About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University builds pharmacists, teachers, and healthcare professionals in a small college town 70 miles west of Oklahoma City. The university enrolls 3,469 students and has earned recognition for its pharmacy program, which consistently ranks among the top in the region. Students find a close-knit environment where professors know their names, supported by a 19:1 student-faculty ratio. The campus sits in Weatherford, a classic college town where the university serves as the cultural and economic center.
Students pay an average net price of $14,542 after financial aid, making this one of Oklahoma's more affordable university options. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,744 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $15,954. The monthly loan payment of $169 reflects the school's commitment to keeping education accessible. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off despite the modest salary figures.
Women make up 62.5% of the student body, and 90% of students come from Oklahoma. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II athletics across 12 sports, with $1.4 million in athletic scholarships supporting 325 student-athletes. However, the 34.7% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused and engaged to reach the finish line.
Students pay an average net price of $14,542 after financial aid, making this one of Oklahoma's more affordable university options. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,744 ten years after graduation, while carrying relatively modest debt loads of $15,954. The monthly loan payment of $169 reflects the school's commitment to keeping education accessible. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off despite the modest salary figures.
Women make up 62.5% of the student body, and 90% of students come from Oklahoma. The Bulldogs compete in NCAA Division II athletics across 12 sports, with $1.4 million in athletic scholarships supporting 325 student-athletes. However, the 34.7% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused and engaged to reach the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
Southwestern Oklahoma State University focuses on professional preparation through its six colleges, with particularly strong programs in pharmacy, nursing, and education. The College of Pharmacy stands out as one of Oklahoma's top programs, consistently producing graduates for rural healthcare needs. A 19:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 34.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and career readiness over theoretical research. Business and health sciences programs dominate enrollment, reflecting the school's practical orientation. Most students come from small Oklahoma towns and stay to serve their home communities after graduation.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 99.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 36.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 34.7%
- Retention Rate
- 69.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,744
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,557 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,328 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,479 |
| Engineering Technology, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $52,464 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $39,585 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $38,289 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $37,671 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
Campus Life
Weatherford sits 70 miles west of Oklahoma City, giving students access to urban opportunities without big-city distractions. About 40% of the 3,469 students live in campus housing, creating a close-knit residential community where you'll recognize faces across the quad. Oklahoma's continental climate means hot summers reaching the 90s and cold winters dipping into the 20s, so pack both shorts and a heavy coat.
Women make up 62.5% of the student body, and with 90% of students from Oklahoma, the campus feels like an extended hometown gathering. Students gravitate toward Bulldog athletic events, particularly football games that energize the small-town atmosphere. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Weekend activities center around campus events, trips to Oklahoma City for shopping and entertainment, or outdoor recreation in the surrounding plains. Greek life and student organizations provide social anchors in a community where making connections comes naturally due to the intimate campus size.
Women make up 62.5% of the student body, and with 90% of students from Oklahoma, the campus feels like an extended hometown gathering. Students gravitate toward Bulldog athletic events, particularly football games that energize the small-town atmosphere. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. Weekend activities center around campus events, trips to Oklahoma City for shopping and entertainment, or outdoor recreation in the surrounding plains. Greek life and student organizations provide social anchors in a community where making connections comes naturally due to the intimate campus size.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,372 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1901
Campus Safety (2023)
7 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–48°F
- July Avg
- 70°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 31.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.5"
Student Demographics
Southwestern Oklahoma State draws overwhelmingly from within the state, with 90% of students calling Oklahoma home. This regional pull reflects the university's role as an accessible option for local families seeking quality education close to home. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, largely due to the school's well-regarded health sciences and education programs that traditionally attract female students. The substantial Pell Grant recipient population of 38% demonstrates SWOSU's commitment to serving students from modest economic backgrounds. The diverse mix includes significant Hispanic representation at 14%, reflecting Oklahoma's changing demographics and the university's welcoming approach to first-generation college students.
- Men
- 37.5%
- Women
- 62.5%
- White
- 62.0%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 14.4%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 90.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.5%
Location
Weatherford sits in western Oklahoma, about 70 miles from Oklahoma City. This town of roughly 11,000 people becomes a true college town when SWOSU's 3,469 students arrive each fall. The surrounding region features rolling plains and agricultural land typical of western Oklahoma. With 90% of students coming from in-state, most are familiar with the rural character that defines much of the area. The remote setting means students often stay on campus during weekends, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Housing capacity serves 1,372 students, though many commute from nearby towns. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare Southwestern Oklahoma State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Weatherford, Oklahoma 73096-3001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,744
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,905
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $169/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,954
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?
SWOSU accepts 76.78% of applicants with an average ACT score of 20. The university provides accessible higher education opportunities in rural western Oklahoma, making it a solid choice for students seeking a regional public university experience.
How much does Southwestern Oklahoma State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $14,542 annually, with in-state tuition at just $8,295. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $10,740 on average, making SWOSU one of the more affordable options in Oklahoma.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?
Classes average 19 students per faculty member, providing reasonable access to professors. The university serves 3,469 students total and maintains a 69.68% retention rate, indicating decent student satisfaction with the academic experience.
What are the graduation rates at Southwestern Oklahoma State University?
Only 34.70% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages. However, graduates earn a median salary of $45,744 ten years after enrollment, and the employment rate reaches 95.4% for those who complete their degrees.
Where is Southwestern Oklahoma State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Weatherford, a remote town setting that houses 1,372 students on campus. With 90.01% of students coming from in-state and 325 student-athletes competing in 12 Division II sports, SWOSU maintains a close-knit, Oklahoma-focused community.
What makes Southwestern Oklahoma State University unique as a pharmacy school?
SWOSU is well-known throughout Oklahoma for its College of Pharmacy, one of the state's top programs for training pharmacists. The university has built its reputation on strong health sciences programs, with many graduates staying in rural Oklahoma communities where healthcare professionals are desperately needed.
