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Best Nursing Schools in Oklahoma: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

March 10, 2026

Explore 20 accredited nursing programs across Oklahoma, from affordable community colleges to top-tier universities. Compare tuition, acceptance rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers prospective nursing students a diverse range of educational pathways, with 20 accredited nursing programs spread across the state. The landscape includes 7 community colleges offering Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs and 13 universities offering Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and advanced degrees.

This variety creates genuine flexibility for students with different financial situations, academic backgrounds, and career timelines. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, a working professional considering a career change, or someone seeking an accelerated pathway to nursing, Oklahoma has viable options at price points ranging from $3,704 to $48,602 per year in tuition.

The state's nursing education ecosystem reflects national trends: community colleges provide an affordable entry point with strong job placement, while universities offer more selective admission processes and higher earning potential for graduates, particularly those earning first professional degrees.

Top University Nursing Programs in Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (Norman)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (First Professional Degree)
Tuition: $9,595/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 76.5%
Graduation Rate: 75.7%
Graduate Earnings: $98,170/year
Total Enrollment: 21,496

The University of Oklahoma's nursing program stands out for strong outcomes. With a 75.7% graduation rate and first professional degree graduates earning $98,170 annually, OU-Norman represents one of Oklahoma's most competitive and rewarding nursing pathways. The acceptance rate of 76.5% indicates selectivity without being prohibitively exclusive. In-state tuition at $9,595 annually is reasonable for a major research university.

University of Tulsa (Tulsa)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (First Professional Degree)
Tuition: $48,602/year
Acceptance Rate: 58.0%
Graduation Rate: 72.8%
Graduate Earnings: $125,106/year
Total Enrollment: 2,447

University of Tulsa's nursing program is Oklahoma's most selective and most expensive, but graduates command the highest salaries in the state at $125,106 annually. This premium reflects the university's private nonprofit status and intensive resources. The 72.8% graduation rate is solid, and the 58% acceptance rate indicates genuine selectivity. This program suits students who can afford the investment and seek maximum earning potential and prestige.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (Stillwater)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tuition: $10,234/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 70.9%
Graduation Rate: 65.4%
Graduate Earnings: $74,056/year
Total Enrollment: 20,814

OSU's main campus program offers a middle-ground option: moderately selective (70.9% acceptance), affordable in-state tuition, and solid graduate earnings. The 65.4% graduation rate is lower than OU-Norman, suggesting more challenging coursework or higher attrition. Still, at $10,234 annually, OSU represents strong value for a major research university's nursing program.

University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tuition: $8,522/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 81.8%
Graduation Rate: 36.4%
Graduate Earnings: $63,948/year
Total Enrollment: 10,132

UCO offers the lowest tuition among four-year universities at $8,522 annually and the highest acceptance rate at 81.8%, making it accessible to students with varied academic backgrounds. However, the 36.4% graduation rate is a significant concern—less than 4 in 10 students complete the program. This suggests demanding nursing coursework or potential issues with program support. Prospective students should investigate graduation rates carefully and ask about student support services.

Northeastern State University (Tahlequah)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tuition: $7,513/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 99.2%
Graduation Rate: 37.6%
Graduate Earnings: $73,614/year
Total Enrollment: 4,636

NSU offers the lowest tuition of any four-year university at $7,513 annually and virtually open admission (99.2% acceptance). Graduate earnings of $73,614 are competitive. However, like UCO, the 37.6% graduation rate is low. The combination of open admission and low graduation rates suggests students should carefully assess whether they're academically prepared for nursing coursework, regardless of admission ease.

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford)

Program Type: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Tuition: $8,295/year (in-state)
Acceptance Rate: 100.0%
Graduation Rate: 36.9%
Graduate Earnings: $70,858/year
Total Enrollment: 3,469

SWOSU has open admission and affordable tuition at $8,295 annually. Graduate earnings of $70,858 are reasonable. The 36.9% graduation rate mirrors other regional universities, suggesting that while admission is open, nursing coursework is rigorous. This program works well for determined students from rural areas who need affordability and accessibility.

Other University Options

Rogers State University (Claremore) — $7,392/year tuition, 25.2% graduation rate, $74,438 graduate earnings

East Central University (Ada) — $8,032/year tuition, 65.5% acceptance rate, 32.0% graduation rate, $63,931 graduate earnings

Langston University (Langston) — $6,728/year tuition, 20.3% graduation rate, $57,835 graduate earnings

Oklahoma Christian University (Edmond) — $25,900/year tuition (private), 97.1% acceptance, 56.0% graduation rate, $55,283 graduate earnings

Oral Roberts University (Tulsa) — $34,100/year tuition (private), 98.6% acceptance, 58.2% graduation rate, $59,271 graduate earnings

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Pathway

Community colleges offer a compelling alternative: lower tuition, flexible scheduling, and strong job placement. Graduates earn Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN) and are fully qualified to take the NCLEX-RN licensing exam.

Tulsa Community College (Tulsa)

Tuition: $3,768/year
Graduate Earnings: $61,800/year
Enrollment: 11,397

TCC is Oklahoma's largest community college and offers one of the most affordable nursing pathways. At $3,768 annually, a two-year ADN costs roughly $7,536 total—less than one year at most universities. Graduates earn $61,800, which is competitive for associate-degree nurses.

