Since its commencement in 1998, the Online College of Oklahoma has provided a resource for distance learning students to earn their degree, with over 250,000 course enrollments thus far. Today, OCO offers over 3,400 online courses for 18 degree programs and is a huge resource for degree seeking students in Oklahoma. Another great resource is the state's Reach Higher program, which offers associate and bachelor's degree completion programs through 14 community colleges and nine universities in the state. This program also offers financial assistance for students through Project Finish Line, awarding grants to qualifying students who are within 15 credit hours of finishing their degree.
Over 20 universities in Oklahoma are now conducting distance learning programs, like Southwestern Oklahoma State University, which offers nine undergraduate and graduate complete degree programs online, in several formats, including webinars, interactive television and blended programs. These delivery methods can also be tailored to best suit students' needs. Oklahoma State University also offers several master's and graduate certificate distance learning degrees.
The cost of tuition in Oklahoma has continued to rise in recent years. However, while the national average tuition inflation rate among public four-year universities rose 25.1% between 2008 and 2011, Oklahoma's average tuition rate only increased 7.5%. Although public four-year school inflation rates were increasing below the national average, two-year public schools experienced a 32% tuition inflation rate between 2004 and 2014. Oklahoma's rising tuition costs are partially credited to a 21.3% decrease in state funding for higher education between 2008 and 2014.
Despite rising costs, enrollment in public universities is increasing, with a 13% overall increase between 2002 and 2012. Public two-year universities experienced a 5.9% enrollment increase between 2009 and 2010, and four-year universities saw a spike in freshmen enrollment in the fall of 2010. Oklahoma State University and the University of Oklahoma had record breaking freshmen enrollment in 2012. Among the state's popular four-year universities, Oklahoma has an overall 47.7% graduation rate, and a 72.9% first year student retention rate.
Consult our extensive database below to find more information on Oklahoma's top online degree programs. In addition you'll also find resources for scholarships and a list of educational nonprofits that work towards enhancing post-secondary education in the state, and improving affordability for students.
Featured Online Programs
56 Colleges in Oklahoma
Additional Resources
Official State Links
College Savings
- Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan: The state's 529 plan allows students and families to start putting away money early in order to pay for college or university down the road. With allocation schemes ranging from conservative to aggressive, the plan can be personalized to each student's needs. Enrollees can save money without paying federal or Oklahoma state income taxes.
Education Nonprofits
- Oklahoma's Promise: This organization, run by the State Regents for Higher Education, strives to give low income students a means of attending college or university. It requires 8th, 9th, or 10th grade students to apply, take certain high school courses to prepare for college, and meet certain income requirements. If students qualify, they'll receive fully-paid tuition for postsecondary education.
- Oklahoma Association on Higher Education and Disability: This nonprofit makes it a goal to further the opportunity students with disabilities have to access and attend higher education institutions. OK-AHEAD uses scholarships, educational sessions, and various advocacy activities to fulfil that mission.
- Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence: This nonprofit is built on the idea that improving public education in the state, both K-12 and postsecondary, requires a partnership between businesses and schools. The organization uses private investment to support education initiatives and help high school students prepare to attend a college or university.
Higher Education News
- Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education News Center: This is a collection of all the news and trends pertinent to Oklahoma's state universities and colleges.
- Education Week Oklahoma: EdWeek is a national education publication with the ability to filter news by state; readers can peruse all education topics in Oklahoma.