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.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $21,551 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,290 |
| Room and Board | $11,120 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,841 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $12,710 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $10,598 |
| $30–48k | $9,827 |
| $48–75k | $12,612 |
| $75–110k | $18,188 |
| $110k+ | $19,511 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at NSU remains well-managed compared to national patterns, with median debt of $17,367 falling $3,738 below the peer median of $21,105. Debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $22,609 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with moderate debt loads.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests sustainable repayment prospects, with annual debt payments representing a reasonable portion of post-graduation income. NSU's debt performance ranks at the 81st percentile nationally, reflecting well above average outcomes in controlling student borrowing.
Parent PLUS borrowing shows median debt of $9,964 with monthly payments of $131, representing additional family borrowing beyond student loans. The controlled debt levels align with the institution's affordability focus and serve graduates well given the moderate earnings outcomes.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
NSU represents a value-conscious investment in higher education, prioritizing affordability and debt management over premium earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $4,737 less annually than peer institution medians, yet they borrow $3,738 less in student debt, creating a mixed return profile.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates manageable loan payments relative to income, supporting long-term financial sustainability for graduates. Net prices running $2,293 above peer medians partially offset the debt advantages, though the overall cost structure remains accessible for most families.
The institution's affordability index ranking at the 88.9th percentile reflects exceptional performance in keeping education costs reasonable relative to most four-year universities. This investment profile suits students prioritizing educational access, debt minimization, and career preparation over maximum earnings potential, particularly those beginning at community colleges and seeking bachelor's degree completion through transfer pathways.
NSU's financial aid strategy emphasizes access for lower-income students while managing costs across all income levels. The $7,474 average savings from sticker price to net price demonstrates substantial institutional commitment to affordability.
With 42.4% of students receiving Pell grants, a significant portion of the student body qualifies for federal need-based assistance. The progressive net price structure concentrates the largest discounts among families earning under $48,000, creating the steepest affordability benefits for students most likely to face financial barriers to higher education.
Aid packaging appears designed to support the institution's high transfer population, with many students likely transferring credits that reduce time to degree completion. The relatively modest sticker price compared to many four-year institutions provides a foundation for aid effectiveness, allowing financial assistance to create meaningful affordability improvements.
