About University of Central Oklahoma
The University of Central Oklahoma draws 10,132 students to its suburban Edmond campus, where it has built a reputation as an accessible public university serving Oklahoma families. Nearly 95% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community that reflects the state's values. The school accepts about 70% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21, making it reachable for students who might not qualify for more selective institutions. UCO has evolved from its 1890 founding as a teacher's college into a full university offering practical programs across multiple fields.
Students pay an average net price of $18,990 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at just $8,522. Graduates earn a median of $48,351 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,000. The math works reasonably well for a regional public university, though the 37.5% six-year graduation rate means many students take longer than expected to finish their degrees. Only 35% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can handle the costs without extensive borrowing.
The student body skews heavily female at 62%, and the Bronchos compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports. With 433 total athletes receiving over $3 million in athletic scholarships, sports provide meaningful opportunities for student involvement and financial support.
Students pay an average net price of $18,990 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at just $8,522. Graduates earn a median of $48,351 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt loads of $21,000. The math works reasonably well for a regional public university, though the 37.5% six-year graduation rate means many students take longer than expected to finish their degrees. Only 35% of students receive federal financial aid, suggesting many families can handle the costs without extensive borrowing.
The student body skews heavily female at 62%, and the Bronchos compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports. With 433 total athletes receiving over $3 million in athletic scholarships, sports provide meaningful opportunities for student involvement and financial support.
Academics & Faculty
Central Oklahoma operates as a full public university with a strong focus on undergraduate education and professional programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 37.5% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university built its reputation on teacher education and remains a major pipeline for Oklahoma educators. Business programs draw significant enrollment, particularly in entrepreneurship where the school has gained regional recognition. Nursing and criminal justice programs also attract students seeking direct career preparation. With 62% of students being women, the campus reflects the demographics of education and health-focused programs that form the university's academic backbone.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 36.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.5%
- Retention Rate
- 65.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,351
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,499 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,324 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,192 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,625 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $54,661 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $51,607 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $49,729 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $49,058 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,265 |
Campus Life
Students at UCO navigate a sprawling suburban campus just 15 minutes north of Oklahoma City. With housing for only 1,882 students and total enrollment over 10,000, most undergraduates commute from nearby apartments or live at home. The campus buzzes during weekdays but empties considerably on weekends as students head into the city or back to family.
Oklahoma's unpredictable weather means packing both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornado watches, while summers stretch into the 90s with high humidity. The Bronchos compete in 13 Division II sports, drawing modest but loyal crowds to basketball and football games. With 94.74% of students from Oklahoma, the social scene skews heavily local. Students often migrate to Oklahoma City's Bricktown district for nightlife and entertainment, taking advantage of the short drive to escape campus monotony. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel manageable, though the 65.50% retention rate suggests many students struggle to find their footing during the crucial first year.
Oklahoma's unpredictable weather means packing both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. Spring brings severe thunderstorms and tornado watches, while summers stretch into the 90s with high humidity. The Bronchos compete in 13 Division II sports, drawing modest but loyal crowds to basketball and football games. With 94.74% of students from Oklahoma, the social scene skews heavily local. Students often migrate to Oklahoma City's Bricktown district for nightlife and entertainment, taking advantage of the short drive to escape campus monotony. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means classes feel manageable, though the 65.50% retention rate suggests many students struggle to find their footing during the crucial first year.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,882 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 29°–49°F
- July Avg
- 71°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.5"
Student Demographics
Nearly 95% of students come from Oklahoma, reflecting UCO's role as a regional center for the state's college-bound residents. Women make up about 62% of the student body, drawn to the university's strong education, nursing, and business programs. The campus serves a diverse mix with significant Hispanic and Black populations alongside white students. About 35% receive Pell Grants, showing UCO's commitment to making college accessible for working-class Oklahoma families. This demographic blend creates a tight-knit community where students often stay connected to their home state after graduation.
- Men
- 37.7%
- Women
- 62.3%
- White
- 51.9%
- Black
- 8.2%
- Hispanic
- 15.3%
- Asian
- 4.7%
- In-State Students
- 94.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.5%
Location
The University of Central Oklahoma sits in Edmond, a suburb about 15 miles north of Oklahoma City. Over 94% of students come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong regional draw. Edmond blends college town atmosphere with suburban convenience, offering chain restaurants, shopping centers, and well-maintained neighborhoods. The city serves as a gateway to the Great Plains, where wide open spaces meet urban amenities. Students can easily access Oklahoma City's job market and internship opportunities while enjoying Edmond's quieter pace. The area experiences classic Midwest weather with hot summers and mild winters. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare University of Central Oklahoma with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Edmond, Oklahoma 73034
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,351
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $51,224
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $223/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Central Oklahoma?
University of Central Oklahoma accepts 69.94% of applicants with an average ACT score of 21. The university takes a fairly accessible approach to admissions, making it a solid option for students with moderate test scores.
How much does University of Central Oklahoma cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,990 annually at University of Central Oklahoma. In-state students benefit from tuition of just $8,522, while the school keeps costs manageable with median student debt of $21,000 upon graduation.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Central Oklahoma?
University of Central Oklahoma maintains a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. The university has built a reputation for hands-on learning experiences and practical career preparation in fields like business and education.
Does University of Central Oklahoma have good job placement rates?
Graduates achieve a 94.4% employment rate with median earnings of $48,351 ten years after graduation. The university's strong connections to Oklahoma's business community and focus on career readiness help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Where do most University of Central Oklahoma students come from?
An overwhelming 94.74% of students at University of Central Oklahoma are Oklahoma residents, creating a tight-knit community feel. The student body is 62.33% female and reflects Oklahoma's growing diversity with significant Hispanic and Black student populations.
How competitive are the University of Central Oklahoma Bronchos in athletics?
The Bronchos compete in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports and 433 total athletes. The university awards $3,005,912 in athletic scholarships annually and competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.
