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Small Colleges in Oklahoma

44 schools in Oklahoma. See our methodology.

The University of Tulsa stands out among Oklahoma's small colleges with a 73.3% graduation rate and $61,408 median earnings, nearly double the state's community college outcomes. This performance gap reveals the striking diversity within Oklahoma's 44 small institutions, where costs range from Redlands Community College's $5,596 net price to Spartan College's $31,544 specialized aviation program. Oklahoma's energy and aerospace sectors create unique pathways for graduates, with Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology producing skilled technicians earning $45,634 annually while maintaining affordable $11,588 costs. The state's Oklahoma Promise program, which covers tuition for eligible students, makes these options even more accessible. Community colleges like Carl Albert State and Western Oklahoma State serve rural communities with sub-$8,000 price points, though graduation rates hover around 30-40%. Meanwhile, specialized programs at ATA College achieve 66.7% completion rates despite higher costs. This spread reflects Oklahoma's economic reality where technical skills command strong wages in oil, gas, and aerospace industries centered around Tulsa and Oklahoma City, while traditional liberal arts programs like those at University of Science and Arts offer broader education at state school prices.
44
Schools
$15,868
Avg. Net Price
$42,049
Avg. Earnings
40.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Small Colleges in Oklahoma

College listings
# School Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 178 $22,680 66.7%
2 744 $31,544 60.5%
3 2,131 $11,588 42.2%
4 1,865 $8,201 40.9%
5 1,459 $17,838 48.8%
6 1,215 $6,855 41.2%
7 1,468 $11,366 35.4% 56.4%
8 1,433 $21,556 64.2% 70.4%
9 2,447 $23,678 73.3% 69.2%
10 774 $7,461 33.8%
11 857 $5,596 34.2%
12 1,583 $11,121 31.3%
13 896 $8,543 36.3% 56.3%
14 950 $11,020 30.4%
15 1,672 $11,716 28.8%
16 997 $7,557 26.1%
17 1,292 $23,880 49.7% 47.3%
18 2,552 $13,953 25.4%
19 1,517 $15,071 30.5%
20 1,076 $15,328 28.9%
21 1,532 $17,123 33.3%
22 2,157 $9,287 32.7% 70.1%
23 3,031 $6,352 33.3% 74.2%
24 2,534 $10,705 21.5%
25 3,469 $14,542 34.7% 76.8%
26 4,546 $10,903 20.8%
27 934 $33,120 67.1%
28 663 $26,827 28.4% 52.1%
29 430 $24,958 78.0%
30 3,424 $5,877 13.2%
31 367 $22,746 75.1%
32 262 $16,474 20.5% 42.9%
33 283 $23,107 70.2%
34 1,897 $21,423 55.2% 96.0%
35 3,322 $23,600 53.9% 78.4%
36 1,743 $11,359 17.5%
37 4,636 $11,800 37.2% 99.5%
38 467 75.0%
39 120 $28,311 62.5%
40 351 $19,692 12.7%
41 106 $12,197 2.4%
42 230 $13,615 24.1%
43 1,143
44 41 25.0% 71.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Oklahoma small college costs so affordable compared to other states?

Oklahoma's small colleges range from just $5,596 to $31,544 annually, with most under $15,000. The state's low cost of living and Oklahoma Promise program, which covers tuition for qualifying students, help keep expenses down. Community colleges average around $8,000 while private institutions like Southern Nazarene stay under $18,000.

How do graduation rates vary between Oklahoma's different types of small colleges?

Graduation rates span from 25.4% to 73.3% across Oklahoma's small colleges. Private universities like University of Tulsa (73.3%) and Oklahoma City University (64.2%) lead significantly. Community colleges typically achieve 30-40% rates, while specialized technical programs like ATA College reach 66.7% completion.

Is technical training worth the higher costs at specialized Oklahoma colleges?

Spartan College charges $31,544 but produces aerospace technicians earning $49,944 annually. Oklahoma State Institute of Technology costs just $11,588 while generating $45,634 median earnings. These technical programs align with Oklahoma's major employers like Tinker Air Force Base and energy companies.

Does Oklahoma's energy industry create good job prospects for small college graduates?

Oklahoma's energy and aerospace sectors offer strong career paths, with graduates earning $34,117 to $61,408 annually. Technical programs particularly benefit from the state's oil, gas, and aviation industries. Tulsa and Oklahoma City metro areas provide most high-paying opportunities for small college alumni.

Where can students find the best value among Oklahoma's small colleges?

Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology offers strong value at $11,588 with $45,634 graduate earnings. University of Science and Arts costs just $8,543 while producing $41,913 earners. These schools provide strong returns without the premium pricing of specialized programs.

What acceptance rates should students expect at Oklahoma's competitive small colleges?

Most Oklahoma small colleges accept 47.3% to 70.4% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. Oklahoma City University accepts 70.4% while University of Tulsa takes 69.2%. Northwestern Oklahoma State admits 56.4%, showing reasonable accessibility across different institution types and academic levels.

Related

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.