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Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is a public higher education institution located in Weatherford, Oklahoma. There are, however, two remote centers in Sayre and Yukon as well. Founded in 1901, the school is part of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. According to US News & World Report, Southwestern Oklahoma State University was the highest-ranked Oklahoma regional university in 2019.


Overview of Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU)


Southwestern Oklahoma State University supports students and the community through the integration of effective teaching, scholarship, and creative endeavors, and civic engagement. The institution strives to establish a strong foundation for student success by pursuing the exchange of ideas, research, and leadership, in a safe, healthy, and diverse environment.

The student population is approximately 4,648. Of those, roughly 3,749 are pursuing undergraduate degrees. The university also employs about 205 full-time and 107 part-time faculty members, all of whom are responsible for instructional pursuits. The resulting student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1, which is higher than the national average. The average class size at Southwestern Oklahoma State University is 23 students.

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting Town: Remote
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 19:1
Graduation Rate 39%
Year Founded 1901

Student Enrollment


Total Students4,648

Undergraduate
3,749
Graduate
899

Undergraduate Student

Male 1,500
1,500
Female 2,249
2,249

Graduate Student

Male 360
360
Female 539
539

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Southwestern Oklahoma State University Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS2,076

Male 832
Female 1,244

ACCEPTANCE1,951

Male 790
Female 1,169

Acceptance Rate94%

Male 95%
Female 94%

Enrollment 683

Male 292
Female 398
Admissions
Application Fee NA
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Required
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Required
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted NO

SWOSU Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The total cost of attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University will vary depending on enrollment status, residency, area of study, and the number of credit hours taken. Students are charged per credit hour, with Oklahoma residents paying between $241 and $663 each and non-residents paying between $456 and $1,102 each. Additionally, those enrolled must pay a variety of mandatory fees including an event center fee, facility fee, student activity fee, and technology service fee.

While the exact amount due will vary, Southwestern Oklahoma State University estimates that in-state students pursuing undergraduate study will pay approximately $9,131 each year. The annual undergraduate cost estimate for non-residents is $16,241. International students must also pay for international health insurance coverage. Additionally, those enrolled in the undergraduate nursing program will be charged at a slightly higher rate.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University also provides annual cost estimates for graduate students. Residents pursuing graduate degrees can expect to pay $7,530, while non-residents will owe $14,202. The graduate nursing program costs less, however, with tuition and fees ranging between $4,320 and $7,656. Those interested in the doctor of pharmacy program will pay $25,466 or $41,261, depending on residency status.

For most programs, the on-campus tuition block rate per semester is $9,040 for 12 to 18 credit hours. Those taking under 12 credits will be charged $603 per hour, with an average tuition of $7,236 per semester. Online rates are different. Part-time students taking between three and 11 credit hours per semester are charged $450 per credit hour. Full-time students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours, on the other hand, will owe only $395 per credit hour.

Students must also anticipate the cost of books and supplies, as well as transportation and miscellaneous personal expenses. Southwestern Oklahoma State University also offers on-campus student housing. Options range in price from $1,550 to $3,075 per semester depending on hall and privacy preferences. Meal plans are also available. Standard plans cost between $1,500 and $1,915 per semester.

To help students pay for their academic goals, Southwestern Oklahoma State University offers many need and merit-based scholarships. All incoming students are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications. This is used to determine financial aid need and is used when generating aid packages. Additionally, the institution strives to award financial assistance to those with academic and/or athletic talent, as well as to non-residents and those transferring to the school. Oklahoma’s Promise, Native American tribal awards, and other talent-based funds may also be available.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 96% of students entering postsecondary education for the first time at the university received some form of financial assistance. While many were awarded grants and scholarships, 79% of students require some amount of loans.

Average net price 2020-2021
Net Price $12,697
Average Total Aid $9,384
Students Receiving Financial Aid 96%
Room & Board $6,380

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $7,913
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $15,023
  • Books and Supplies - $1,218
  • Room & Board - $6,380
  • Other - $7,202

SWOSU Academics


At Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the faculty and staff are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction, involvement, services, scholarly endeavors, creative activities, and service learning. The institution offers both undergraduate and graduate programs that are affordable and reputable. Students can choose from a wide variety of engaging areas of study, 14 of which are nationally accredited.

Degrees are available in the following subjects:

  • Art, Communication, and Theatre
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemistry and Physics
  • Language and Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Social Sciences
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Pharmacy Practice
  • Education
  • Kinesiology
  • Parks and Recreation Management
  • Psychology
  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Technology
  • Allied Health Sciences
  • Nursing

The university also offers distance learning education programs to help students start and/or complete their degrees. Options include 100% online degrees, the use of webinars to receive instruction and blended programs that combine various delivery methods. The areas of study available for each vary.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Southwestern Oklahoma State University had a first-year undergraduate retention rate of 65% for full-time students and 54% for part-time students in fall 2021. This is below the national average of 68%, but still indicates that the majority of students enrolled at the university were pleased enough with their academic and extracurricular experiences to return for a second year.

Graduation rates for Southwestern Oklahoma State University are lower as, of full-time, first-time students who began their studies in 2015, only 39% graduated within 150% of normal time.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The institution also maintains programmatic accreditation.

Student Population Total


Student Population 4,648

Undergraduate
3,749
Graduate
899
Evening Classes : Yes
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Health Professions and Related Programs 368 Total Graduates / 44%
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 175 Graduates
Pharmaceutical Sciences 79 Graduates
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General 69 Graduates
Health Information/Medical Records Administration/Administrator 27 Graduates
Health/Health Care Administration/Management 16 Graduates
All Business Majors 99 Total Graduates / 12%
Business Administration and Management, General 84 Graduates
Organizational Leadership 15 Graduates
All Education Majors 82 Total Graduates / 10%
Elementary Education and Teaching 41 Graduates
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching 12 Graduates
Music Teacher Education 9 Graduates
History Teacher Education 6 Graduates
Art Teacher Education 5 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology 56 Total Graduates / 7%
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 28 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, General 17 Graduates
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 11 Graduates
Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technician 39 Total Graduates / 5%
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General 29 Graduates
Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician 10 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 23%

Outcome & Salary


Southwestern Oklahoma State University surveys students after graduates. The most recent alumni survey available is from 2018. Based on the data provided, 70% of respondents were employed in the areas that they studied while enrolled and only 5% were unemployed. Notably, 91% reported that they still utilized the knowledge and skills gained from their major. Additionally, many who participated in the survey disclosed that they pursued further study after graduation, primarily to obtain certifications and/or licensure.

The institution also asked alumni to rate the overall academic quality provided by Southwestern Oklahoma State University. On a one to five scale, with one denoting high satisfaction, the institution received a ranking of 1.82. Further, 87% of graduates reported that they considered their investment in the university to be worthwhile.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $51,200
College Grads Average Salary $70,000
College Grads Mid Career Salary $98,000
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $700,000
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,680,000
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $50,768
10 Year Projected ROI $649,212
20 Year Projected ROI $1,629,212
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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