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Last Updated: September 22, 2021

Oklahoma - Sooner State

Oklahoma is a state located in the South-Central region of the USA with a population of about 3.97 million. It is the 28th populous state in the country and is often called by its nickname- The Sooner State. The state has an economic base that relies mostly on aviation, energy, biotechnology, and communication. Since the state is located in the Great Plains and the U.S. Interior Highlands, Oklahoma experiences moderate to extreme climates. In Oklahoma, there are more than 25 Native American languages spoken, and the cost of living is lower than the average of other states.

Education in Oklahoma is considered to be one of the best in the country with ample choices of courses and subjects. The educational infrastructure is vast and well developed in the state. While there are ample schools at various district and city levels, The University of Oklahoma and The University of Central Oklahoma are the two primary public institutions that offer the best higher education in the state. Oklahoma State University is another public university that offers education in various courses.

Major Cities in Oklahoma

Oklahoma City

With a population of roughly 644,000, Oklahoma City is the biggest city in this state. It is also the capital city of Oklahoma. It was established as a city in 1889. Oklahoma City University is also located here. The city is popular for its diverse communities, as well as its oil and cattle industry. Oklahoma City Zoo, National Cowboy & Western Heritage, National Cowboy & Western Heritage, Myriad Botanical Gardens, and Oklahoma City Museum of Art are some of the most popular sites in the city.

Tulsa

The city of Tulsa has a population of roughly 403,000 and was initially inhabited by the Creek Indians during the 1830s. Oil production is the predominant industry in this city, followed by aerospace and machinery. It was once known as the 'Oil Capital of the World'. The city is home to major educational institutes like the University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University. Popular attractions include the Philbrook Museum of Art, Tulsa Zoo, Gilcrease Museum, River Spirit Casino Resort, Golden Driller Statue, and Oklahoma Aquarium.

Norman

Norman is the third biggest city in Oklahoma with a population of around 123,000. It was founded in the year 1855 and named after Abner E. Norman. The city is popular for housing one of its best educational institutes, the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. Some of the popular tourist attractions in this city are the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Lake Thunderbird State Park, Newcastle Casino, Mainsite Contemporary Art Gallery, Native Spirits Winery, Fred Jones Jr Museum of Art, and Historical House Museum of Cleveland County.

Broken Arrow

With a population of approximately 109,000, this is the fourth-largest city in Oklahoma. It is one of the safest cities in the US with the crime rate almost 23% lower than the national average. It was established as a city in 1903. Agriculture used to be a major sector in this city with its major crops being corn, oats, and cotton. Popular sightseeing spots include Safari Sanctuary, Broken Arrow Historical Museum, Ray Harral Nature Park & Center, and Haikey Creek Park.

Economy/Job Market

Natural gas and petroleum are the leading sectors that drive the economy of Oklahoma. Despite the major setbacks caused by the covid-19 pandemic, the economic condition of Oklahoma recovered mainly because of its oil and natural gas production. The GDP growth in the year 2021 is 4.5%. The unemployment rate in the Sooner State is lower than the national average (5.2% in the US) at 4%. NGL Energy Partners, Imperial, Hobby Lobby, Avis Budget Group, Accord Human Resources, Helmerich Payne, Sonic are some of the largest companies in Oklahoma.

Tuition Fee and Living Cost in Oklahoma

The cost of living in Oklahoma is a lot lesser than the national average. Healthcare service is an exception as it is costlier than the national average, whereas housing expenses are the cheapest. According to the American Community Survey (ACS), the median household income in the state of Oklahoma is roughly $55,000, which is lower than the nation's overall median income. Anadarko, Holdenville, Cushing, Noble, Alva, Blackwell, Ponca City are some of the most affordable cities in Oklahoma.

College expenses vary in Oklahoma, with public colleges and universities costing cheaper than private ones. One of the most significant expenses is the cost of classes, which includes utility costs, professors' salaries, and laboratory equipment. Tuition fees for most courses at the various Oklahoma state colleges are lower than many states on average.

Like most other states of the USA, governmental funding is not available for international students. Students can take up scholarships and fellowship programs to fund their studies. Most students use their savings for getting admission to various Oklahoma colleges and universities, and many students even take internships and part-time jobs to fund their daily expenses.

