Northeastern State University

Northeastern State University maintains an open-access admission policy with a 99.2% acceptance rate, meaning virtually all applicants who meet basic requirements receive admission. This places NSU among the most accessible four-year institutions nationally, with only 2% of colleges admitting a higher percentage of applicants.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% highlights NSU's exceptional commitment to educational access compared to typical public universities. Open access admission means that students who might face barriers at selective institutions can pursue bachelor's degree programs and specialized career preparation.

For prospective students, this accessibility removes admission uncertainty and allows focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than competitive positioning. However, open admission does not guarantee academic success—retention and completion rates reflect the importance of academic readiness and support systems.

Students should approach NSU as an opportunity to demonstrate college readiness while taking advantage of accessible entry to higher education. The high admission rate also means that academic preparation and motivation become crucial factors for success once enrolled, as the institution serves students with widely varying levels of college preparation.

Northeastern State University's published cost of attendance is $19,274 per year, including $16,633 in out-of-state tuition ($7,513 for Oklahoma residents), $10,494 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $11,800 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,474 through institutional and federal assistance programs.

This net price falls $2,293 above the peer median of $14,093, though NSU's lower sticker price helps control overall costs. The affordability index ranks at the 88.9th percentile nationally with well above average performance, reflecting the institution's success in keeping education costs manageable for students and families.

Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income, with lower-income families receiving substantially more assistance than higher-income households. The combination of controlled sticker prices and meaningful financial aid creates educational access for students from diverse economic backgrounds, supporting NSU's mission as an open-access institution serving regional populations.

Northeastern State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression from early to mid-career periods. Median earnings increase from $41,207 six years after enrollment to $44,103 at eight years and $45,379 at ten years, representing 10.1% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 3,503 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. Earnings fall modestly below expectations by $1,377 compared to similar students nationally, placing NSU around the national average for value-added performance.

The earnings distribution spans from $28,117 at the 25th percentile to $63,320 at the 75th percentile, a 2.3:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Low-income graduates earn $36,900, indicating the university serves students from diverse economic backgrounds with reasonable outcomes.

Approximately 30.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, suggesting balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. While earnings rank below many peer institutions, the combination with low debt levels creates sustainable financial outcomes for graduates.

NSU offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing stands out as the top-earning program, ranking #84 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, producing 134 graduates with median earnings of $81,547 and a strong value score of 69.7.

Computer Science ranks #164 nationally and #2 in Oklahoma, graduating 44 students with median earnings of $73,546. Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology ranks exceptionally well at #3 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, graduating 53 students with earnings of $61,917 and the highest value score of 75.0.

Business Administration and Management represents one of the largest programs with 107 graduates earning $49,885, ranking #234 nationally. Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, Other ranks #42 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma with 41 graduates earning $55,621.

Several programs hold #1 rankings within Oklahoma, including Behavioral Neuroscience, Anatomy, and Corrections Administration, reflecting NSU's specialized program strengths within the state.