Students at Northeastern State University benefit from exceptionally affordable net prices that rank well above average nationally, making higher education accessible to families across income levels.
The university combines this affordability with strong access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, creating pathways to degree completion and career advancement.
Northeastern State University ranks among public institutions that prioritize broad access while maintaining affordable pricing for students across income levels. Located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, NSU serves a diverse student body where 42% receive Pell Grants and 42% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to educational opportunity in the region. The institution falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, meaning it provides strong access but faces challenges in delivering top-tier earnings outcomes for all students.
NSU's affordability stands out as a key strength, with low-income students paying just $9,624 annually and middle-income families seeing costs around $12,083 per year. These net prices rank well above average nationally, making NSU accessible to families across economic backgrounds. While overall earnings outcomes are more modest, with graduates earning a median of $45,379 ten years after enrollment, certain programs like nursing and computer science deliver substantially stronger financial returns.
As a medium-sized public university, NSU offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining program diversity and regional employer connections. The university's role as an accessible pathway to higher education in Oklahoma makes it particularly valuable for students who might not otherwise pursue college, even as it works to strengthen long-term career outcomes across all academic areas.
Northeastern State University's program portfolio shows clear winners in terms of financial outcomes, with nursing leading both enrollment and earnings potential. Adult Health Nursing combines substantial scale with exceptional pay, graduating 134 students who earn around $69,338 ten years out, making it the university's premier career pathway. Computer Science, while smaller with 44 graduates, delivers strong earnings around $60,298, reflecting regional and national demand for technology skills.
Business Administration represents NSU's largest program footprint with 107 graduates, though earnings outcomes around $34,942 are more modest, typical for general business degrees that often require additional experience or specialization for higher pay. Exercise Science and Kinesiology shows the challenges facing some programs, with 69 graduates earning around $24,615 early in their careers, though many may pursue additional certifications or graduate education that improves long-term prospects.
The pattern across NSU's programs highlights the importance of major selection for students focused on financial outcomes. Health sciences and technology fields provide clear pathways to strong earnings, while other programs may require additional strategic planning for career advancement. Students who can connect with NSU's strongest programs see substantially better returns than the institutional averages suggest.
Graduates of Northeastern State University earn a median of $45,379 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower portion of national earnings outcomes for public universities. While these figures reflect the regional job market and program mix, certain fields at NSU deliver much stronger financial returns. The university's earnings performance varies significantly by major choice, making program selection particularly important for students focused on long-term financial outcomes.
Nursing stands out as NSU's strongest economic engine, combining high enrollment with exceptional pay outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates, who represent 134 students in recent cohorts, earn a median of $69,338 ten years out, demonstrating the program's ability to connect students with well-paying healthcare careers. Computer Science also delivers strong returns, with 44 graduates earning around $60,298, reflecting demand for technology skills in the regional and national job market. Business Administration, while NSU's largest program with 107 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $34,942, typical for general business degrees. Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates see lower early-career earnings around $24,615, though many may pursue additional education or certifications that boost long-term prospects.
The variation in outcomes across programs highlights NSU's role as an institution where major selection significantly impacts financial returns. Students who can connect with the university's strongest programs, particularly in health sciences and technology, see substantially better earnings than the institutional median suggests.
Northeastern State University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout Oklahoma and beyond. Low-income students pay approximately $9,624 per year after aid, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families see annual costs around $12,083. Even higher-income families pay a manageable $17,134 annually, reflecting NSU's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain reasonable for most NSU graduates, with typical federal student loan debt around $17,367 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $9,964. These amounts are moderate compared to many public universities, and the combination of low net prices and manageable borrowing helps ensure that most students can complete their degrees without overwhelming financial burden. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, even with the more modest earnings outcomes typical of the regional job market.
What makes NSU particularly sustainable for families is the predictable cost structure and strong financial aid support. The significant gap between sticker price and net price, especially for lower-income students, means that many families can plan confidently for degree completion without unexpected financial surprises. This affordability advantage helps offset some of the earnings trade-offs, particularly for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
Northeastern State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
