
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, located in Alva, Oklahoma, began operations in 1897 as a normal school designed to educate teacher and was known as the Northwestern Territorial Normal School. By 1919 the school became a four year institution, changing its name to Northwestern Oklahoma Teachers College. In 1939, the school expanded its focus once more, offering a liberal arts education alongside its traditional education program and changing its name to Northwestern State College.
In 1951 the school was approved for credit transfer to the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University for the purposes of pursuing a master's degree, and in 1954 became authorized to offer its own master level programs. Over the next two decades the school began to add more graduate programs and in 1974 changed its name to its current. The school operates satellite campuses in the cities of Enid and Woodward.
Academics
Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers bachelor and master degrees in a variety of majors, as well as a large list of minors. As a leader in education the university offers a variety of specialized education programs. Additionally, the school offers pre-professional programs that will allow entry into graduate level programs upon completion. Northwestern Oklahoma State University has been identified as a top regional school and is a national leader in low student debt.
Programs offered at NOSU include:
- Accounting
- Criminal Justice
- General Studies
- Political Science
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Pre-Law
- Early Childhood Education
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students interested in enrolling at Northwestern Oklahoma State University should take the ACT or Sat and earn a score of 20/920 and be in the top 50% of their class to be considered for admissions. Students should complete and submit the admission application prior to the deadline, either online or through the mail. Students should also submit all pertinent transcripts along with the application. A variety of financial aid options, including loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs, are available. Students in need of aid will find that Northwestern Oklahoma State University is one of the best universities for assisting in the payment of education. Students should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and awards.
Athletics
The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rangers previously participated in the National Athletic Intercollegiate Association (NAIA). The football team has won seven out of eleven conference titles since the leagues inception in 2000. The support for athletics comes from the school's desire to provide additional skill development for students, such as teamwork, discipline and socializing.
Athletic programs offered:
- Baseball (Men Only)
- Softball (Women Only)
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Golf
- Football (Men Only)
- Rodeo
- Soccer (Women Only)
- Volleyball (Women Only)
Admission Requirements & Details
The information regarding admissions below may provide a better idea of the applicants NWOSU accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any AP or college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- Life Experience Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
The total student enrollment at Northwestern Oklahoma State University is about 2,100. The student body is made up of 90% undergraduate students and 17% graduate students.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $7,800. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $15 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- In-State Tuition: $5,200-$6,200
- Nonresident Student Tuition: $12,000-$13,940
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $170-$210 per unit
- Out-of-State: $380-$450 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 88% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 78% | $5,271 |
Receiving Student Loans | 32% | $4,343 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help students and recent graduates, Northwestern Oklahoma State University may offer services like:- Online course work available
- Weekend and night classes available
- Remedial instructional courses
- Academic counseling for students
- Student employment
- Helping students find work after graduation
Graduation Rates
Northwestern Oklahoma State University has an overall graduation rate which is around 31%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 13% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 15% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 3% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Program
- * Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1986)
- Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Education Program
- * Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (since 1954)
Intercollegiate Athletics
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NAIA Division I classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (367)
- Basketball (367)
- Football (367)
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Track and Field, X-Country
- Rodeo
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Northwestern Oklahoma State University by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Agriculture (B)
- Agricultural Business (B)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B)
Business and Marketing Studies
Communications and Journalism
- Communication and Journalism (B)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B)
Education
- Secondary Education (M)
- Elementary Education (B, M)
- Early Childhood Education (B)
- Guidance Counselor (M)
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities (B)
- Social Studies Teacher Education (B)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B)
- Physical Education (B)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (B)
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist (M)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (B)
- Science Teacher
- Music Teacher Education
- Technology Teacher Education Teacher Education
English Language and Literature
- English (B)
- Rhetoric and Composition (B)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- United States Studies (M)
Foreign Languages and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing (B)
History
- History (B)
Interdisciplinary Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- General Studies (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B)
Psychology
- Psychology (B)
- Counseling Psychology (M)
Public Administration and Social Services
- Social Work (B)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies (B)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (B)
- Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting
Social Sciences
- Sociology (B)
- Political Science (B)
Visual and Performing Arts
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK (87 miles away)
- Langston University in Langston, OK (99 miles away)
- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha, OK (129 miles away)
- Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS (148 miles away)
- Cameron University in Lawton, OK (152 miles away)
Also, you can compare schools by looking through our list of colleges & universities: