Online education is quickly becoming a major trend. Colleges are capitalizing on this by offering a wide variety of degree and certificate programs online. If you’re looking for flexible and convenient accredited online colleges in Oklahoma, we’ve got you covered.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about the best online schools in Oklahoma. We’ll specifically look at the best online colleges in Oklahoma for associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Choosing between virtual schools in Oklahoma can be difficult, but we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to make your decision as easy as possible.
Fully Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma: Two Types of Accreditation
There are two types of college accreditation, regional and national. Both kinds of accreditation are valid, and there are great online schools in Oklahoma in both categories of accreditation. Below, we go over the advantages and disadvantages of each type of accreditation.
Regionally Accredited Online Colleges
Regional accreditation is the most prestigious kind of certification. It’s more widely known, and non-profit or state-owned colleges and universities are usually regionally accredited.
Credits earned at regionally accredited institutions are often easily transferable, meaning that students that attend these online colleges are more likely to get accepted into their preferred college or university. However, these institutions are also usually more expensive and are more difficult to get into.
Nationally Accredited Online Colleges
National accreditation is focused primarily on for-profit vocational schools, degree courses, religious institutions, and online colleges. These schools are generally much less expensive than their regionally accredited counterparts. They also usually have a lower admission standard, meaning it is easier to be accepted.
Why Is Accreditation Important for College?
Accreditation is important because it determines whether or not an institution meets or exceeds minimum quality standards. It also informs institutional decisions about the acceptance of transfer credits. As a student, this information can help you identify the schools you’re interested in applying to, depending on what your educational priorities are.
How to Find an Accredited Online College in Oklahoma
You can find out whether an online college in Oklahoma is accredited by checking the US Department of Education database. You can also search for colleges on the regional accrediting agency website, or visit the school’s official website. Below, we’ll show you how to find an accredited online college in Oklahoma.
Check the US Department of Education’s Database
To find an accredited online college, you must first create a list of colleges that interest you. After you’ve compiled your list, go to the US Department of Education website and search for the online colleges you’re interested in.
For example, type in ‘University of Oklahoma’ and click on the university’s location that works best for you. To read the accreditation information, click the plus sign (+) button on the Institutional Accreditation page.
Search for Colleges on the Regional Accrediting Agency’s Website
The Higher Learning Commission is the regional agency in Oklahoma in charge of accrediting schools. Visit The Higher Learning Commission website to see if a college is accredited. Go to “Student Resources” on the page and click “Directory of Institutions.” A space bar will appear.
Type the name of the college into the search bar and hit the “Search” button. If the school you keyed in appears on the list, see if the status says “Accredited.”
Visit the School’s Official Website
You can always look for the search bar on the school’s website, type in ‘accreditation’, and read the results. However, some schools have their accreditation certificate located at the bottom of the university’s homepage, so it might be worth looking there first.
Top 10 Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma: Overview
| Ranking | Online College | Accreditation | Graduate Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oklahoma | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 64% |
| 2 | Oklahoma State University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 61% |
| 3 | Oklahoma Christian University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 52% |
| 4 | Oral Roberts University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 47% |
| 5 | Northeastern State University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 44% |
| 6 | University of Central Oklahoma | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 43% |
| 7 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 43% |
| 8 | East Central University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 41% |
| 9 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 37% |
| 10 | Northwestern Oklahoma State University | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) | 32% |
How We Ranked the Best Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma
We ranked the best accredited online colleges in Oklahoma by looking at the graduation rates of various institutions that offer fully online degree programs. The information in the table above comes from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma: Deep Dive
We’ve compiled a list of the best accredited online colleges in Oklahoma. Below we’re going to go through information about each online school. We’re focusing specifically on statistics like graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and post-graduate salaries to help you understand how these schools could work for you.
What Is the Easiest Online College That Is Accredited in Oklahoma?
The easiest online college that is accredited in Oklahoma is the University of Oklahoma. It has a graduation rate of 64 percent, which means that, generally, its students have the resources and support they need to successfully graduate. It offers 100 percent online graduate programs with the goal of generating top-tier professionals who will serve the Oklahoma and regional economies.
Many of the programs offered at this university have strong market demands and growth potential. Online students are given the resources they need to excel in their studies. Tuition and financial help are among the resources made available.
What Is the Cheapest Accredited Online College in Oklahoma?
East Central University is the cheapest accredited online college in Oklahoma, with in-state undergraduate tuition and fees at just $4,075 for in-state students. Non-residents pay a tuition of $8,771 per semester.
