Southern Nazarene University: $29,600 Tuition

$29,600Tuition

1,459Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,951Earnings

#7 in OklahomaPrivate nonprofit4-yearNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Church of the Nazarene

About Southern Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University builds on a strong foundation of faith-based education that has shaped students since 1899. This Church of the Nazarene institution enrolls 1,459 students on its suburban campus outside Oklahoma City. The university emphasizes character development alongside academics, creating an environment where Christian values guide both learning and campus life. Students benefit from small classes with an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention from professors.

The financial picture proves manageable for most families despite the $29,600 sticker price. Students typically pay $17,838 after aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $54,951 ten years after completing their degrees, while carrying median debt of just $21,900. Monthly loan payments average $232, creating a reasonable burden for working professionals. The university awards institutional grants averaging $19,948 to nearly 19% of students.

Athletics play a major role in campus culture through the Crimson Storm's 18 NCAA Division II programs. The university invests $4.7 million in athletic scholarships for 565 student-athletes competing in the Great American Conference. Despite strong campus engagement, graduation rates lag at 53% within four years, suggesting students may need extra support to complete their degrees successfully.

Academics & Faculty

Southern Nazarene University combines Christian education with professional preparation across undergraduate and graduate programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes, though the 48.80% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. The university is particularly known for its nursing program, which has strong clinical partnerships in the Oklahoma City metro area. Business and education programs also draw significant enrollment, reflecting the school's focus on career-oriented degrees. Faculty integrate faith perspectives into coursework across disciplines. The 52.91% four-year graduation rate indicates that students who stay on track typically succeed, benefiting from close mentoring relationships with professors who know them by name.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 50.4%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 52.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.8%
Retention Rate: 91.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,951
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$58,673
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$58,092
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Master	$57,318
Human Resources Management and Services.	Bachelor	$53,537
Education, General.	Master	$50,717
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$49,787
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$48,432
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Bachelor	$38,289
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$36,992
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions.	Master	$35,714

View all 72 programs →

Campus Life

Southern Nazarene University sits just 15 minutes northwest of Oklahoma City, giving students easy access to internships and entertainment while maintaining a close-knit campus feel. About 47% of the 1,459 students live on campus, creating a residential community where faith and academics intersect daily. The suburban Bethany setting means you'll need both winter coats for occasional ice storms and plenty of sunscreen for the intense Oklahoma summers.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and your struggles. Chapel services bring the campus together regularly, reflecting the Church of the Nazarene heritage that shapes campus culture. With 565 student-athletes competing across 18 varsity sports as the Crimson Storm, game days energize the community. Students often head into Oklahoma City on weekends for concerts, restaurants, and internship opportunities. The 91.67% retention rate suggests most students find their place here, whether through campus ministries, athletic teams, or academic programs that prepare them for the $54,951 median earnings they'll see a decade after graduation.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 690 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1899

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	2	0	0	0
Burglary	1	0	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–48°F
July Avg: 71°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.4"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Southern Nazarene draws primarily Oklahoma students who value faith-based education close to home. Two-thirds of students come from in-state, reflecting the university's strong regional reputation within Nazarene communities. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women, typical for full Christian universities. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, showing SNU's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families. The diverse racial composition includes significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students, creating a multicultural environment within the Church of the Nazarene's educational mission.

Men: 47.8%
Women: 52.2%
White: 50.2%
Black: 13.7%
Hispanic: 17.8%
Asian: 1.4%
In-State Students: 66.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 45.4%

Location

Southern Nazarene University sits in Bethany, Oklahoma, just 10 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. The suburban campus gives students access to internships and jobs in the state's largest metropolitan area while maintaining a quieter college environment. Bethany itself is a small city of about 19,000 residents that grew around the university. The Great Plains landscape offers wide open spaces and big skies typical of central Oklahoma. Students can reach downtown Oklahoma City's business district, museums, and professional sports venues in about 20 minutes. The region experiences all four seasons with hot summers and mild winters. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Southern Nazarene University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bethany, Oklahoma 73008

Centennial Plaza, Southern Nazarene University

Campus Mall of Southern Nazarene University

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,951
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,366
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $45,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $232/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,900

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southern Nazarene University known for academically?

Southern Nazarene University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in its Christian liberal arts programs. The university has built a strong reputation for nursing, education, and business programs rooted in Nazarene values. With a 91.67% retention rate, students clearly connect with the faith-integrated academic environment.

How much does Southern Nazarene University cost after financial aid?

Students at Southern Nazarene University pay an average net price of $17,838 after aid, below the $29,600 sticker price. The university provides institutional grants averaging $19,948 to 18.64% of students. Graduates typically leave with $21,900 in debt and monthly loan payments of $232.

What are the graduation rates at Southern Nazarene University?

Southern Nazarene University graduates 52.91% of students in four years and 48.80% within six years. These rates reflect the challenges many small Christian universities face in student completion. However, graduates earn a median of $54,951 ten years after enrollment, demonstrating solid career outcomes.

Where is Southern Nazarene University located and what is campus life like?

Southern Nazarene University sits in Bethany, Oklahoma, a large suburb that provides easy access to Oklahoma City. The campus houses 690 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. With 565 student-athletes competing in 18 NCAA Division II sports, the Crimson Storm athletic programs are central to campus culture.

Does Southern Nazarene University provide good value for students?

Southern Nazarene University offers strong value with 96% employment rates for graduates and median earnings of $54,951 within ten years. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $15,195 net price annually. The combination of small classes, career outcomes, and affordable aid packages appeals to many Oklahoma families.

What makes Southern Nazarene University unique among Oklahoma colleges?

Southern Nazarene University stands out as one of Oklahoma's few remaining Church of the Nazarene institutions, founded in 1899 with a mission of well-rounded Christian education. The university awards $4,710,393 in athletic scholarships across its robust NCAA Division II program. Its diverse student body includes 66.02% Oklahoma residents alongside students seeking a faith-based education from across the region.