About Northeastern State University
Northeastern State University draws 4,636 students to the hills of eastern Oklahoma, where it has operated as one of the state's oldest institutions since 1851. The university built its reputation training teachers for Oklahoma schools and serving as a welcoming place for Native American students in the Cherokee Nation capital. With a 99.46% acceptance rate, NSU opens its doors to students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere. The remote town setting means campus life revolves around close-knit communities rather than big city distractions.
Students pay an average net price of $11,800 after financial aid, making this one of Oklahoma's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $45,379 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $17,367. The math works reasonably well for a regional degree, though the 37% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Monthly loan payments average just $184 for those who complete their programs.
The student body leans heavily female at 61.63% women, with 91.39% coming from in-state. As RiverHawks competing in NCAA Division II, the athletic programs offer 314 students scholarship opportunities worth nearly $2 million total. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention that larger universities cannot match.
Students pay an average net price of $11,800 after financial aid, making this one of Oklahoma's more affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $45,379 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt loads of $17,367. The math works reasonably well for a regional degree, though the 37% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish. Monthly loan payments average just $184 for those who complete their programs.
The student body leans heavily female at 61.63% women, with 91.39% coming from in-state. As RiverHawks competing in NCAA Division II, the athletic programs offer 314 students scholarship opportunities worth nearly $2 million total. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention that larger universities cannot match.
Academics & Faculty
Northeastern State University built its reputation on teacher education and has deep ties to serving Native American communities in Oklahoma. The university offers programs across multiple colleges but remains best known for preparing educators and health professionals. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at larger state universities. However, the 37% six-year graduation rate reflects challenges many regional public universities face with student retention and completion. The university's strength lies in practical, career-focused programs rather than research. Students here typically pursue degrees in education, nursing, business, and other professional fields that serve local and regional workforce needs.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 37.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.2%
- Retention Rate
- 62.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,379
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Optometry. | Doctoral | $100,404 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $72,796 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Bioethics/Medical Ethics. | Master | $68,219 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,660 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $60,298 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $51,482 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $50,439 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,370 |
Campus Life
Tahlequah sits about 70 miles southeast of Tulsa, surrounded by the wooded hills of the Cherokee Nation. With housing for only 1,194 students and total enrollment of 4,636, roughly a quarter of students live on campus. The rest commute from nearby towns or live off-campus in this college town of 17,000 people.
Oklahoma's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for summer highs reaching the 90s. Spring brings severe weather season with frequent tornado watches. The Illinois River runs near campus, popular for floating and fishing trips that many students take on weekends. With 91% of students from Oklahoma, most go home on weekends or stay local.
The RiverHawks compete in 10 Division II sports, drawing modest crowds to basketball and football games. As one of the oldest institutions west of the Mississippi, founded in 1851, NSU maintains strong ties to Native American heritage and Cherokee culture. The 62.83% retention rate suggests many students transfer or leave, creating a constantly changing campus active.
Oklahoma's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for summer highs reaching the 90s. Spring brings severe weather season with frequent tornado watches. The Illinois River runs near campus, popular for floating and fishing trips that many students take on weekends. With 91% of students from Oklahoma, most go home on weekends or stay local.
The RiverHawks compete in 10 Division II sports, drawing modest crowds to basketball and football games. As one of the oldest institutions west of the Mississippi, founded in 1851, NSU maintains strong ties to Native American heritage and Cherokee culture. The 62.83% retention rate suggests many students transfer or leave, creating a constantly changing campus active.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,194 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1851
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 27°–49°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 5.5"
Student Demographics
Northeastern State draws primarily Oklahoma residents who value affordable education close to home. With 91% in-state enrollment, the university has built a strong regional reputation over its 170-year history. The student body tilts heavily female at 62%, reflecting the school's roots in teacher preparation programs. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, positioning NSU as an accessible option for first-generation college students and working families. The campus serves a significant Native American population, honoring its location in Cherokee Nation territory and commitment to indigenous student success.
- Men
- 38.4%
- Women
- 61.6%
- White
- 44.1%
- Black
- 4.8%
- Hispanic
- 8.1%
- Asian
- 2.6%
- In-State Students
- 91.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 42.4%
Location
Northeastern State University sits in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, about 60 miles southeast of Tulsa. The campus serves as the county seat of Cherokee County in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Tahlequah holds deep significance as the capital of the Cherokee Nation, making it a center of Native American culture and history. The Illinois River flows nearby, offering outdoor recreation opportunities. With 91.39% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from Oklahoma's rural communities. The town of roughly 17,000 residents revolves around the university and Cherokee Nation government. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Northeastern State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74464-2399
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,379
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $49,473
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $184/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,367
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern State University?
Northeastern State University accepts 99.46% of applicants, making it nearly open admission. The average SAT score is 1003, reflecting the university's mission to serve students across a broad range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Northeastern State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $11,800 per year, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $9,624. In-state tuition runs $7,513, making it an affordable option for Oklahoma residents seeking a four-year degree.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Northeastern State University?
The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 among the university's 4,636 students. NSU is particularly known for its teacher education programs and its commitment to serving Native American students in the Cherokee Nation capital.
What are the graduation outcomes at Northeastern State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 37.20%, with graduates earning a median salary of $45,379 ten years after graduation. The typical monthly loan payment is $184, reflecting the university's focus on keeping education affordable for working-class students.
Where is Northeastern State University located and what is campus life like?
Located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the campus houses 1,194 students in a town-remote setting. Women make up 61.63% of the student body, and 91.39% of students are from Oklahoma, creating a tight-knit regional community.
Does Northeastern State University offer athletic scholarships?
The RiverHawks compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 314 total athletes. The university awards $1,955,031 in athletic scholarships, supporting teams in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
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