Oklahoma City Community College (Oklahoma City)

Tuition: $4,059/year
Graduate Earnings: $61,318/year
Enrollment: 9,578

OCCC serves Oklahoma's largest metro area and charges $4,059 annually. The program is well-established with consistent graduate earnings of $61,318.

Rose State College (Midwest City)

Tuition: $5,032/year
Graduate Earnings: $61,047/year
Enrollment: 4,546

Rose State serves the Oklahoma City metro area with slightly higher tuition but still under $5,100 annually.

Other Community College Options

Connors State College (Warner) — $3,704/year (lowest tuition in state), $61,658 graduate earnings

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (Miami) — $4,943/year, $53,737 graduate earnings

Northern Oklahoma College (Tonkawa) — $5,061/year, $48,676 graduate earnings

Murray State College (Tishomingo) — $6,630/year, $59,778 graduate earnings

Community College Advantages

Cost: Two-year ADN programs cost $7,500–$13,000 total, versus $30,000–$97,000 for four-year BSN programs
Speed to Employment: Graduate and earn in two years instead of four
Transfer Pathways: Many community college graduates pursue RN-to-BSN programs later, combining affordability with eventual bachelor's degree
Job Market: ADN graduates pass NCLEX at similar rates to BSN graduates and earn competitive salaries immediately

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

1. Graduation Rate Matters More Than Acceptance Rate

A 99% acceptance rate means little if only 37% graduate. Nursing programs are rigorous by design. Evaluate your academic preparation honestly. If you struggled with chemistry or biology, seek programs with strong tutoring and support services.

2. Compare Total Cost, Not Just Tuition

Community college ADN: ~$7,500–$13,000 total
Public university BSN: ~$34,000–$41,000 total (4 years)
Private university BSN: ~$102,000–$194,000 total (4 years)

Factor in living expenses, books, and licensing exam fees. Community college + RN-to-BSN later may cost less than a four-year university program upfront.

3. Consider Your Career Timeline

Need to work while studying? Community colleges offer more flexible scheduling
Want maximum earning potential immediately? ADN graduates earn $48,676–$61,800; BSN graduates earn $55,283–$98,170
Planning to advance later? RN-to-BSN programs are increasingly common; starting with ADN doesn't preclude a bachelor's degree

4. Evaluate Location and Commute

Oklahoma nursing programs span rural and urban areas. A long commute impacts retention. Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Norman, and Stillwater have multiple options; rural areas have fewer choices.

5. Research Program-Specific Outcomes

Beyond graduation rates, ask prospective programs:

What percentage of graduates pass NCLEX-RN on first attempt?
What is job placement rate at 6 months post-graduation?
Do they offer tutoring, simulation labs, and clinical partnerships?
What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

Oklahoma's Nursing Job Market

Oklahoma's healthcare sector is growing. The state has a mix of urban medical centers (OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, St. John's in Tulsa) and rural hospitals, creating diverse employment opportunities.

Salary Context:

ADN graduates: $48,676–$61,800/year
BSN graduates: $55,283–$98,170/year
First professional degree holders (OU, TU): $98,170–$125,106/year

The salary premium for BSN over ADN is approximately $10,000–$15,000 annually, which compounds over a 40-year career. However, ADN graduates earn immediately and can pursue RN-to-BSN programs part-time or after working.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Oklahoma

Federal Aid

FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov. All Oklahoma nursing schools participate in federal aid.
Pell Grants: Students from families earning under ~$60,000 may qualify for grants (not loans)
Stafford Loans: Federal loans available to all students; nursing students often qualify for higher amounts

State Aid

Oklahoma Higher Learning Resources (OHLR) administers state grants
Future Teachers and Health Care Professionals Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships to nursing students who commit to working in underserved areas

Employer Sponsorship

Many Oklahoma hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing nursing degrees
Some offer sign-on bonuses for new RN graduates

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

National League for Nursing (NLN): Offers scholarships for nursing students
American Association of University Women (AAUW): Provides fellowships for women in nursing
Regional nursing associations: Check with Oklahoma Nurses Association for local scholarships

Community College Advantage

Community college tuition is substantially lower, reducing reliance on loans. A student graduating with an ADN from a community college may owe $5,000–$8,000 in loans versus $30,000+ for a university BSN.

Next Steps: Compare Programs and Apply

You've reviewed Oklahoma's 20 nursing programs. Now it's time to narrow your choices:

List 3–5 programs that match your budget, location, and academic profile
Request information from each program's admissions office
Ask about NCLEX pass rates, job placement, and student support
Visit campuses if possible; attend information sessions
Check prerequisites: Nursing programs require chemistry, biology, anatomy, and microbiology. Confirm you've completed these or can complete them before enrollment
Submit applications by stated deadlines; nursing programs fill quickly

Compare all Oklahoma nursing programs side-by-side on GradeToGrad's nursing program search. Filter by tuition, location, program type (ADN vs. BSN), and graduation rate to find your best fit.

The right program balances affordability, accessibility, and outcomes. Whether you choose Tulsa Community College's $3,768 ADN or University of Tulsa's $48,602 BSN, Oklahoma has an accredited pathway to your nursing career.