
Rogers State University is a public university in Claremore, Oklahoma, whose history began in 1909 as Eastern University Preparatory School. Its development from a preparatory school to a university helps explain why it offers both associate and bachelor's degrees.
The institution became Oklahoma Military Academy in 1919 and later shifted toward civilian higher education. Subsequent names included Claremore Junior College, Rogers State College and Rogers University before it adopted the Rogers State University name in 1998. Prospective students may still encounter references to the former military academy in campus history and alumni activities; today's RSU is a civilian public university.
Rogers State University offers associate, bachelor's and selected graduate study across liberal arts, business, technology, health and professional fields. Its mix of degree levels matters for students who want a two-year credential, plan to continue into a bachelor's program or are transferring from another college.
Examples of undergraduate fields include business administration, biology, communication, criminal justice, nursing, psychology and the visual arts. Programs in health care or other regulated occupations can have separate admissions, clinical and progression requirements beyond general university admission. Applicants should compare the degree requirements in the current academic catalog with the courses offered at the campus or in the delivery format they intend to use.
Rogers State University's main campus is in Claremore, in northeastern Oklahoma near the Tulsa metropolitan area. Claremore offers a smaller-city setting, while Tulsa provides access to a larger regional job market and airport.
Students should plan around where their classes and required activities actually meet: RSU also serves students through locations beyond its Claremore campus and through online coursework. A car may be useful for commuting between home, campus, clinical placements or work. First-year students are permitted to park a car on campus, subject to the university's parking rules. Tulsa International Airport is the principal nearby airport for longer-distance travel.
Rogers State University describes its purpose as providing accessible higher education that supports learning, professional preparation and service to its region. Its academic range - from associate degrees to graduate study - reflects that public, regional role.
These are the university's stated priorities, not measures of any individual student's experience. Prospective students can assess how well a particular program fits them by looking at its curriculum, course availability, advising and opportunities for applied learning. RSU is a public institution, not a religious college.
Name of the institution
Rogers State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Town: FringeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1971Rogers State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degreeData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.