University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) vs OSU-Stillwater

When it comes to higher education in Oklahoma, University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (OSU) stand out as two prominent choices. UCO, located in Edmond, boasts a higher acceptance rate (86%) compared to OSU's 72%, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. OSU, on the other hand, has a larger student body, with over 24,000 undergraduates compared to UCO's 17,000. Both universities offer a diverse range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at UCO including Business, Education, and Health Professions, while OSU excels in Engineering, Agriculture, and Business. While UCO has a slightly higher graduation rate (58%) than OSU (56%), both institutions provide ample opportunities for academic success and career preparation. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table below, highlighting key differences between UCO and OSU across

	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus	University of Central Oklahoma
Overview
Location	Stillwater, Oklahoma	Edmond, Oklahoma
Campus setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	83.0%	67.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	68.4%	81.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $40 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $60
SAT range	1050 - 1250	N/A
ACT range	20 - 27	18 - 24
Students submitting SAT score	20.0%
Students submitting ACT score	76.0%	83.0%
Total number of applicants	16,934	8,708
Total number of admissions given out	11,577	7,080
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,267	1,662
Yield rate	36.9%	23.5%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,770 Out of state: $40,290	In state: $30,788 Out of state: $41,675
Average net price	$14,603	$17,477
Tuition	In state: $5,417 Out of state: $20,937	In state: $6,822 Out of state: $17,709
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,096 Meal plan: $4,550	Room/dormitory: $3,990 Meal plan: $4,550
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	89.0% Average amount $11,355	76.0% Average amount $6,531
Students receiving federal student loan	42.0% Average amount $5,190	34.0% Average amount $6,109
Students taking out private loans	5.0% Average amount $16,342	5.0% Average amount $11,559

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	20,216 Men 47.9% Women 52.1%	11,771 Men 37.8% Women 62.2%
Graduate students	4,361 Men 48.0% Women 52.0%	1,479 Men 31.1% Women 68.9%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	32.7%	5.1%
International students	5.6%	3.9%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity	6,286	1,860
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Oklahoma Texas California Kansas Arkansas	Oklahoma Texas Kansas California Missouri

Academics
Popular study areas	Business Engineering Agriculture Biological and Biomedical Sciences Education	Business Education Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	65.5%	37.0%
Dropout rate	19.3%	19.0%
Transferred out	13.2%	37.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,362 Year 2: $70,176 Year 3: $86,071 Construction Engineering Technologies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $64,858 Year 2: $63,855 Year 3: $79,892 Fire Protection (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,532 Year 2: $72,231 Year 3: $78,533 Veterinary Medicine (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: N/A Year 3: $77,732 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,076 Year 2: $63,335 Year 3: $77,543 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,614 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $72,952 Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,082 Year 2: $49,644 Year 3: $71,803 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,316 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $69,326 Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,655 Year 2: $54,435 Year 3: $67,853 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $53,665 Year 2: $50,856 Year 3: $66,918	Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,801 Year 2: $54,661 Year 3: $72,607 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,936 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $69,619 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,320 Year 2: $61,192 Year 3: $63,948 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,536 Year 2: $55,625 Year 3: $58,073 Public Health (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,015 Year 2: $44,216 Year 3: $55,170 Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $47,206 Year 2: $49,729 Year 3: $54,652 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $53,587 Year 2: $48,265 Year 3: $54,308 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $49,115 Year 2: $51,607 Year 3: $53,363 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $43,019 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $49,609 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,625 Year 2: $45,500 Year 3: $48,898

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and Oklahoma State University (OSU)?

UCO and OSU differ significantly in size, campus environment, and academic focus. OSU, a large land-grant university, offers a broader range of programs, particularly in agriculture, engineering, and veterinary medicine, and has a more traditional, sprawling campus. UCO, a mid-sized metropolitan university, is known for its strong programs in education, music, and business, and offers a more personalized learning experience with a focus on applied learning and career readiness. UCO's location in Edmond provides easy access to Oklahoma City's urban amenities, while OSU's location in Stillwater offers a more classic college town atmosphere.
Which university is larger: UCO or OSU?

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is significantly larger than the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO). OSU's student population is considerably higher, offering a wider range of resources and a more extensive campus.
How do the academic programs at UCO and OSU compare?

OSU excels in agriculture, engineering, and STEM fields, offering a comprehensive range of programs and research opportunities. UCO is recognized for its strong programs in education, music, and business, with a focus on practical application and career preparation. While both offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, their areas of strength and specialization differ.
What is the campus environment like at UCO versus OSU?

OSU offers a traditional college town experience in Stillwater, with a large, active campus and a strong sense of school spirit. UCO, located in Edmond near Oklahoma City, provides a more metropolitan environment with easy access to city amenities and internship opportunities. UCO's campus is more compact and offers a close-knit community feel.
Which university is more focused on research?

Oklahoma State University (OSU) has a stronger emphasis on research, particularly in its areas of expertise like agriculture, engineering, and the sciences. OSU is a land-grant university with significant research funding and facilities. While UCO also engages in research, its primary focus is on teaching and applied learning.
How do the tuition costs compare between UCO and OSU?

Tuition costs can vary depending on residency status and program of study. Generally, UCO tends to have slightly lower tuition rates compared to OSU, especially for undergraduate programs. However, it's essential to check the most current tuition and fees information on each university's website for the most accurate comparison, and to consider potential scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
What are the admission requirements for UCO and OSU?

Admission requirements vary depending on the program and student status (freshman, transfer, etc.). Both universities typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, standardized test scores (ACT or SAT), and a strong academic record. OSU may have slightly higher admission standards overall due to its larger applicant pool. Check each university's admissions website for specific requirements and deadlines.
Which university is better for students interested in a specific career path?

The 'better' university depends entirely on the specific career path. If you're interested in agriculture, engineering, or veterinary medicine, OSU is likely the better choice. If you're interested in education, music, or business with a focus on practical application, UCO may be a better fit. Research the specific programs offered at each university and consider your career goals when making your decision.
What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at UCO and OSU?

Both UCO and OSU offer a wide range of student life and extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and cultural events. OSU, being a larger university, generally has a more extensive selection of options. UCO offers a more personalized experience with opportunities to get involved in smaller, more focused groups. Both universities have active student governments and a strong sense of community.
How does the location of UCO and OSU affect student life?

UCO's location in Edmond, near Oklahoma City, provides students with access to a wide range of urban amenities, including restaurants, entertainment venues, and internship opportunities. OSU's location in Stillwater offers a more traditional college town experience, with a focus on campus life and a strong sense of community. The choice depends on whether you prefer a metropolitan or a college town environment.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.