University Of Central Oklahoma

University of Central Oklahoma admits 81.8% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive offers of admission. This open access admission rate places UCO well above the peer median of 78.1%, indicating more accessible admission than similar public institutions.

The university's admission philosophy emphasizes educational opportunity over selectivity, reflecting its mission to serve diverse student populations including substantial numbers of first-generation college students. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though meeting basic admission requirements remains important.

For students building college lists, UCO represents a reliable option with predictable admission outcomes. The university's open access approach supports its role as an Opportunity Builder institution, prioritizing educational access while maintaining academic standards that prepare students for post-graduation success.

Students should view UCO as a strong foundation option that provides both admission security and meaningful degree programs across multiple fields of study.

University of Central Oklahoma's published cost of attendance reaches $25,913 per year, including $19,409 in out-of-state tuition, $8,886 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $18,990 after financial aid, representing savings of $6,923 from the sticker price.

This net price sits $3,400 below the peer median of $15,590, providing meaningful cost advantages compared to similar public institutions. The university's affordability profile demonstrates controlled costs that support its mission of educational access.

For Oklahoma residents, in-state tuition of $8,522 creates even greater affordability, though the federal data reflects the blended population including out-of-state students. UCO's cost structure reflects typical public university pricing with room and board representing about one-third of total costs.

The $6,923 average financial aid reduction indicates substantial institutional and federal support that makes the published price more manageable for most families. This cost advantage, combined with accessible admission, positions UCO as an affordable pathway to degree completion and career preparation.

University of Central Oklahoma graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career years. Median earnings increase from $43,074 six years after enrollment to $44,951 at eight years and $48,351 at ten years, representing 12.3% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on substantial cohorts of 4,091 graduates at six years, 4,913 at eight years, and 4,846 at ten years, providing high confidence in reported figures. Earnings distribution shows meaningful variation, with the 25th percentile earning $30,177 and the 75th percentile earning $68,978.

This 2.3:1 ratio reflects differences in program choice and career trajectory across UCO's diverse academic offerings. Low-income graduates earn $42,900, ranking at the top 50 nationally and indicating strong mobility outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Approximately 27% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, showing balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The university's mobility index percentile of 82.5% demonstrates effectiveness in converting educational access into economic advancement, particularly for the substantial population of first-generation and Pell-eligible students enrolled.

University of Central Oklahoma offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Artificial Intelligence ranks #38 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, producing 78 graduates with median earnings of $89,163 and a value score of 81.6.

Behavioral Aspects of Health ranks #21 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, graduating 101 students with median earnings of $58,549 and the highest value score of 81.7. Criminalistics and Criminal Science ranks #9 nationally and #1 in Oklahoma, graduating 148 students with median earnings of $42,303.

Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #210 nationally and #2 in Oklahoma, with 127 graduates earning $68,341. General Studies represents the university's largest program with 207 graduates, reflecting UCO's role in serving diverse educational pathways.

The university holds multiple #1 rankings within Oklahoma across criminal justice, health professions, and education fields, demonstrating state-level program leadership.