Are There Free Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma?
No, there are no free accredited online colleges in Oklahoma. However, alternative learning resources offer free courses. For example, MIT OpenCourseWare is a free digital collection of high-quality teaching and learning materials that can act as alternatives for people who are highly motivated to learn on their own.
Scholarships and grant opportunities for online colleges can also completely cover or reduce tuition costs. Students enrolled at accredited colleges are also eligible for Federal Student Aid.
Why Choose an Accredited Online College in Oklahoma?
You should choose an accredited online college in Oklahoma because you will be able to get an affordable, high-quality education on a schedule that works for you. Because the best online colleges in Oklahoma are accredited, potential employers will recognize your certification or degree as equivalent to a certification or degree earned in person. Explore further benefits below.
Standard
The accreditation process ensures that virtual schools in Oklahoma have certain standards in place. This process is also ongoing, meaning colleges have to continually show that they are meeting these standards to maintain their accreditation status. Students can be assured that the education they are pursuing will provide them with the potential for employment following graduation.
Respectability
When online schools in Oklahoma become accredited, this ensures that a student’s course of study and degree will be seen as legitimate. Any degree will be acknowledged as a significant achievement from a respected institution known for meeting educational standards. Degrees earned at accredited online colleges in Oklahoma can be used to pursue employment or further education.
Job Security
With a degree from an accredited online college, employers will have a way to verify that your degree is legitimate. You’ll have a better chance of landing a high-paying job than graduates from unaccredited colleges. Also, the process of looking for a job will be smoother.
Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma
The most affordable accredited online colleges in Oklahoma are Oklahoma State University, Northeastern State University, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and Oral Roberts University. When conducting your school search from the best online colleges in Oklahoma, a great place to start is always affordability.
- University of Oklahoma | Tuition $2,460/semester. This school has many great online programs. One that was not mentioned in the previous section about OU is the Master of Accountancy. This fully online program accepts students who have undergraduate degrees and prepares them for the Certified Public Accountant exam.
- Oklahoma State University | Tuition $180/credit. This institution offers many online degrees, certifications, and military learning programs. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program teaches software design, development, and testing.
- Northeastern State University | Tuition: $200/credit. This university’s top online programs include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. It focuses on leadership, ethics, and communication skills to prepare graduates for careers in the justice system.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Tuition: $248/credit. The Master of Business Administration program at SWOSU is flexible, cost-effective, and can be completed quickly. It prepares students for managerial positions in the business field.
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Tuition: $293/credit. This Master of Education in School Counseling program trains students to be skilled and sensitive guidance counselors and career advisors.
Best Online Accredited Colleges in Oklahoma That Accept Financial Aid
There are affordable accredited colleges in Oklahoma that accept financial aid if students are unable to fund their tuition. Many virtual schools in Oklahoma are flexible in this area, so there’s no need to worry if the full price of tuition is prohibitive. In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at these colleges and provide more information in the section below.
- University of Oklahoma | Tuition: $2,460/semester. As an online student at the University of Oklahoma, there are student resources available to assist with the cost of education, such as financial aid programs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 100 percent of undergraduate students at the University of Oklahoma receive financial aid.
- Oklahoma State University | Tuition: $180/credit. Oklahoma State University provides students with the opportunity to study from and engage with professors and researchers who help students achieve their career goals. At Oklahoma State University, 93 percent of undergraduate students get financial aid.
- Cameron University | Tuition: $215/credit. Cameron State University offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in accounting, sociology, and business, with the goal of providing students with flexibility. Financial aid is received by 90 percent of undergraduate students to make this goal possible.
- Northeastern State University | Tuition: $200/credit. This school has a flexible schedule designed to accommodate the needs of distance learners. Financial aid is readily available to those who need it. About 95 percent of undergraduate students receive some kind of aid.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Tuition: $248/credit. The institution is one of the country’s major regional universities, providing nationally recognized education. Students have access to financial aid, and 96 percent of undergraduate students take advantage of this aid to help cover the cost of education.
Best Online Schools in Oklahoma by Popular Subjects
There are a variety of universities noted as the best online schools in Oklahoma that are popular for some of their undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, and certificate programs they offer. The following sections are the best accredited colleges known for degree programs in top subjects.
Best Accredited Online Colleges With Associate Degree Programs in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has accredited online colleges that offer associate degree programs for incoming online students who want to get basic knowledge on a course before deciding to pursue an undergraduate degree. We’ll be looking at a few of these colleges below.
