University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

56.3%Acceptance

$9,000Tuition

896Students

36%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,913Earnings

#15 in OklahomaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Oklahoma's only designated public liberal arts university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and small class sizes. With just 896 students, the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma offers the intimate feel of a private college at public university prices. The trimester calendar system allows students to dive deep into coursework while exploring connections across disciplines. Classes average 13 students per faculty member, creating opportunities for meaningful professor relationships.

The financial picture looks promising for most families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay an average of $6,445 annually after aid, while those from middle-income families ($30-48K) pay even less at $4,105. Graduates earn a median of $41,913 ten years after graduation with typical debt loads of $21,750. Monthly loan payments average $231, making the investment manageable for most careers.

Women make up 66% of the student body, and nearly 90% come from Oklahoma. The Drovers compete in NAIA athletics with 219 student-athletes across 11 sports. However, the 36% six-year graduation rate suggests students should come prepared to stay focused and engaged. The trimester system demands discipline, but those who thrive here benefit from close faculty mentorship and a tight-knit community feel.

Academics & Faculty

Oklahoma's only designated public liberal arts university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and close faculty mentorship. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally. However, the 36% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite this support. USAO built its reputation on modern interdisciplinary programs that blend traditional liberal arts with practical applications. Students can design custom majors that cross department boundaries. The trimester calendar system allows for intensive, focused coursework. With 896 students total, classes stay small and discussion-based rather than lecture-heavy. The liberal arts approach means students explore multiple fields before specializing, though this flexibility can extend time to graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 64.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 38.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.3%
Retention Rate: 71.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,913
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Campus Life

The campus sits in Chickasha, a town of about 16,000 people roughly 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Two-thirds of the 896 students are women, creating a female-majority environment. With housing capacity for 564 students, about 63% can live on campus if they choose. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know your professors personally and see familiar faces daily across the small campus.

Oklahoma weather demands both a winter coat and plenty of sunscreen. Summers reach the 90s with high humidity, while winters can drop below freezing with occasional ice storms. The trimester calendar system keeps the academic year moving quickly. As Oklahoma's designated public liberal arts university, USAO emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and close student-faculty relationships. Nearly 90% of students come from in-state, giving the campus a distinctly Oklahoman feel. The Drovers compete in NAIA athletics across 11 sports, with 219 total athletes representing about a quarter of the student body. Weekend activities often center around campus events, trips to Oklahoma City, or outdoor activities when weather permits.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 564 beds
Calendar System: Trimester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1908

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Burglary	4	0
Dating Violence	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–52°F
July Avg: 70°–96°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.9"
Annual Snowfall: -774.7"

Student Demographics

Oklahoma's public liberal arts university draws students who want personalized attention without leaving home. Nearly 90% come from in-state, showing the school's strong reputation among Oklahoma families seeking affordable quality education. Women make up two-thirds of the 896 students, reflecting the popularity of USAO's education, arts, and social science programs. Almost half receive Pell Grants, demonstrating the university's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students. The diverse mix of rural and small-town Oklahomans creates a tight-knit community where the Drovers nickname actually means something to students.

Men: 33.6%
Women: 66.4%
White: 63.3%
Black: 4.4%
Hispanic: 3.9%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 89.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 47.0%

Location

Chickasha sits 40 miles southwest of Oklahoma City in the heart of rural Oklahoma. The town of 16,000 residents creates a classic small college atmosphere where the university serves as a cultural anchor. Students find themselves in agricultural country with wide open spaces and a slower pace of life. With 89.55% of students from Oklahoma, most are familiar with the state's landscape of rolling plains and tight-knit communities. The trimester calendar system allows for flexible scheduling in this rural setting. Campus housing accommodates 564 students in a town where the university represents the main economic driver. Students considering colleges in Oklahoma may also compare University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma with similar schools in the region.

Address: Chickasha, Oklahoma 73018-5322

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,913
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,315
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 60.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $231/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma?

USAO accepts 56.3% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1031. As Oklahoma's designated public liberal arts university, it maintains selective but accessible admissions standards for students seeking small class sizes.

How much does University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $8,543, making it highly affordable for a liberal arts education. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,445 after aid, while the median debt load is $21,750.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma?

USAO maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 896 total students enrolled. This small size allows for interdisciplinary programs and personalized attention that defines the liberal arts experience.

What are the graduation rates at University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma?

The six-year graduation rate is 36.3% while the four-year rate reaches 38.4%. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $41,913 with a 94.4% employment rate.

Where is University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma located?

USAO sits in Chickasha, Oklahoma, a small town setting that houses 564 students on campus. Nearly 90% of students come from in-state, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.

Does University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma offer athletic scholarships?

The Drovers compete in NAIA athletics across 11 varsity sports with 219 total athletes. The university awards $2,589,258 in athletic scholarships, providing significant opportunities for student-athletes at a small liberal arts institution.