University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

As Oklahoma's sole public liberal arts college, USAO delivers a curriculum focused on interdisciplinary learning across 27 bachelor's programs (BA, BS, BFA). The most popular majors include Business Administration, Psychology, and Elementary Education, with particularly strong offerings in traditional liberal arts fields like mathematics, biology, and fine arts. All students complete an interdisciplinary core curriculum emphasizing breadth of knowledge. With just 914 undergraduates total, classes are notably small—the university prides itself on close faculty mentorship and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Notably, USAO is one of only a few public institutions nationwide belonging to the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC).

Life at USAO revolves around its tight-knit community in Chickasha (population ~16,000), where the university serves as a cultural hub. The campus buzzes with arts events—from student theater productions to visiting performers—while over 30 student organizations span academic clubs, Greek life (three sororities and two fraternities), and special interest groups. Athletics (the Drovers compete in NAIA) and intramural sports draw participation, but the vibe leans more toward creative and intellectual pursuits than rah-rah school spirit. Instagram posts showcase a quirky, artsy student body bonding over campus traditions like the annual Trashcan Bonfire. Housing is guaranteed for all four years, fostering strong residential connections.

Graduation rates at USAO fall below national averages, with just 27% of students completing degrees in four years and 39-42% graduating within six years. However, these figures reflect the university's mission of serving first-generation?First-generation (first-gen)A student who would be the first in their immediate family to earn a four-year college degree. Many colleges consider this in context. and lower-income students—98% receive financial aid. Alumni median earnings six years post-graduation sit at $35,520, comparable to regional averages for liberal arts graduates. The extended time-to-degree (150% of normal completion time sees 42% graduation) suggests many students balance academics with work or family obligations. While not a pipeline to elite graduate programs, USAO provides strong foundational preparation for careers in education, public service, and the arts within Oklahoma.

USAO stands out for affordability, with an average net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. of $8,390-$8,685 after aid—well below the national average for four-year institutions. A remarkable 98% of students receive financial assistance, with typical aid packages totaling $12,524 through a mix of scholarships, grants (including Pell Grants for 48% of students), work-study, and loans. In-state tuition for 2024-25 is approximately $6,000 annually, with out-of-state students paying around $15,000. The university offers automatic scholarships for academic achievement (e.g., $2,000/year for 24 ACT/3.0 GPA) and encourages use of its net price calculator to estimate individualized costs.

USAO carves a unique niche as Oklahoma's only public liberal arts college—a rare hybrid offering the intimate, interdisciplinary curriculum typical of elite private liberal arts schools at a public university price point. Its defining features include:

• The Interdisciplinary Core: All students complete a unified curriculum blending science, arts, and humanities, fostering intellectual versatility
• Micro-College Vibe: With under 1,000 students, every class is a seminar, and professors know students by name
• Arts Integration: From required fine arts courses to campus galleries and performances, creativity permeates academics
• Oklahoma Focus: Deep ties to the state's educational and cultural institutions create localized opportunities
• COPLAC Membership: As one of just 30 public liberal arts colleges nationwide, USAO punches above its weight in faculty quality

Ideal for students seeking a classic liberal arts education who value affordability and close mentorship over prestige or big-campus amenities.