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$7,392Tuition
2,552Students
25%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$43,166Earnings
#22 in OklahomaPublic4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Rogers State University

Rogers State University builds careers through hands-on learning and strong industry connections in northeastern Oklahoma. This regional public university serves 2,552 students in the town of Claremore, focusing on practical skills that employers actually want. The school emphasizes applied learning over theoretical study, preparing graduates for immediate entry into the workforce.

Students pay an average net price of $13,953 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable options in Oklahoma. Graduates earn a median of $43,166 ten years after starting college, with typical monthly loan payments of $217. The employment rate hits 95.5%, showing that Rogers State delivers on its promise of career readiness. With median debt of $20,500, most students avoid the crushing loan burdens that plague graduates elsewhere.

Women make up 61.72% of the student body, reflecting the school's strength in fields like nursing and education. Nearly all students (96.36%) come from Oklahoma, creating a tight-knit community feel. The Hillcats compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 214 total athletes. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know their students' names, though the 25.40% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to finish or leave before completing degrees.

Academics & Faculty

Rogers State University operates as a regional public institution focused on practical career preparation rather than research or liberal arts. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors for the 2,552 students enrolled. However, only 25% of students graduate within four years, suggesting many attend part-time or face academic challenges. The university emphasizes workforce development programs that align with northeastern Oklahoma's job market. Students earn a median of $43,166 ten years after graduation. The school serves primarily Oklahoma residents, with 96% of students coming from in-state. Academic programs center on preparing students for immediate employment rather than graduate school preparation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
18:1
Full-Time Faculty
54.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
25.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
25.4%
Retention Rate
64.5%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,166
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $58,221
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. Bachelor $37,424
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $35,701
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Bachelor $33,993
Social Sciences, General. Bachelor $28,381
Visual and Performing Arts, General. Bachelor $25,194

View all 40 programs →

Campus Life

Rogers State's compact campus in Claremore sits about 30 minutes northeast of Tulsa, giving students access to a mid-sized city without the urban hustle. With housing for 825 students and total enrollment of 2,552, roughly one-third of students live on campus, creating a close-knit residential community. The Oklahoma climate means hot summers where air conditioning is essential and mild winters requiring just a light jacket most days.

Women make up 61.72% of the student body, and the campus has a collaborative atmosphere rather than competitive edge. Weekend activities often center around the Hillcats' NCAA Division II athletic programs, with 214 student-athletes competing across 10 sports. Students frequently head to Tulsa for concerts, shopping, or internship opportunities, while campus programming includes outdoor activities that take advantage of Oklahoma's wide-open spaces. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, and the practical career focus creates a supportive environment where students help each other land jobs and internships.
Setting
Town-Fringe
Housing Capacity
825 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1909

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Rape 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
23°–46°F
July Avg
69°–91°F
Annual Precipitation
45.4"
Annual Snowfall
9.6"

Student Demographics

Rogers State draws heavily from northeastern Oklahoma, with 96% of students staying close to home for their education. The student body is nearly two-thirds female, reflecting the university's strength in nursing, education, and other fields that traditionally attract more women. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves many first-generation and working-class families from rural Oklahoma communities. The strong local enrollment demonstrates Rogers State's role as an accessible pathway to four-year degrees for students who want practical career training without leaving their region.
Men
38.3%
Women
61.7%
White
47.7%
Black
3.7%
Hispanic
8.4%
Asian
2.2%
In-State Students
96.4%
Pell Grant Recipients
37.8%

Location

Claremore sits in northeastern Oklahoma, about 30 miles northeast of Tulsa. The town of roughly 19,000 residents lies in the heart of Green Country, known for its rolling hills and proximity to both the Arkansas River and Grand Lake. Will Rogers, the famous humorist and Oklahoma's favorite son, was born here, lending the university his name and the town its claim to fame. The campus serves a largely local population, with 96.36% of students coming from in-state. Claremore blends small-town charm with reasonable access to Tulsa's urban amenities, creating a classic college town atmosphere in rural Oklahoma. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Rogers State University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Claremore, Oklahoma 74017-3252
RSUsoldierstatue
RSUsoldierstatue
Rogersstate-strattontaylorlibrary
Rogersstate-strattontaylorlibrary

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$43,166
Median Earnings (5 years)
$55,425
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$33,100
Loan Repayment Rate
47.1%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Rogers State University?

Rogers State University maintains open enrollment policies typical of regional public universities, with a 64.45% retention rate indicating moderate student preparation levels. The university serves primarily Oklahoma residents, with 96.36% of students coming from in-state. Founded in 1909, Rogers State focuses on accessible higher education for northeastern Oklahoma communities.

How much does Rogers State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $13,953 annually, with in-state tuition at $7,392 and out-of-state at $15,176. About 37.82% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's role serving working-class families. Graduates typically leave with $20,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $217.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Rogers State University?

Rogers State maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,552 enrolled students. The university emphasizes practical career preparation through hands-on learning experiences. Classes tend to be smaller than at major research universities, supporting the school's focus on undergraduate education.

What are the graduation rates at Rogers State University?

Rogers State has a 25.40% six-year graduation rate and 25.24% four-year graduation rate, reflecting the challenges many regional universities face with non-traditional students. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,166 ten years after enrollment. The 95.5% employment rate shows strong job placement despite lower completion rates.

Where is Rogers State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Claremore, Oklahoma, a town-fringe setting that provides a close-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity serves 825 students, representing about one-third of the total enrollment of 2,552. The student body is 61.72% female and 47.65% white, typical of regional Oklahoma institutions.

Does Rogers State University have competitive athletics?

The Hillcats compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Rogers State offers 10 varsity sports with 214 total athletes receiving $1,605,732 in athletic scholarships. The athletic programs provide opportunities for student-athletes while maintaining the university's focus on academic accessibility.