Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Danika Miller
By
Updated on October 2, 2024
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The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top online colleges in Oklahoma. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

Searching for the right college can be both exciting and daunting. Candidates pursuing online programs may find the task more difficult as the number of distance programs grows each year. College rankings can help students narrow their options.

Below, we outline some of the best online colleges in Oklahoma. Prospective students should review each of the schools below to determine whether they meet their personal or professional goals. These rankings describe the degrees and delivery formats available at each school, as well as other information such as student-to-faculty ratios and digital resources. You can also learn more about graduation requirements, average timelines to graduation, field requirements, learning management systems, and transfer requirements.

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Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

As you browse these schools, keep in mind the key differences between on-campus and online learning. On-campus programs require students to be physically present for classes, labs, and any interaction with counselors or tutors. Conversely, online students can access these resources without ever setting foot on campus, while hybrid programs offer a blend of the two.

On-campus programs typically follow traditional 10-week quarters or 16-week semesters, whereas online programs can follow accelerated four-, eight-, or 10-week sessions. Furthermore, distance learners usually take one or two courses per session to focus on content in each class. Online course delivery also varies. Synchronous learning requires set log-in times and regular attendance, while asynchronous learning allows students to work at their own pace within deadline dates.

Paying for college is a significant investment. Online students often benefit from lower tuition rates and avoid out-of-state tuition. However, prospective degree-seekers should also consider data about job availability and the fastest growing fields as they select a program of study. Fortunately, data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that gross employment rates in Oklahoma increased in all major counties.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Oklahoma State University

  • Location-markerStillwater, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Located in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University offers a diverse postsecondary experience with students from over 100 countries. OSU provides an accessible education, with many students able to complete their degree without commuting to campus.

For instance, learners can earn a bachelor of science in multidisciplinary studies with a focus on pre-law entirely online. The 120-credit degree includes 40 general education credits, 13 departmental credits, 40 credits in the major, and 27 credits of electives. Coursework explores topics such as American Indian sovereignty; philosophy of law; U.S. constitution: civil rights and civil liberties; and elements of persuasion. The program also requires a culminating capstone course.

OSU uses the Brightspace online learning management system. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to learn on their own schedule. However, some courses may require digital attendance real-time. Distance learners can schedule appointments with the writing center and the math learning success center for additional help.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,417
  • Out-of-state$20,937
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,208
  • Out-of-state$15,836
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate71%
  • Students Enrolled26,008
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment53%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

  • Location-markerDurant, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Based in Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs entirely online. For instance, students can complete their master's degree in business, education, Native American leadership, or sports administration -- with each field offering several areas of specialization.

Undergraduates can select from 10 bachelor's degrees, including six through the John Massey School of Business. The 124-credit bachelor of arts in general business includes 43 core business credits, 44 general business credits, and electives. The curriculum features coursework in management and organizational behavior, marketing for new ventures, and small business management. The business school at SOSU holds programmatic accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Online delivery typically follows a flexible asynchronous format. SOSU also provides multiple resources for distance learners, including online tutoring sessions, digital databases, and librarians for research support.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,420
  • Out-of-state$15,360
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,734
  • Out-of-state$11,070
  • Retention Rate59%
  • Acceptance Rate74%
  • Students Enrolled5,479
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment89%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

  • Location-markerNorman, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma has a century-long legacy of academic excellence. In fact, OU's Norman campus holds the Carnegie Foundation's highest research classification, while 10 programs at the institution are nationally ranked. OU's Extended Campus offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and professional training opportunities.

The bachelor of arts in organizational leadership offers accelerated coursework that allows working students to earn their degree in 18 months with full-time attendance. However, students typically earn their degree in 2-3 years. This 120-credit program includes 60 general education hours, 40 upper-division hours, and elective courses. Notable courses include mathematics in liberal studies, ethics in leadership, and conflict resolution. This program requires an in-depth capstone course.

Distance courses use the Canvas online learning management system and follow an eight-week format. Students complete two courses per eight-week session and four courses each semester. OU also accepts transfer students from accredited institutions.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,070
  • Out-of-state$22,140
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,034
  • Out-of-state$23,820
  • Retention Rate89%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled29,166
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment51%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Northeastern State University

  • Location-markerTahlequah, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Based in Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is the fourth-largest public university in the state. NSU supports diverse, accessible, and affordable education; in fact, NSU ranks fourth in the state for affordable tuition.

