creating a tight-knit community where students often find mentorship and cultural connection. Most students work while enrolled, balancing academics with financial responsibilities in this rural setting.
- Men
- 41.4%
- Women
- 58.6%
- White
- 3.7%
- Black
- 76.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.7%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 40.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 68.4%
Location
Langston sits in rural Oklahoma, about 45 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. The small town of roughly 1,700 residents centers around the university campus. With 40% of students coming from in-state, many arrive from Oklahoma's urban areas to experience this tight-knit college community. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and farmland typical of central Oklahoma. Students find a quiet, focused environment far from big-city distractions. The rural setting means fewer off-campus entertainment options but stronger campus community bonds. Housing capacity of 1,694 students nearly matches total enrollment of 1,743, creating a residential college atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Langston University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Langston, Oklahoma 73050
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $33,261
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,850
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 27.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the student-faculty ratio at Langston University?
Langston University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with an enrollment of 1,743 students. This historically black university founded in 1897 offers relatively small class sizes that allow for more personalized attention from professors.
How much does Langston University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Langston University is $11,359, with 68.43% of students receiving financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $10,626, making this Oklahoma HBCU accessible for low-income students.
What is the graduation rate at Langston University?
Langston University has a 6-year graduation rate of 17.50% and a 4-year rate of 20.35%. The retention rate of 59.36% reflects challenges common among HBCUs serving first-generation college students, though graduates earn a median of $33,261 ten years after graduation.
What is the student body composition at Langston University?
The student body is 76.13% Black and 58.63% women, reflecting its mission as a historically black university. Only 40.40% of students are from Oklahoma, drawing students from across the nation to this rural campus in Langston.
Does Langston University offer athletic scholarships?
Langston University awards $1,001,800 in athletic scholarships across 11 varsity sports with 236 total athletes. The Lions compete in the NAIA, providing opportunities for student-athletes at this small but spirited HBCU.
Where is Langston University located and what is campus life like?
Langston University sits in rural Langston, Oklahoma, with housing capacity for 1,694 students on a campus that serves the entire enrollment of 1,743. This close-knit environment creates a tight community atmosphere typical of smaller HBCUs in rural settings.
