Overview
Enrollment
Northwestern Oklahoma State University is located in the rural community of Alva, Oklahoma, approximately 150 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. Established in 1897 as a territorial normal school, the institution now serves as a public regional university with additional campus locations in Enid and Woodward. The main campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings spread across 70 acres, including Heritage Hall, a Depression-era structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs with particular emphasis in education, business, and nursing, while maintaining an open admission policy for Oklahoma residents. Students can choose from traditional dormitory housing options in three residence halls, and the university competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Rangers.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
NWOSU is rated within the lower 36% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Northwestern Oklahoma State University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#866 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#332 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#8 in Best Colleges in Oklahoma
#4 in Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma
#21 in Best Value Colleges in Oklahoma
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 868/1090 |
| ACT | 16/22 |
| GPA | 3.42 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Oklahoma Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $522 |
| Room and Board | $5,520 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,000 |
| Total One Year Cost | $19,090 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Other Fees | $522 |
| Room and Board | $5,520 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $6,000 |
| Total One Year Cost | $24,784 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Education | 20% |
| Business | 20% |
| Psychology | 12% |
| Agriculture | 8% |
| Health Professions | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering NWOSU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=207306 IPEDS survey data for Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Current students may use the Northwestern Oklahoma State University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025