Northeastern State University
About Northeastern State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Northeastern State University is a public university in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. It offers programs in business, education, nursing, and optometry and serves northeastern Oklahoma.
Founded
1846
Location
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Students
6,412
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
99.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
35.4%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$7,810
Out-of-state: $17,290
Avg Net Price
$12,710
After financial aid
SAT Average
1049
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$45,379
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 1
Northeastern State University accepts the majority of applicants at 99.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1049/ 1600
ACT Scores
20/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
35.4% complete their degree within six years
Retention
60.5%
4-Year Grad
20%
6-Year Grad
39%
Teaching Quality
17:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
74.2%
$/Student
$11.6K
Class Size
Medium
The 20% graduation rate is below average, but 60.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,810
In-State
$17,290
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,120
Books & Supplies
$1,000
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,551
After Financial Aid
$12,710
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,598
Receive Grants
45.1%
Take Loans
35.9%
The full cost of attendance is about $21,551/yr for in-state students, including $11,120 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $12,710. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $17,290.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Northeastern State University fund their education.
While in School
45.1%
Get Grants
Free money
35.9%
Take Loans
Must repay
$30,816
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$17,367
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$184/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 35.9% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $17,367. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Northeastern State University.
Gender
61.7%
Female
38%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
4,772
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,640
Graduates
41.8%
First-Gen
24 yrs
Avg Age
30.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 62% of the student body. 41.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
4,772
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Northeastern State University fields 7 varsity teams with 314 student athletes, about 7% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II with football
Conference
Mid-America
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
7
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
314
7% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
74% / 26%
231
Men
83
Women
5
Men's Teams
5
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Northeastern State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$45,379
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Research and Experimental Psychology
$32K
133 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$44K
111 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$32K
97 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$42K
88 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$81K
74 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$50K
74 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $41K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Northeastern State University
What is the acceptance rate at Northeastern State University?▾
How much does Northeastern State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Northeastern State University?▾
How much do Northeastern State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.