Distance learners can earn their degree in unique fields. For instance, NSU offers a library media and information technology master of science that prepares graduates to become school librarians. This 33-credit program includes three professional education credits, 22 core credits, six enrichment credits, and a two-credit capstone course. NSU holds programmatic accreditation from the American Association of School Librarians.

NSU maintains a partnership with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Southern Regional Education Board. Transfer students from accredited institutions may apply. NSU also participates in NC-SARA, which allows out-of-state students to enroll in online courses. NSU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,623
  • Out-of-state$15,743
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,802
  • Out-of-state$10,697
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate99%
  • Students Enrolled6,409
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

East Central University

  • Location-markerAda, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Based in Ada, East Central University encourages cultural awareness across each of its programs and strives to meet its student's diverse learning needs. ESU is among the best online colleges in Oklahoma, with a student body that represents over 25 states and 30 countries.

Distance learners can pursue distinguished programs such as the bachelor of science in kinesiology, which prepares graduates for health and wellness careers. This 124-credit degree includes 44 general education credits, 57 kinesiology major credits, and 23 elective credits. ESU accepts up to 94 transfer credits, and students can graduate in 2-4 years. Courses include care and prevention of athletic injuries, research and evaluation of kinesiology, and biomechanics. This program also requires a practicum field experience.

ESU administers coursework through the Moodle learning management system. Online courses follow an eight-week format. Students typically take two classes each session and four courses per semester. Additionally, online students can access digital databases, librarians, and technology support.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,001
  • Out-of-state$15,151
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,555
  • Out-of-state$10,945
  • Retention Rate60%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled3,376
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment78%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

  • Location-markerWeatherford, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Located in Weatherford, less than an hour from the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, Southwestern Oklahoma State University provides learners with an accessible, affordable education and ranks among the best online colleges in Oklahoma.

Practicing RNs can earn their BSN online at SWOSU. This degree completion program requires applicants to hold an unencumbered license and an associate degree from an accredited nursing program. This 124-credit online program includes 21-22 pre-professional credits, 30 professional credits, and three elective credits. Courses include contemporary nursing leadership, advanced physical assessment, issues and concepts for professional nursing, and bridging nursing paradigms. SWOSU accepts up to 31 transfer credits for this program.

SWOSU uses the Canvas learning management system to deliver online classes. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete coursework around their schedules. Assignments include essays, exams, and projects, while discussion posts allow distance learners to engage with their peers.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,585
  • Out-of-state$13,695
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,516
  • Out-of-state$13,188
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate77%
  • Students Enrolled4,777
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment81%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

  • Location-markerAlva, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public higher education institution located in Alva, just south of the Kansas border. NWOSU emphasizes community engagement, affordability, and access to higher education. The student body represents over 40 states and 20 countries. Students may complete their degree on campus or through NWOSU online.

NWOSU offers multiple online degrees, including a bachelor of business administration. This 121-credit program requires 45 general education credits, 46 foundation and business credits, 21 business minor credits, and nine credits of electives. Online programs follow traditional 16-week semesters that consist of two eight-week sessions. Students typically complete four courses each semester.

NWOSU uses the Blackboard learning management system to administer distance coursework. Most classes follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete the material when their schedule permits. However, some courses follow a synchronous format, which requires live, online attendance. NWOSU holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,448
  • Out-of-state$11,142
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,928
  • Out-of-state$9,932
  • Retention Rate60%
  • Acceptance Rate56%
  • Students Enrolled1,852
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma

  • Location-markerEdmond, OK
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Founded in 1890 in Edmond, the University of Central Oklahoma offers more than 195 undergraduate and graduate programs to approximately 16,000 students. The school provides fully online coursework and hybrid options to meet diverse learning needs.

UCO's online bachelor of business administration in marketing features a dynamic perspective on national and global marketplaces. This 124-credit degree includes 42-44 university core credits, up to nine business support credits, 66 marketing major requirement credits, and elective credits. Courses include integrated marketing communication, geographic information systems, and legal environment of business.

Distance learners access coursework through the D2L learning management system. Courses typically follow an asynchronous format, which allows students to complete assignments when their schedule permits. Online students receive support from academic counselors and the IT department. Learners can also access online tutoring or contact professors during digital office hours.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,026
  • Out-of-state$17,913
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,356
  • Out-of-state$17,364
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate70%
  • Students Enrolled12,250
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-check How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Click here to see the best campus colleges in OKlahoma.

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