List of Few Major Universities/Colleges

Oklahoma colleges and universities have many courses at the graduate, undergraduate, and research levels. Biotechnology is an outstanding choice here, while students can also take courses in business, science, information systems, designing, and sports. All colleges and universities are involved in sports activities, so the campuses are full of fun and recreation. Many native students also turn up in various universities to study law, while business and science courses are popular choices for international students. The top colleges/universities in this state are:

Scholarships/Financial Aid for Students

Given that the cost of living is lower than the national average, affording education is also comparatively easier in Oklahoma. With several scholarships and grants available, it is extremely helpful for students with financial needs. To determine the eligibility of the candidates, the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is to be filled by all students before applying for any kind of financial aid.

Tourism

Oklahoma is a pretty affordable place for living, as well as for traveling. It has a lot to offer from beautiful landscapes, fascinating animals, to some of the best historical and cultural sites. Even though summer is the most popular season for tourists to visit the state, it can get busy and uncomfortable if one does not prefer hot weather. The fall season (around the end of September to the beginning of November) is the best time to visit the state. Popular tourist attractions in the Sooner State are Ouachita National Forest, Route 66, Science Museum Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Zoo, Marland Estate Mansion, Oklahoma Aquarium, Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve, JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum, and so on. One should make sure to try out the best and most popular dishes of this state, that is, the Sooner Steaks and the Oklahoma Barbecue.

Universities & Colleges in Oklahoma

University (city) Total StudentsUG (in) / UG (out)G (in) / G (out)
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (Norman) 32189$10454 / $26136$9409 / $25090
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (Stillwater) 27200$10454 / $26136$9409 / $25090
University of Tulsa (Tulsa) 4799$44954 / $44954$25090 / $25090
Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City) 3163$34499 / $34499$14636 / $14636
Oklahoma Christian University (Edmond) 2570$20908 / $20908$14636 / $14636
Oral Roberts University (Tulsa) 4713$32408 / $32408$15681 / $15681
Oklahoma Wesleyan University (Bartlesville) 1288$29272 / $29272$12545 / $12545
East Central University (Ada) 4289$8363 / $17772$6272 / $12545
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Alva) 2363$8363 / $15681$6272 / $11499
Northeastern State University (Tahlequah) 9277$7318 / $16727$6272 / $11499
Oklahoma Baptist University (Shawnee) 1986$26136 / $26136$9409 / $9409
Southwestern Christian University (Bethany) 649$17772 / $17772$11499 / $11499
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Chickasha) 873$7318 / $16727$N/A / $N/A
Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College (Moore) 378$16727 / $16727$13590 / $13590
Bacone College (Muskogee) 839$15681 / $15681$N/A / $N/A
University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond) 17985$8363 / $19863$8363 / $18818
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford) 5989$8363 / $15681$8363 / $14636
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Durant) 5698$7318 / $16727$6272 / $12545
Oklahoma Panhandle State University (Goodwell) 1232$8363 / $8363$N/A / $N/A
Southern Nazarene University (Bethany) 2870$27181 / $27181$25090 / $25090
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (Oklahoma City) 5963$3136 / $8363$N/A / $N/A
Rogers State University (Claremore) 4383$8363 / $16727$8363 / $17772
Cameron University (Lawton) 5370$7318 / $16727$5227 / $12545
St. Gregory's University (Shawnee) 650$21954 / $21954$1045 / $1045
Platt College-North OKC (Oklahoma City) 195$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Langston University (Langston) 2607$7318 / $14636$5227 / $10454
Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology (Tulsa) 759$17772 / $17772$N/A / $N/A
Family of Faith College (Shawnee) 122$7318 / $7318$7318 / $7318
Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City) 2362$19863 / $19863$12545 / $12545
Brown Mackie College-Tulsa (Tulsa) 479$13590 / $13590$N/A / $N/A
Platt College-Tulsa (Tulsa) 200$N/A / $N/A$N/A / $N/A
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (Okmulgee) 2617$5227 / $11499$N/A / $N/A
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (Tulsa) 787$N/A / $N/A$5227 / $16727
University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center (Oklahoma City) 3697$8363 / $24045$8363 / $24045
Phillips Theological Seminary (Tulsa) 97$N/A / $N/A$12545 / $12545

*UG - Undergraduate
*G - Graduate
*in - In-state Fees
*out - Out-of-State Fees
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