Choosing the right college can be an overwhelming decision, and many factors come into play when deciding which institution is the best fit. In this article, we will provide an in-depth comparison between the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) to help you make an informed decision.
University of Oklahoma Overview
The University of Oklahoma, located in Norman, Oklahoma, is a public research institution founded in 1890. OU offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and has strong research ties and facilities, making it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing academics and research.
University of Oklahoma Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at the University of Oklahoma are approximately $11,538 per year for in-state students and $26,919 for out-of-state students. On top of tuition, students can expect to pay around $10,090 for room and board, $1,200 for books and supplies, and $3,866 for other living expenses.
University of Oklahoma Admissions
The University of Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of about 78%, making it moderately selective. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.54, and the middle 50% range for ACT scores is 23-29. OU offers scholarships and financial aid to eligible students, easing the financial burden for many families.
University of Oklahoma Degrees Offered
OU offers over 170 undergraduate programs and more than 150 graduate programs, with popular majors including Business Administration, Engineering, Education, and Health Professions. The university also has a strong research focus and provides numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects and collaborations.
University of Oklahoma Academics
The University of Oklahoma boasts a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring that students have access to personalized attention and guidance from their professors. The average freshman retention rate, a measure of student satisfaction, is 86%, indicating that students are generally happy with their educational experience at OU.
University of Oklahoma Diversity
With students from all 50 states and over 100 countries, the University of Oklahoma is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment. OU offers numerous resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, such as the Diversity Enrichment Programs, which promote cultural awareness and understanding.
University of Oklahoma Students
The University of Oklahoma has a total enrollment of over 28,000 students, with approximately 22,000 undergraduates and 6,000 graduate students. The campus features a wide range of clubs, organizations, and social events, providing students with ample opportunities to connect with their peers and engage in extracurricular activities.
University of Oklahoma Campus
OU’s 3,000-acre campus is home to a blend of historic and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art research labs, athletic facilities, dining options, and residence halls. The university also offers various services and resources to support student success, such as the Writing Center, Career Services, and the Academic Success Series.
University of Oklahoma Alumni
The University of Oklahoma has a strong network of over 250,000 living alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in various fields. Notable OU alumni include former NASA astronaut Fred Haise, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Walter Mears, and NFL player Adrian Peterson.
University of Oklahoma Rankings
OU consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States, with U.S. News & World Report ranking it #133 in National Universities and #63 in Top Public Schools. Additionally, OU’s engineering and business programs have received high marks, ranking #97 and #68, respectively.
University of Oklahoma Outcomes
The University of Oklahoma has a 67% six-year graduation rate, and within six months of graduation, 94% of graduates are either employed or pursuing further education. The average starting salary for OU graduates is approximately $45,000 per year.
Northern Arizona University Overview
Northern Arizona University, located in Flagstaff, Arizona, is a public research university founded in 1899. NAU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on hands-on learning and research opportunities for students.
Northern Arizona University Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Northern Arizona University are approximately $11,896 per year for in-state students and $26,516 for out-of-state students. Additional expenses include $10,710 for room and board, $1,000 for books and supplies, and $3,764 for other living costs.
Northern Arizona University Admissions
NAU has an acceptance rate of about 85%, making it a moderately selective institution. The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen is 3.49, and the middle 50% range for ACT scores is 21-26. Like OU, NAU also offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for eligible students.
Northern Arizona University Degrees Offered
Northern Arizona University offers over 150 undergraduate degree programs and more than 100 graduate programs, with popular majors including Business Administration, Health Professions, Social Sciences, and Education. NAU also places a strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning, with numerous opportunities for students to engage in research projects and internships.
Northern Arizona University Academics
NAU has a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors. The average freshman retention rate is 76%, indicating a generally positive educational experience for students at NAU.
Northern Arizona University Diversity
With a diverse student population representing all 50 states and over 80 countries, NAU is dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus environment. The university offers a variety of resources and programs to support and celebrate diversity, such as the Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Services.
Northern Arizona University Students
NAU has a total enrollment of approximately 31,000 students, with around 27,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. The campus features numerous clubs, organizations, and social events, providing students with numerous opportunities to connect with their peers and engage in extracurricular activities.
Northern Arizona University Campus
Spread across a 740-acre campus, NAU’s facilities include modern research labs, athletic facilities, dining options, and residence halls. The university also provides various support services for students, such as the Academic Success Centers, Career Development, and the Writing Commons.
Northern Arizona University Alumni
Northern Arizona University has a network of over 167,000 living alumni who have achieved success in a variety of fields. Notable NAU alumni include former U.S. Congressman Rick Renzi, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amanda Beard, and NFL player Michael Haynes.
Northern Arizona University Rankings
NAU is ranked #284 in National Universities and #143 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, NAU’s engineering program is ranked #145, while its business program is ranked #181.
Northern Arizona University Outcomes
Northern Arizona University has a six-year graduation rate of 57%, and 93% of graduates are employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for NAU graduates is around $44,000 per year.
University of Oklahoma vs Northern Arizona University Cost Comparison
The University of Oklahoma and Northern Arizona University have similar tuition rates for both in-state and out-of-state students, with OU being slightly more affordable for in-state students and NAU being more affordable for out-of-state students. Room and board costs are also comparable between the two schools, with NAU having slightly higher expenses.
University of Oklahoma vs Northern Arizona University Admissions Difficulty
Both the University of Oklahoma and Northern Arizona University have moderately selective admissions processes, with OU having a slightly lower acceptance rate of 78% compared to NAU’s 85%. The average high school GPAs and ACT scores for incoming freshmen are also similar between the two schools, indicating a relatively equal level of admissions difficulty.
University of Oklahoma vs Northern Arizona University Academic Difficulty
The student-faculty ratios at both universities are comparable, with OU having a ratio of 18:1 and NAU having a ratio of 19:1. This indicates that students at both institutions have access to personalized attention from faculty members. The average freshman retention rates differ, with OU having a higher rate (86%) than NAU (76%), suggesting that students at OU may be more satisfied with their academic experience.
University of Oklahoma vs Northern Arizona University Outcome Comparison
The University of Oklahoma has a higher six-year graduation rate (67%) compared to Northern Arizona University (57%). In terms of post-graduation outcomes, both schools report similar rates of employment or further education within six months of graduation, with OU at 94% and NAU at 93%. The average starting salaries for graduates from both schools are also similar, with OU graduates earning around $45,000 per year and NAU graduates earning around $44,000 per year.
In conclusion, the University of Oklahoma and Northern Arizona University are both reputable institutions with a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, moderate admissions selectivity, and similar costs. However, the University of Oklahoma may offer a more satisfying academic experience based on its higher freshman retention rate and graduation rate. Ultimately, the decision between these two schools will depend on factors such as location, program offerings, campus culture, and personal preferences.