- Oklahoma State University | Associate of Science in Health Care Administration. This 37-credit program teaches students to oversee healthcare operations. With an associate degree in health care administration, you’ll be eligible for entry-level work in the industry.
- Mid America Christian University | Associate of Science in Network Management and Security. Client-server software architecture, computer operating systems, and information security are all topics of study in this online.
- Eastern Oklahoma State College | Associate of Science in Software Development. An AS in software development from Eastern Oklahoma State College cultivates abilities that are required in various computer science and information technology disciplines.
- Murray State College | Associate of Art in Enterprise Development-Business Administration. This is a two-year flexible business degree that teaches core abilities sought by employers in the business field.
- Tulsa Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Management. The program focuses on leadership, decision-making, team motivation, and conflict resolution to help managers succeed and prepare for career progression. Students have the option of choosing an internship program.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Oklahoma
There are accredited online colleges in Oklahoma that offer bachelor’s degree programs. Students who want to pursue further education while working have the option to enroll in these types of programs. In the section below, we’ll look at each of these colleges and the bachelor’s degree programs they offer.
- Oklahoma State University | Bachelor of Science in Psychology. A degree in psychology helps you develop communication, problem-solving, and research skills. Graduates from the program will be able to find work in a variety of fields such as mental health, behavioral research, and medicine law.
- Oral Roberts University | Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This degree will prepare you to work as a meeting or event planner, a corporate communication manager, or in non-profit fundraising or development roles.
- Northeastern State University | Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. This program uses an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students to lead and coordinate during natural or human-caused disasters. This is the state of Oklahoma’s only bachelor’s degree program in homeland security.
- University of Central Oklahoma | Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. This degree program will prepare you to influence the launch of new products and services, discover and target new markets, analyze consumer habits, boost target audience visibility, convey advertising messages, and increase revenues.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management. This HIM degree ensures that graduates can successfully perform Competencies as defined by nationally approved norms of practitioner responsibilities and functions.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Accredited Online Colleges With Master’s Degree Programs in Oklahoma
There are many accredited online institutions in Oklahoma that offer master’s programs. These programs allow students to pursue postgraduate education in a way that works for them. Below we list and discuss five online colleges in Oklahoma that have master’s degree programs.
- University of Oklahoma | Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. UO’s online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program will assist you in becoming a data-driven leader in this rapidly evolving sector. Advanced skills in areas such as data visualization and data mining will be developed over the course of the degree.
- Oklahoma Christian University | Master of Arts in Divinity. OCU’s M.Div. degree is designed to prepare students for full-time ministry. You’ll begin advanced study directly connected to your area of ministry after completing the core courses. You’ll also take part in guided classes to obtain practical experience.
- Northeastern State University | Master of Education in Early Childhood Education. This is a practical and flexible online option for busy professionals who enjoy working with children. Graduate students will gain expertise in curriculum design, program administration, child development, and literacy development through a unique blend of online education and research.
- University of Central Oklahoma | Master of Business Administration. This fully online Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at UCO opens doors and gives students the chance to develop skills in a range of sectors.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Master of Education in Library Media. The program is intended for working educators who want to become school library media specialists. This program helps you with the abilities required to specialize in this field. Critical thinking, communication, research, and categorizing are just a few examples of the skills this degree program will teach.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Why You Should Attend an Accredited Online College in Oklahoma
You should attend an accredited online college in Oklahoma because you’ll be able to get an affordable, world-class education and improve your job outlook while accommodating your busy schedule. The colleges in this article are all accredited, meaning they are guaranteed to maintain academic standards that ensure high-quality online education on a flexible schedule.
Accredited Online Colleges in Oklahoma FAQ
Accreditation is official recognition from an accrediting agency, such as the Higher Learning Commission, that an educational institution meets and maintains specific educational criteria.
Online bachelor’s degree admission requirements for Oklahoma schools include official high school transcripts, an application fee, and sometimes test scores such as SAT or ACT scores. These requirements vary greatly by school, so make sure to double-check the specific requirements of each program you’re applying to.
Yes, transfer students are admitted to online colleges in Oklahoma. Transfer students will have to meet the requirements of the school to be successfully enrolled in a program of their choice. Examples of transfer requirements are college credit hours or a good GPA.
Regional accreditation is preferable. Regional accreditation has stricter standards than national accreditation. Regionally recognized colleges therefore usually have a higher overall standard of education.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
