Best Online Colleges in Oklahoma for 2023

Online Higher Education in Oklahoma

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In May 2020, Oklahoma had a mean hourly wage of $22.76 and an annual mean wage of $47,340. This is well below the national annual wage of $56,310. Trends indicate, however, that professionals who hold at least one degree are likely to have better employment prospects and, as a result, earn more money. This is true even at the associate level, although advanced degrees typically produce the best results.

Pay will depend on the field entered. Prospective students should research which industries offer higher wages in the state than others prior to selecting online degree programs.

Some of the jobs with the highest annual mean wages in Oklahoma include:

During the 2021-2022 academic year, there were a total of 214,200 students enrolled colleges and universities in Oklahoma. This includes 187,750 undergraduate and 26,450 graduate school students. Most attended classes full-time, but 87,363 were designated as part-time students.

While distance learning options are available in Oklahoma, they are not as readily utilized as in some other states. A total of 61,669 took online classes exclusively, while another 70,164 were enrolled in some online classes. This leaves 82,367 students who were not in any online classes at all. Approximately 61% of students took at least one course remotely during the 2020-2021 academic year, however.

In 2022, the average cost of undergraduate tuition and fees for Oklahoma residents is $6,298 per academic year, while students from other states paid an average of $12,862 per year. The cost of earning master’s degrees is only slightly higher, with the average tuition and fees for in-state students sitting at $6,542. Non-residents paid $15,409.

Prospective students will also need to account for the cost paying for the general cost of living, as well as their school books and supplies. In 2022, the average living costs of Oklahoma colleges and universities when students live on campus is $12,122. This expense is higher for those living off campus, who pay $13,349. The average cost of books and supplies was $1,591, up over 103% from the previous year.

It’s worth noting that online programs often cost less than traditional ones. This is because many colleges and universities charge lower tuition and fee rates for distance learners. Additionally, these students are not responsible for some related costs, such as parking and on-campus activities. These differences can be significant, especially when financial aid is utilized as well. Distance learners can still qualify for grants, scholarships, and loans by completing and submitting Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms.

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Many of the colleges and universities in Oklahoma offer online degree programs, with enrollment options available at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. It’s also common to find distance learning options for professional certificates. While the type of degree needed is dependent upon the intended profession, most people are qualified for employment after graduation. Some do, however, opt to continue their education by pursuing additional online programs of study. Some of the most significant benefits to these programs include more flexible scheduling and affordable tuition rates.